Melt 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of shortening in a microwave-safe bowl, microwaving in 20-second intervals until smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Let cool slightly.

In a large mixing bowl, beat ½ cup of softened butter with 1 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

Add ⅓ cup of cherry juice, ½ cup of finely chopped maraschino cherries, and ½ cup of finely chopped pecans to the creamed mixture and mix well.

Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the bowl and combine until a uniform dough is formed.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to firm up the mixture.

Scoop and roll the chilled mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a lined baking sheet.

Roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat and place a candied cherry half on top for garnish.

Refrigerate the coated balls for an additional 30 minutes to set the chocolate coating.