As the holiday season approaches, the kitchen becomes my sanctuary—I love creating delicious treats that spread joy and warmth. One delightful surprise that never fails to impress are these Christmas Chocolate-Covered Strawberries, adorned with fun sprinkles. Imagine biting into a plump strawberry, its natural sweetness perfectly complemented by rich dark chocolate, then topped off with a dazzling shower of festive colors. This treat turns a simple fruit into a dazzling dessert that captivates both the young and the young-at-heart.
I discovered this recipe during a cozy evening of experimenting with flavors, and it quickly became a favorite for holiday gatherings. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to whip up—perfect for those moments when you find yourself scrambling for a last-minute dessert or craving a delightful kitchen project. Grab a pound of fresh strawberries and let’s create these irresistible bites that are sure to wow your friends and family this festive season!
Why are Christmas Chocolate-Covered Strawberries irresistible?
Decadent Delight: The luscious combination of sweet strawberries and rich dark chocolate creates an indulgent dessert that’s hard to resist.
Festive Flair: Adorned with colorful Christmas sprinkles, they add a vibrant touch to your holiday table, bringing festive cheer to any gathering.
Quick & Easy: With minimal prep and cook time, you can whip these up in no time—perfect for last-minute holiday events!
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves chocolate and strawberries! Kids and adults alike will relish these delightful bites.
Guilt-Free Pleasure: Using fresh fruit makes them a touch healthier, allowing you to indulge without the guilt!
Christmas Chocolate-Covered Strawberries Ingredients
• Get ready to create a festive treat!
For the Strawberries
- 1 lb strawberries – Choose ripe, firm strawberries for the best flavor and presentation.
For the Chocolate Coating
- 8 oz dark chocolate – Opt for high-quality dark chocolate for a rich, melty coating that pairs beautifully with strawberries.
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (optional) – This helps achieve a smoother melt, making it easier to dip the strawberries.
For the Festive Topping
- 2 oz white chocolate – Drizzling white chocolate adds a creamy contrast to the dark chocolate and makes the sprinkles stick.
- ¼ cup Christmas sprinkles – A fun way to bring festive cheer to your Christmas chocolate-covered strawberries!
How to Make Christmas Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
-
Wash Gently rinse the strawberries under cool water, then pat them dry with a clean cloth. Ensuring they are completely dry helps the chocolate adhere better.
-
Chop and Melt Dark Chocolate Cut the dark chocolate into small pieces and place it in a microwave-safe bowl with the optional vegetable oil. Microwave for 20 seconds, stirring after each interval, until smooth and runny.
-
Dip Strawberries Carefully dip each strawberry into the melted dark chocolate, rotating it fully to coat. Lightly scrape the underside against the bowl’s edge to remove any excess chocolate, then place on parchment paper to set.
-
Melt White Chocolate Chop the white chocolate into small pieces and put it into another microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in the microwave for 20 seconds at a time, stirring frequently, until it’s smooth and runny.
-
Drizzle and Decorate Drizzle the melted white chocolate on each chocolate-coated strawberry immediately, then sprinkle with Christmas sprinkles for that festive touch. Repeat for each strawberry.
-
Let Set Allow the strawberries to sit for about 5 minutes, or until the chocolate has fully hardened. They’re now ready to be enjoyed or stored until serving!
Optional: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Christmas Chocolate-Covered Strawberries?
As you indulge in these delightful chocolate-covered treats, why not complement the experience with a symphony of flavors and textures?
-
Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The rich creaminess of vanilla ice cream provides a perfect counterbalance to the sweet and slightly tart strawberries.
-
Peppermint Hot Chocolate: A cup of steaming peppermint hot chocolate brings a cozy, festive touch while echoing the chocolatey goodness of the strawberries. It’s a flavor match made in holiday heaven!
-
Chocolate Fondue: For a fun twist, pair your strawberries with a warm chocolate fondue. Guests can dip their strawberries into an extra layer of melted chocolate for indulgence, creating a fun experience.
-
Fruit Platter: A refreshing assortment of seasonal fruits, like blueberries or kiwi, offsets the sweetness of the chocolate-covered strawberries, making it a vibrant counterpoint on the table. The bright colors and varied textures create a visual feast.
-
Pecan Pie: Slice up a piece of gooey pecan pie for a classic dessert that harmonizes beautifully with the festive spirit of chocolate-covered strawberries. The nutty sweetness of the pie complements your strawberries perfectly.
-
Sweet Sparkling Wine: A glass of sweet sparkling wine or champagne adds a touch of elegance to your dessert spread. Its bubbly nature pairs wonderfully with fruity flavors, enhancing the overall experience.
-
Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream brings an airy, fluffy addition to the rich chocolate strawberries, making your bites feel lighter and more indulgent.
-
Cupcakes: Festively decorated holiday cupcakes can round out the table, offering additional flavors and textures while maintaining the cheerful atmosphere of your gathering.
Let these pairings turn your dessert moment into a delightful celebration, elevating your Christmas chocolate-covered strawberries and leaving everyone asking for more!
