Chocolate Covered Strawberries are a simple treat that feels special every time. Juicy, sweet strawberries get coated in a smooth layer of melted chocolate, creating a perfect mix of fresh fruit and rich chocolate. The contrast between the cool, juicy berry and the slightly firm chocolate shell makes each bite a little celebration.
I love making these for when I need a quick but impressive dessert. It’s fun to dip the strawberries in chocolate and watch the chocolate harden into a shiny shell. Sometimes I sprinkle a little sea salt or chopped nuts on top for extra flavor and texture—I find it makes the treat even more interesting without too much extra work.
They’re great for sharing with friends, giving as a sweet gift, or just enjoying on a quiet night in. I always feel like these simple but delicious strawberries make any moment feel a bit more thoughtful and bright. Plus, they’re easy enough to make that I don’t mind making them more than once!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Strawberries
- Fresh and firm strawberries with their stems intact work best. They make dipping easier and the stem is a natural handle. If strawberries aren’t in season, you can try other firm berries like raspberries or blackberries, but strawberries are the classic choice.
- Semi
- sweet chocolate: This is the main chocolate coating. If you prefer something sweeter, milk chocolate works well. For a more intense flavor, dark chocolate (70% cocoa or more) is great. Use chocolate chips or bars—they melt similarly but bars usually have better quality.
- White chocolate
- Used for drizzling and decoration. If you can’t find white chocolate, you can skip this step or use colored candy melts for fun designs. Just avoid using white chocolate baking chips as they sometimes don’t melt smoothly.
How Do You Make Sure the Chocolate Coats the Strawberries Smoothly and Shines?
Getting a smooth, shiny chocolate coating can be tricky, but a few simple tips help a lot:
- Dry strawberries well: Any moisture causes chocolate to seize or not stick well.
- Use gentle heat: Melt chocolate in short bursts and stir often to avoid burning.
- Dip carefully: Hold the strawberry by its stem and dip slowly, letting excess chocolate drip off back into the bowl.
- Let chocolate set properly: Place dipped berries on parchment and allow to cool completely—refrigerate if you like a faster set, but room temp helps keep shiny surface.
If your chocolate looks dull, gently reheating and stirring it can restore some shine before dipping more strawberries.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – for placing strawberries while the chocolate sets.
- Parchment or wax paper – prevents the strawberries from sticking to the baking sheet.
- Microwave-safe bowls – perfect for melting chocolate in short bursts.
- Spoon or small piping bag – for drizzling white chocolate in pretty lines.
- Tongs or fork (optional) – to dip strawberries without getting hands messy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a richer, less sweet taste.
- Add chopped nuts or crushed pretzels on the chocolate before it sets for crunch.
- Try dipping strawberries in caramel before chocolate for a sweet surprise inside.
- Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder to melted chocolate for a warm spicy twist.
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Strawberries:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries with stems
For The Chocolate Coating:
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped or chocolate chips
- 4 ounces white chocolate, chopped or white chocolate chips (for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and dip the strawberries, plus 15 to 30 minutes for the chocolate to set. You can speed up the setting by placing the strawberries in the fridge.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Strawberries:
Wash the strawberries carefully and make sure to dry them very well with paper towels. Any water left on the berries can cause the chocolate to seize and not stick properly.
2. Melt the Semi-Sweet Chocolate:
Place the semi-sweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s smooth and melted.
3. Dip the Strawberries:
Hold each strawberry by the stem and dip it into the melted chocolate. Swirl it around to cover about two-thirds of the berry. Let extra chocolate drip off before placing it on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper.
4. Drizzle with White Chocolate:
In a separate bowl, melt the white chocolate the same way. Using a spoon or small piping bag, drizzle the white chocolate over the dipped strawberries to create pretty stripes.
5. Let the Chocolate Set:
Allow the strawberries to set at room temperature or pop them into the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes until the chocolate hardens. Once set, enjoy right away or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for Chocolate Covered Strawberries?
It’s best to use fresh strawberries because frozen ones release moisture when thawed, which can make the chocolate not stick and become soggy. If you only have frozen, fully thaw and pat them completely dry before dipping.
Can I Substitute Other Types of Chocolate?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate or dark chocolate work well too. Just make sure to melt them gently to avoid burning. You can also experiment with flavored or white chocolate candy melts for fun variations.
How Should I Store Chocolate Covered Strawberries?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Let the strawberries come back to room temperature briefly before eating for the best texture and flavor.
Can I Prepare Chocolate Covered Strawberries Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make them a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated. However, for best freshness and to avoid moisture buildup, it’s ideal to dip them the same day you plan to enjoy them.