When it comes to festive desserts, few treats strike the perfect balance between elegance and simplicity like Chocolate Covered Strawberries. Whether you’re hosting a grand holiday dinner, preparing sweet edible gifts for loved ones, or simply indulging in a cozy evening snack by the fire, these decadent strawberries are the perfect addition to your Christmas celebrations.
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility—decorate them with sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or even drizzle them with white chocolate to mimic snowflakes. They look stunning on a Christmas dessert platter, pair beautifully with champagne, and can even serve as a thoughtful homemade gift.
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about making Christmas Chocolate Covered Strawberries: the best chocolate to use, tips for dipping, creative decorating ideas, storage methods, and serving suggestions. By the end, you’ll not only have a step-by-step recipe but also a collection of festive tips to make your holiday gatherings unforgettable.
Why Chocolate Covered Strawberries Are Perfect for Christmas
The holiday season is all about indulgence, presentation, and sharing love through food. Chocolate covered strawberries check all these boxes:
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Festive Gifts – Wrapped in a pretty box with ribbon, they make thoughtful homemade presents.
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Table Decor – Their vibrant red and green tones fit seamlessly into a Christmas color scheme.
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Elegant Yet Simple – They look fancy but are surprisingly easy to prepare.
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Crowd-Pleaser – Loved by kids and adults alike, they fit any holiday celebration.
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Customizable – From peppermint crunch to edible glitter, decorations can match your party theme.
Ingredients for Christmas Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Here’s what you’ll need to make about 20 festive strawberries:
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2 pounds fresh strawberries (large, firm, with stems attached)
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12 oz dark chocolate chips or melting chocolate
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8 oz white chocolate (for drizzling and decoration)
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6 oz milk chocolate chips (optional, for variation)
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2 tablespoons coconut oil or shortening (helps chocolate harden smoothly)
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Crushed candy canes (for Christmas crunch)
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Festive sprinkles (red, green, gold, silver)
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Edible glitter or shimmer dust (optional, for sparkle)
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Wax or parchment paper (for drying)
Tools You’ll Need
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Microwave-safe bowls (or double boiler for melting chocolate)
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Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
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Small piping bags or zip-top bags (for drizzling)
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Toothpicks (for detailed decorating)
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Cooling rack (optional, but helps air circulation)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Wash and Dry the Strawberries
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Gently rinse strawberries under cold water.
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Pat completely dry with a paper towel.
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Make sure there is no moisture, as water prevents the chocolate from sticking.
2: Prepare Your Chocolate
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Place dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl with 1 tablespoon coconut oil.
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Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted and smooth.
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Repeat the same process with white chocolate and milk chocolate.
3: Dip the Strawberries
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Hold each strawberry by the stem and dip into melted chocolate.
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Swirl gently to coat evenly.
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Lift and let excess drip off.
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Place on parchment-lined tray.
4: Decorate Immediately
While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with crushed candy canes, red and green sprinkles, or edible glitter.
For drizzles:
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Fill a piping bag (or zip-top bag with the corner snipped) with melted white or milk chocolate.
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Drizzle over dipped strawberries in zig-zag patterns.
5: Let Them Set
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Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes until chocolate hardens.
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Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Creative Decorating Ideas for Christmas
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Santa Strawberries – Dip in white chocolate, then use red sprinkles for Santa hats. Add mini marshmallow tips.
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Snowflake Drizzle – Use white chocolate to pipe delicate snowflakes on dark chocolate strawberries.
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Christmas Tree Strawberries – Dip in green candy melts, then decorate with tiny sprinkle “ornaments” and a yellow star candy on top.
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Candy Cane Crunch – Press crushed candy canes onto still-wet chocolate for a peppermint twist.
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Glitter Glam – Add edible gold or silver dust for a sparkling Christmas look.
Helpful Tips for Success
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Choose Firm Strawberries – Softer berries leak juice, making chocolate soggy.
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Room Temperature Chocolate – Don’t overheat chocolate; it can seize and harden.
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Work Quickly – Chocolate sets fast, so decorate immediately after dipping.
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Use Quality Chocolate – Higher cocoa content means smoother texture and richer flavor.
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Don’t Freeze – Freezing causes strawberries to release water, ruining texture.
Storage and Serving
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Store covered strawberries in a single layer in an airtight container.
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Keep refrigerated for up to 48 hours (best served within 24 hours).
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Serve them slightly chilled for the perfect bite.
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Pair with champagne, sparkling cider, or hot chocolate for a festive touch.
Approximate Nutritional Value (per strawberry)
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Calories: 90
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Carbohydrates: 12 g
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Sugars: 9 g
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Fat: 4 g
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Protein: 1 g
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Fiber: 2 g
Chocolate Covered Strawberries as Christmas Gifts
One of the most charming aspects of this recipe is its adaptability as a gift idea. Pack strawberries in festive boxes lined with parchment, tie with red and green ribbon, and attach a handwritten note. This DIY edible gift feels personal, thoughtful, and luxurious—without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Pairing Ideas with Christmas Dishes
Chocolate Covered Strawberries are versatile enough to complement both sweet and savory Christmas dishes. Serve them alongside:
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Christmas cookies for a dessert platter.
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Green Bean Casserole for a mix of savory and sweet at a holiday buffet.
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Roast turkey or ham dinners as a light and refreshing dessert option.
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Christmas cocktails like mulled wine, eggnog, or sparkling cranberry punch.
Conclusion
Whether you’re making them for a holiday party, gifting them to loved ones, or indulging yourself, Chocolate Covered Strawberries bring joy, flavor, and beauty to any Christmas celebration. With just a few ingredients and endless decorating possibilities, this recipe offers the perfect balance of elegance and simplicity.
