on Feb 09, 2016, Updated Jan 30, 2024 39 Comments Chocolate covered strawberries make a fancy, bite-size chocolate dessert that everyone loves. They are beautiful and impressive looking, but they are also incredibly simple. They are made using three simple ingredients and are ready in about 20 minutes!
Why I Love This Recipe
Easy. Made with 3 ingredients and ready in less than 30 minutes! Delicious. Bursting with the flavors of strawberry and chocolate. Elegant. A recognized treat that is perfect for special occasions, celebrations, and gifting. I love to make them for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, parties, and showers.
What Chocolate Should You Use for Chocolate Covered Strawberries?
The better the chocolate you use, the better the final results. Higher-quality baking chips or baking chocolate melt more smoothly, leave a better coating on the strawberries, and taste better. Color – Strawberries should be uniformly red throughout the packaging. The stem should be vibrant green. There should be minimal to no green or white areas on the fruit toward the stem as this means it is not ripe. Quality – Check the strawberries for bruises, mold, smashed areas, and juices. I like to look on the bottom of the packaging especially. If any of these are visible, I would choose another package of strawberries. Smell – Finally, lift the strawberry package toward your nose. You should be able to smell the signature strawberry scent. I prefer semi-sweet chocolate, but you can also use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate. I use Ghiradelli chocolate baking chips or Baker’s baking chocolate and always have good results.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and top with a wire rack and a second baking sheet with parchment paper to use for the strawberries after they are dipped. Add any extra toppings, if using them, (chopped nuts, toasted coconut, etc.) to individual small bowls if you plan to use them.
Wash and dry strawberries and make sure to dry them very well. I recommend drying the strawberries with paper towels and then placing them on a wire rack lined baking sheet to air dry completely. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave as detailed to follow.
Dip the strawberries in the melted chocolate. Then dip the strawberries in any additional toppings if you are adding them. Place the dipped strawberries on parchment lined baking sheet to cool and chocolate to set. Serve or store the strawberries once the chocolate has set. They are freshest that day, but should be eaten within 48 hours.
Storage Tips
To store. Store chocolate covered strawberries in a cool location. Store them in the refrigerator in a single layer. They are best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days of making them. Chocolate chips – The better the chocolate, the better the final result. See my notes above on what type of chocolate to use. Coconut oil (optional) – The coconut oil keeps the melted chocolate smooth while dipping.
How to Melt Chocolate in the Microwave
Heat chocolate chips and coconut oil (or butter or shortening) in microwave safe bowl in 30 second intervals on 50% power, stirring after each interval, until it’s all melted. Stir until smooth.
How to Melt Chocolate on the Stovetop (Double Boiler Method)
Fill a small saucepan halfway with water. Place on medium heat and bring to a low boil. Place an oven-proof glass or a metal bowl with the chocolate over the top of the saucepan to form a double boiler. Continuously stir the chocolate as it slowly melts. Remove from the heat as soon as it is melted to prevent it from overcooking. DO NOT FREEZE chocolate covered strawberries.
Perfect for Gifts
These beautiful strawberries enrobed in chocolate certainly make a special gift! Of course you’ll want to make these really close to the time you will be presenting them as a gift, following all the directions in the recipe, as well as the storage directions. When ready to package them for gifting, I like to simply place a layer of parchment paper or wax paper in a small white food box, place the completely dry chocolate covered strawberries inside, and tie a bow on the box. Let the gift recipient know the date that they are best enjoyed by. I believe they will appreciate knowing this information. If you tried this Chocolate Covered Strawberries recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks for visiting! Easy Fudge Best Chocolate Cake Peanut Butter Balls Chocolate Chip Cookies Enjoy!Robyn xo
