Master how to make perfect chocolate covered strawberries with this easy step-by-step guide! Complete with helpful tips, tricks, and topping ideas.
Name a treat that isn’t better covered in chocolate. Try more chocolate-dipped desserts like these easy chocolate covered pretzels and my Valentine’s Day chocolate covered Oreos, too.
How to Make Easy Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
These homemade chocolate-covered strawberries are a timeless dessert that you can make with just 2 ingredients! They’re fun to dip, easy to decorate, and perfect for occasions like Valentine’s Day.
There’s nothing like biting into a plump, juicy strawberry wrapped in a rich chocolate shell. I’m sharing my secrets for dipping strawberries like a pro, including how to melt chocolate as well as decorating ideas.
Chocolate-covered strawberries are such a classic. They’ve inspired other treats on this site, like these chocolate-covered strawberry cupcakes and my chocolate strawberry cake and of course, add these strawberries to a Valentine’s Day dessert board. You’re going to love making these!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate-Covered Strawberries Recipe
- No double boiler. That’s right! You can make chocolate-covered strawberries using the microwave, without a double boiler. Of course, if a double boiler is the melting method you prefer, you’ll find those directions, too!
- Quick and easy method. Chocolate-coated strawberries are actually very simple to make. If you’ve never melted chocolate for dipping, this is a handy baking skill that you can use for loads of other delicious dessert recipes, too, from peanut butter balls to chocolate truffles.
- Perfect for special occasions. Chocolate-covered strawberries are a romantic dessert, perfect for Valentine’s Day, date night, or a celebration (paired with a glass of bubbly, of course!).
Ingredient Notes
This recipe keeps it simple with two ingredients: strawberries and chocolate. There’s always the option to dress up this dessert with garnishes, toppings, and chocolate variations (more on this later). Check out my notes below, and scroll down to the recipe card for a printable ingredients list.
- Chocolate – Chocolate melting wafers melt nicely without tasting waxy. You can use milk, white or dark chocolate, or a combination. My favorite brand is Ghirardelli, but Godiva and Guittard make similar high-quality melting chocolate.
- Fresh Strawberries – Choose ripe strawberries that are plump and red right up to the stem, with bright green leaves.
What Kind of Chocolate Is Best for Dipping Strawberries?
The best chocolate for dipping is good-quality chocolate wafers or chocolate bars. In a pinch, you can use chocolate chips, however, the texture isn’t as smooth. Melting wafers are meant to be used for candy dipping, and ensures that you don’t have to worry about tempering chocolate, which can be finicky.
Other options, like colored candy melts, are great for accent colors and decorating but I wouldn’t recommend them for dipping the whole berries. Candy melts don’t melt down as smoothly and have a waxy taste/finish, plus they don’t really taste like chocolate.
How to Melt Chocolate for Dipping
When it comes to melting chocolate quickly and easily, if you don’t have a melting pot, your best bet is the microwave or a double boiler. If you don’t own a double boiler, you can also make one on the stovetop. I go over each method below.
Microwave
To melt chocolate in the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat the chocolate at half power in 30-second intervals. If you aren’t sure how to adjust the power on your microwave, look it up in the manual. Stir the chocolate in between each interval, until it’s completely melted.
Double Boiler Method
The microwave is quick and easy, but if you prefer the double-boiler method, I have you covered! Here’s how to make a double boiler using a saucepan and a heat-proof bowl on the stovetop.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Fill a saucepan about ¼ of the way full with water. Bring the pot to a low boil.
- Add a bowl on top. Reduce the heat to the lowest it will go. Place a heat-safe bowl over the pot. Make sure that the bottom of the bowl isn’t touching the simmering water underneath.
- Add the chocolate. Place the chocolate wafers into the top bowl. Let the chocolate melt, stirring constantly until it’s completely smooth. Take the bowl off the heat before dipping.
It’s as easy as that! If you need further guidance, my tutorial on how to melt chocolate has lots of helpful tips.
How to Make Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Whichever way you choose to melt your chocolate, this chocolate-covered strawberries recipe is super quick and easy. The hardest part is waiting for them to set! Here’s a quick step-by-step. Scroll to the recipe card below the post for printable recipe instructions.
- Prepare the strawberries. Get your strawberries to room temperature, and rinse and pat them dry with paper towels. It’s important that they are fully dry before dipping.
- Prepare your workspace. Get any toppings ready to go (these will need to be added while the chocolate is still wet). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Melt the chocolate. Melt your chocolate in the microwave or double boiler according to the directions in the section above.
- Dip the berries. Using your fingers or a stick a toothpick in the top of the berry, dip and swirl the ends of each strawberry in the melted chocolate to coat. Let any excess drip off, tapping the strawberry against the bowl if needed.
- Set. Lay the dipped strawberries onto your lined baking sheet and leave them to set. Chocolate-covered strawberries should start to harden after 15-30 minutes at room temperature.
