If you’re looking for a show-stopping, yet simple holiday treat, this Chocolate Covered Strawberries for Christmas Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how these glossy, perfectly dipped strawberries turn out — rich chocolate coating paired with fresh, juicy berries is just pure magic. Whether you’re making these for a Christmas party or as a thoughtful gift, I promise you’ll find this recipe fun to make and impossible to resist!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You only need quality chocolate and fresh strawberries to create a gourmet dessert.
- Fast and Easy: From start to finish, you’ll have these festive treats ready in about 20 minutes.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like nuts or coconut for extra holiday flair.
- Perfect for Gifting or Parties: They look fancy but are surprisingly straightforward to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Choosing the right ingredients makes a huge difference — I always opt for good-quality baking chocolate and the freshest strawberries I can find. These two elements work together beautifully to create that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Ghirardelli Baking Chips (Bittersweet, Semi-sweet, or Milk Chocolate): I love bittersweet for a nice balance; semi-sweet works well too, and milk chocolate is great if you want something sweeter.
- Fresh Strawberries with Stems: The stems make dipping easier, plus they’re adorable for serving. Make sure to pick strawberries that are firm and ripe, but not mushy.
Variations
I love to play around with toppings and chocolate types depending on the mood or occasion. Feel free to experiment and make this Chocolate Covered Strawberries for Christmas Recipe your own — that’s part of the fun!
- White Chocolate Drizzle: When I first tried drizzling white chocolate over the dipped berries, it immediately elevated the festive look and tastes amazing.
- Nutty Crunch: Adding crushed almonds or pistachios brings a delightful crunch that my family has come to adore.
- Coconut Flakes: Toasted or plain coconut flakes add a tropical twist that still fits in perfectly with Christmas flavors.
- Mix of Chocolates: I sometimes dip half the berries in bittersweet and the others in milk chocolate for variety on the platter.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberries for Christmas Recipe
Step 1: Wash and Dry Your Strawberries Thoroughly
This is probably my most important tip! I used to rush this part and end up with the chocolate not sticking properly. Wash your strawberries gently and then pat them completely dry with paper towels — every tiny drop of water can cause the chocolate to seize or slide right off, and nobody wants that mess.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Carefully
Whether you use a double boiler or microwave, patience is key. I usually microwave my Ghirardelli baking chips in 30-second bursts, stirring well between each one to prevent burning. The chocolate should be silky smooth before you start dipping.
Step 3: Dip and Decorate
Hold each strawberry by the stem and dip it into the melted chocolate, twisting slightly to coat evenly. Lift it and let excess chocolate drip back into the bowl. If you want to add toppings like crushed nuts or coconut, dip them right after coating. Then, place the strawberries on parchment paper to set.
Step 4: Chill Until Set
Pop the tray into the fridge for about 15 minutes so the chocolate hardens perfectly. This helps the coating get that satisfying snap you’re looking for when you bite in.
Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Covered Strawberries for Christmas Recipe
- Dry Strawberries Completely: I learned the hard way that any moisture ruins the chocolate coating; use a salad spinner if possible.
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: It really makes a difference, and I’m partial to Ghirardelli for a smooth, luxurious finish.
- Don’t Overheat Chocolate: Stirring often prevents burning and keeps the chocolate shiny and smooth for dipping.
- Work Quickly: Chocolate sets fast when cooled, so dip strawberries promptly to avoid lumpy coats or thick spots.
How to Serve Chocolate Covered Strawberries for Christmas Recipe
Garnishes
I usually garnish mine with a festive sprinkle of edible gold dust or red and green sugar crystals during the holidays. They add an extra sparkle that makes these strawberries even more eye-catching on a dessert tray.
Side Dishes
For Christmas parties, these strawberries pair beautifully with a cheese platter or a glass of bubbly. I’ve also served them alongside peppermint bark and mini éclairs for a dessert table filled with variety.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the strawberries in a holiday-themed pattern on a platter or place them in a pretty glass vase as edible ‘bouquets’ at your Christmas table. I once wrapped them individually in cellophane with a festive ribbon — perfect for party favors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I’ve kept leftover chocolate covered strawberries in an airtight container in the fridge — they stay fresh for about 2 days. Just be aware that strawberries can release moisture, so it’s best to enjoy them sooner rather than later for the best texture.