Tips for the Best Christmas Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
-
Choose Fresh Berries: Select ripe, firm strawberries for the best flavor. Overripe berries can be mushy and don’t hold up well when dipped in chocolate.
-
Melt with Care: Heat the chocolate in short intervals to prevent burning. Stirring helps achieve a smooth consistency, essential for perfect Christmas chocolate-covered strawberries.
-
Dry More Thoroughly: Ensure the strawberries are completely dry before dipping. Any moisture can cause the chocolate to seize, leading to a less-than-perfect coating.
-
Use Quality Chocolate: Don’t skimp on the chocolate quality! A high-quality dark chocolate enhances the flavor and results in a luxurious finish for your treat.
-
Sprinkles Magic: Add the Christmas sprinkles immediately after drizzling the white chocolate. This ensures they stick before the chocolate hardens, creating a festive appearance.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Room Temperature: Keep the strawberries in a cool, dry place for up to 2 days. Storing them uncovered allows the chocolate to maintain its smooth texture.
Fridge: To extend freshness, store the strawberries in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place them in an airtight container to prevent moisture from affecting the chocolate coating.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chocolate-covered strawberries! Lay them flat on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month.
Reheating: For a fresh taste, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it may alter the chocolate’s texture.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Chocolate-Covered Strawberries are perfect for those busy holiday days! You can wash and dry the strawberries up to 24 hours in advance, just be sure to keep them refrigerated to maintain their freshness. Additionally, you can melt the dark chocolate ahead of time and let it cool slightly before dipping the berries; this also helps it hold its shape better during coating. When you’re ready to serve, simply dip the strawberries in the melted chocolate, drizzle with white chocolate, and sprinkle with festive decorations. This way, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holiday festivities with your loved ones!
Christmas Chocolate-Covered Strawberries Variations
Feel free to get creative with these delightful twists that will make your festive treats even more exciting!
-
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle crushed nuts, like almonds or walnuts, onto the chocolate before it sets for a satisfying crunch.
-
Flavor Infusion: Add a drop of peppermint extract to the melted dark chocolate for a holiday twist that dances on the palate.
-
Spicy Heat: Mix a pinch of cayenne pepper into the dark chocolate for an unexpected kick that beautifully contrasts the sweetness.
-
Fruit Fusion: Dip the strawberries halfway in dark chocolate, then in crushed freeze-dried fruits like raspberries for a burst of tangy flavor and color.
-
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the chocolate-coated strawberries for a luxurious addition that melts in your mouth.
-
White Chocolate Swirl: Melt white chocolate and add a few drops of food coloring to create festive swirls on your strawberries for an eye-catching presentation.
-
Vegan-Friendly: Substitute the dark chocolate with vegan chocolate chips and use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for a cruelty-free treat.
-
Coconut Bliss: Roll the chocolate-covered strawberries in shredded coconut before serving to add a tropical flair that pairs beautifully with chocolate!
Christmas Chocolate-Covered Strawberries Recipe FAQs
What type of strawberries should I use for the best flavor?
Absolutely! For the best results, choose ripe, firm strawberries with a vibrant red color. Look for those free of blemishes or dark spots, as they indicate over-ripeness. Fresh strawberries not only taste the best but also have a better structure to hold the chocolate coating perfectly.
How should I store leftover Christmas chocolate-covered strawberries?
Very well! If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain their texture, avoid stacking them too closely, and try to keep them uncovered at room temperature for up to 2 days for a fresher taste.
Can I freeze chocolate-covered strawberries, and how?
Absolutely! You can freeze Christmas chocolate-covered strawberries for longer storage. Here’s how: first, lay the dipped strawberries flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the sheet in the freezer until they’re completely frozen, about 2-3 hours. Once hard, transfer the strawberries to a freezer bag, squeezing out excess air. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.
What should I do if the chocolate seizes or won’t melt properly?
Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us! If your chocolate seizes, try adding a little vegetable oil (1 teaspoon at a time) while gently reheating. It can bring back that silky smooth texture. Remember, melt the chocolate in short bursts of 20-30 seconds in the microwave, stirring in between, to prevent burning—patience is key!
Are these strawberries safe for pets or people with allergies?
Very important! While strawberries themselves are safe for dogs, the chocolate coating poses a risk as chocolate is toxic to pets. If you’re making these treats for a gathering, consider alerting guests with chocolate allergies to avoid any mishaps. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens as well!
Delicious Christmas Chocolate-Covered Strawberries You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Gently rinse the strawberries under cool water, then pat them dry with a clean cloth.
- Cut the dark chocolate into small pieces and place it in a microwave-safe bowl with the optional vegetable oil. Microwave for 20 seconds, stirring after each interval, until smooth and runny.
- Carefully dip each strawberry into the melted dark chocolate, rotating to coat, then place on parchment paper to set.
- Chop the white chocolate and heat it in a microwave-safe bowl until smooth.
- Drizzle the melted white chocolate on each strawberry and sprinkle with Christmas sprinkles.
- Allow the strawberries to sit for about 5 minutes, or until the chocolate has fully hardened.