- Add a drizzle. Wait until the chocolate is set completely. To add a white chocolate drizzle as you see in the photos, fill a small piping bag or Ziploc bag with a few tablespoons of melted chocolate (or white chocolate ganache). Snip off the tip of the bag, and get drizzling!
Why Are My Chocolate-Covered Strawberries Not Setting?
If the chocolate on your dipped strawberries isn’t setting up, this might be a sign that your strawberries weren’t at room temperature, or they weren’t completely dry before dipping. Make sure to thoroughly dry the berries with paper towels, and/or leave them to sit out long enough to air dry completely.
Another reason that the chocolate hasn’t set could be because your room temperature is too warm. In this case, try placing the chocolate-covered strawberries in the fridge for 15-30 minutes instead.
Tips for Success
These are my not-so-secret secrets for perfect chocolate covered strawberries:
- Pick ripe strawberries. Choose fresh berries that are firm, with minimal white around the stem. Avoid bruised or underripe strawberries.
- Use dry, room-temperature strawberries. Take your strawberries out of the fridge 15-30 minutes before you dip them and make sure they’re 100% dry all over. Melted chocolate that comes into contact with any sort of moisture will seize, and your dipped berries won’t set properly.
- Stir the chocolate often. Whichever method you use to melt chocolate, remember to keep on stirring. This prevents the chocolate from scorching.
- Dip with a toothpick. Skewer the strawberries with a toothpick for easy, mess-free dipping. You can remove the toothpicks after the chocolate is set.
Toppings and Variations
When it comes to toppings, just about anything goes. Keep it simple with a decorative chocolate drizzle or add any garnishes you’d like. If you’re adding toppings like sprinkles, make sure to add them before the chocolate sets. Here are some ideas:
- Chocolate drizzle. Once the chocolate-covered strawberries have set, drizzle them with leftover melted chocolate or white chocolate.
- Chopped nuts. Add some crunch by sprinkling the freshly dipped strawberries with chopped nuts, like pecans, walnuts, peanuts, or almonds.
- Crushed cookies. Crush up Oreos, gingersnaps, Nilla wafers, Biscoff cookies, or another type of cookie and sprinkle the crumbs over the chocolate.
- Shredded coconut. Give your chocolate-covered strawberries a “snowy” effect with a topping of shredded sweetened or unsweetened coconut.
- Sprinkles. If you’re making these strawberries for a holiday or special occasion, add themed sprinkles, rainbow jimmies, or nonpareils for a festive feel!
Can I Make Chocolate Dipped Strawberries the Day Before?
Chocolate covered strawberries are best the day they’re made. However, yes, you can make them a day in advance. Let the chocolate dry completely and store the dipped berries airtight in the fridge (see the next section for more storage instructions). I recommend arranging them in a single layer on a paper towel to help absorb any moisture.
How to Store Chocolate Covered Strawberries
- Room temperature. If you’re serving your strawberries on the day they’re made, you can keep them covered gently with plastic wrap at room temperature. You can also keep them uncovered in the fridge, on the same baking sheet you laid them on after dipping.
- Fridge. To store chocolate covered strawberries overnight, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Line the bottom of the container with a paper towel to minimize sweating.
More Romantic Dessert Ideas
- Red Velvet Cupcakes
- Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes
- Strawberry Cupcakes
- Pink Champagne Mini Bundt Cakes
- Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookies
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 8 minutes
- Yield: 12
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
Description
Master how to make chocolate covered strawberries with just 2 ingredients! Add your favorite toppings and enjoy juicy, chocolate-dipped strawberries for an easy Valentine’s Day dessert or special occasion.
Ingredients
- 10 ounces chocolate wafers
- 1 container (16 oz) strawberries, washed and dried
- Garnishes (sprinkles, crushed cookies etc)
Instructions
- Rinse and thoroughly dry the strawberries. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside garnishes.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate wafers at 50% power in 30 second intervals; stir after each interval and continue until chocolate is melted. Reduce microwave time as needed so the chocolate does not burn.
- Hold the tip of the strawberry between your fingers (or use a toothpick), and dip and swirl the strawberries in the chocolate. Tap off excess chocolate on the side of the dish and brush the bottom of the strawberry against the side of the bowl. Place on parchment paper and garnish immediately with toppings, as the chocolate sets quickly. Allow the chocolate to set and then serve.
- To add a drizzle, wait until the chocolate has set and then apply the drizzle. Fill a small piping bag with 2-3 tablespoons of melted chocolate and cut off the tip of the piping bag. Drizzle and allow to set.
Notes
- Topping suggestions: Add a Chocolate Drizzle, Chopped Nuts, Crushed Cookies, Shredded Coconut, Garnish with Sprinkles
- Storage tips: If you’re serving these strawberries on the day they were made, keep them at room temperature and cover them gently with plastic wrap, if needed. To store them overnight, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Note that once refrigerated, condensation will start to build up on the outside of the strawberries, and the juices start to seep from the berries.