Freezing
Personally, I don’t recommend freezing them because the strawberry texture changes upon thawing and can get mushy. But if you want to try, freeze them in a single layer on parchment, then transfer to an airtight container for up to a month.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled treat, reheating isn’t really necessary or recommended. If the chocolate loses its shine in the fridge, letting the berries come to room temperature for 10 minutes before serving usually brings back that lovely gloss.
FAQs
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Can I use any type of chocolate for chocolate-covered strawberries?
Yes, you can use any chocolate you prefer: bittersweet, semi-sweet, milk, or even white chocolate. Just make sure it’s baking or couverture chocolate for smoother melting. Avoid candy melts as they may taste artificial or not set as well.
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How do I prevent chocolate from seizing when melting?
Chocolate seizes when it comes into contact with even a small amount of water. Always use completely dry bowls and utensils, and melt chocolate slowly with gentle heat, stirring frequently. Avoid steam or water dripping in if using a double boiler.
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Why won’t the chocolate stick to my strawberries?
This usually happens if the strawberries are damp or wet. Make sure you dry them VERY well after washing — any moisture causes the chocolate to slide off. Also, make sure berries are room temperature before dipping, not chilled straight from the fridge.
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Can I prepare chocolate covered strawberries in advance?
You can make them a few hours ahead and store them in the fridge, but I don’t recommend making them more than a day in advance because strawberries release moisture over time, which can affect the chocolate’s texture.
Final Thoughts
I have to say, this Chocolate Covered Strawberries for Christmas Recipe has been a holiday game-changer for me. They look so elegant, taste incredible, and don’t require hours in the kitchen. Every time I bring these to a Christmas gathering, people ask for the recipe — it’s that good. So, grab some fresh strawberries and chocolate, and have fun making this delightful treat. You’ll be glad you did!
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Chocolate Covered Strawberries for Christmas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 30 strawberries
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight your guests at the Christmas party with these gourmet chocolate covered strawberries. Using high-quality Ghirardelli chocolate and fresh strawberries, this recipe is simple yet elegant. The strawberries are dipped in rich melted chocolate and optionally coated with toppings like crushed nuts or coconut for an added festive touch. Perfect as a sweet, bite-sized treat, these chocolate covered strawberries are chilled to set the chocolate and can be drizzled with contrasting white chocolate for extra flair.
Ingredients
Chocolate
- 10 ounce package Ghirardelli Baking Chips (Bittersweet, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate) (285 g)
- Optional: White chocolate for drizzling
Fruit
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries, stems attached
Optional Toppings
- Crushed nuts
- Coconut flakes
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Wash the strawberries thoroughly and then dry them very well. Ensuring the strawberries are completely dry is crucial because chocolate will not adhere properly if any moisture remains.
- Prepare Toppings and Work Area: If using toppings like crushed nuts or coconut flakes, place them onto separate small plates. Line a sheet pan with parchment or waxed paper to place the dipped strawberries.
- Melt the Chocolate: Using a double boiler or microwave, melt the chocolate by heating in 30-second intervals. After each interval, remove and stir to avoid burning until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
- Dip Strawberries: Holding each strawberry by the stem, dip it into the melted chocolate, then lift and twist slightly to let excess chocolate fall back into the bowl. If desired, immediately dip the chocolate-covered strawberry into the chosen topping, then place it on the parchment-lined pan.
- Optional Drizzle: To add a decorative white chocolate drizzle, dip a fork into melted white chocolate and drizzle it over the dipped strawberries.
- Chill to Set: Place the dipped strawberries in the refrigerator and chill for about 15 minutes or until the chocolate is fully set.
Notes
- Bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate is preferred for a rich flavor, but milk chocolate works great as well.
- Adding toppings like crushed nuts or coconut flakes immediately after dipping creates a festive texture and flavor contrast.
- Be sure strawberries are completely dry before dipping to ensure the chocolate coats evenly and sticks properly.
- Using high-quality baking chips enhances the taste and texture of the finished product.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 strawberry
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
