How to Make Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: Easy & Delicious

A cheap pack of chocolate chips will not taste as good or melt easily. High-quality chocolate chips taste less processed, melt more quickly and relay help give the strawberries a nice beautiful coat after dipping. 

I usually prefer using Ghirardelli baking chips or Baker’s Baking Chocolate and I’m always pleased with the quality. I prefer bittersweet or semi-sweet, but you can go with milk chocolate, semi-sweet, bittersweet, or white chocolate for dipping strawberries.

How to Make Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

Ingredients 

Here are the ingredients you'll need to make perfect chocolate-covered strawberries:

• Chocolate chips: This easy chocolate-covered strawberries recipe calls for milk chocolate chips, but you can use dark or white chocolate if you prefer.
• Shortening: Mixing shortening with the chocolate will ensure a smooth, shiny coating.
• Strawberries: Of course, you'll need strawberries! Keep the leaves on for a prettiest presentation.

Aside from this, you'll also need toothpicks for dipping the strawberries in the chocolate.

Directions 

Here is the step-by-step process for making the best chocolate-dipped strawberries: 

Step 1: Begin with washing the strawberries and then drying them very well. It's very important to dry the strawberries well because, as you may know, chocolate and water don’t go hand in hand. If the strawberries are the least bit wet the chocolate won’t stick!

Step 2: If you want, add a handful of toppings, like crushed nuts or coconut, onto their own small plates. Line a sheet pan with parchment or waxed paper.

Step 3. Use a double boiler or microwave the chocolate for 30-second intervals, removing and stirring at each 30-second interval, until the chocolate has completely melted. Stir frequently, making sure not to burn the chocolate!

Step 4. Now hold a strawberry by the stem, dip it into melted chocolate, and let the excess chocolate fall back into the bowl. Now, you may dip the strawberry in coconut or nuts (or leave it plain) and then place the strawberry on the parchment paper. Repeat the process with the rest of the strawberries. 

Step 5. Now, chill the strawberries until the chocolate sets, about 15 minutes. And then you can enjoy this delicious delight!

Quick Instructions 

If you want some quick instructions to make homemade chocolate-covered strawberries rather than a complete step-by-step process, here’s how to get started: 

• Wash and dry the fresh strawberries.
• Make desired toppings (nuts, toasted coconut, etc.)
• Prepare your workspace with a parchment-lined baking tray to place the choco-dipped strawberries on.
• Melt the chocolate in the microwave or in a double boiler.
• Now, dip the strawberries in melted chocolate.
• Coat in desired toppings.
• Lay the strawberries on a prepared baking sheet and let them rest until the chocolate has set.
• If desired drizzle with some melted white chocolate. 

Topping ideas for Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Want some more topping ideas? Consider these: 

• Chopped Nuts (peanuts, pistachios, pecans, etc.)
• Toasted coconut
• Crushed Oreo cookies
• Sprinkles
• Graham cracker crumbs
• Mini chocolate chips (any flavor)
• Crushed candy canes
• Melted white chocolate

Tips for the Best Chocolate Covered Strawberries

The simplest treats are sometimes the tastiest as this shockingly easy chocolate-covered strawberry recipe. Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure you get only the best chocolate-covered strawberries: 

• Avoid taking shortcuts when making chocolate-dipped strawberries because it will make the chocolate harden. 
• Ensure strawberries are at room temperature before coating in chocolate. If you dip them straight from the fridge, they'll sweat as they warm up and you'll be stuck with a great mess.
• You don’t need to refrigerate the chocolate-covered strawberries to set, as they'll naturally harden over time at room temperature.

How to Store Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

When it comes to storing chocolate strawberries, placing them in a cool location is the best idea. You can also store them in the refrigerator, uncovered, for up to one day, leaving them on the same baking sheet you placed them on after dipping. 

But, always remember to not freeze chocolate-covered strawberries, as they thaw the strawberries will release moisture and ruin the chocolate coating.

How long do chocolate-covered strawberries last?

In my own experience, I found that chocolate-covered strawberries are best enjoyed within 1 or 2 days maximum.  The chocolate on the strawberries will cause them to sweat and release moisture, so they are best enjoyed the same day they are prepared.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q. Can chocolate-covered strawberries be made ahead of time? 

Yes, chocolate-covered strawberries can be made ahead of time but experts would not recommend making chocolate-covered strawberries more than 48 hours ahead of when you plan to serve them, as they will begin to sweat. For best outcomes, serve within a few hours of dipping. Otherwise, keep them in the fridge for up to 1 day.

Q. Why Should Chocolate Be Tempered?

Proper tempering of the chocolate gives it a smooth and glossy finish, keeps it from easily melting on your fingers, and also allows it to set up beautifully for dipped and chocolate-covered strawberries. 

Q. Can I melt chocolate in the microwave?

Yes, you can melt chocolate in the microwave. Simply place chocolate in a small microwave bowl and microwave for 30 seconds on 30% power. Stir well and continue to microwave in 30-second intervals until chocolate is completely melted.

Q. What is the secret to making the perfect chocolate-covered strawberries?

There is no single secret to making the perfect chocolate-covered strawberries, but in general, room-temperature strawberries are best for dipping in chocolate! If your strawberries are already washed and fresh out of the refrigerator, let them warm up for an hour before dipping to avoid the chocolate cooling too quickly, prevent cracking, and prevent the strawberries from weeping juice.