Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Juicy strawberries coated in rich, smooth chocolate make the perfect bite-sized dessert. Customize with nuts, coconut, or a drizzle of white chocolate for a show-stopping treat. Quick to prepare and naturally sweet, these chocolate-covered strawberries are ideal for gifting, entertaining, or a guilt-free everyday indulgence.
Equipment
- 1 sheet pan
- Parchment or waxed paper
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
- Spoon or fork for drizzling
Ingredients
- 10 ounces Ghirardelli Baking Chips bittersweet, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries stems attached
- Optional toppings: crushed nuts shredded coconut, or white chocolate for drizzling
Instructions
- Select and Prepare Your Strawberries: Begin by choosing the freshest strawberries you can find. Look for firm, bright red berries with fresh green stems—avoid any with soft spots or bruising. Wash the strawberries gently under cool running water to remove any dirt or residue. Pat each strawberry completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is crucial: any lingering moisture will prevent the chocolate from sticking properly, causing it to seize or slide off.
- Prepare Your Workstation: Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or a waxed baking sheet. This will serve as the resting surface for your chocolate-covered strawberries and prevent them from sticking. If you’re planning to use toppings such as chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or sprinkles, place them in small, shallow bowls nearby. Having everything prepped and within reach will make the dipping process smooth and efficient.
- Melt the Chocolate: Choose your preferred chocolate—bittersweet, semi-sweet, or milk. To melt, you can use a double boiler or microwave:Double Boiler Method: Fill a small pot with about an inch of water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Place a heatproof bowl on top of the pot, ensuring it doesn’t touch the water. Add the chocolate chips to the bowl and stir continuously until completely melted and smooth.Microwave Method: Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval. Repeat until the chocolate is fully melted and silky smooth. Be careful not to overheat, as chocolate burns easily.
- Dip the Strawberries: Hold a strawberry by its stem and dip it into the melted chocolate, fully covering about two-thirds of the berry. Lift it carefully and rotate slightly to allow excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. This creates an even, smooth coating. For extra finesse, you can tap the strawberry gently on the edge of the bowl to remove drips.
- Add Toppings (Optional): If you want to enhance the flavor and texture, immediately sprinkle or roll the chocolate-coated strawberry in your chosen toppings—crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or colorful sprinkles work beautifully. Ensure the chocolate is still wet when adding toppings so they stick perfectly.
- Drizzle with White Chocolate (Optional): For a decorative touch, melt a small amount of white chocolate separately. Use a fork or small spoon to drizzle thin streams of white chocolate over the dipped strawberries, creating elegant stripes or swirls. This step is entirely optional but adds a professional and festive appearance.
- Set the Chocolate: Place the finished strawberries on the prepared parchment-lined sheet pan. Chill them in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set and firm to the touch. This ensures the chocolate coating stays intact and creates a glossy, finished look.
- Serve or Store: Once set, your chocolate-covered strawberries are ready to enjoy! Serve them immediately for the best texture, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Avoid leaving them at room temperature for long periods, as the chocolate may soften and the strawberries may release moisture.
Notes
- Use the freshest, firm strawberries for the best results; soft or overripe berries can release juice and affect the chocolate coating.
- Completely dry strawberries before dipping to ensure chocolate adheres properly.
- Bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate provides a rich flavor, while milk chocolate gives a sweeter, creamier taste.
- Add toppings immediately after dipping while the chocolate is still wet.
- Chocolate can be tempered for a glossy finish, but simply melting works perfectly for home preparation.
- Drizzle with white chocolate for decorative contrast or extra sweetness.
- Chill for at least 15 minutes to allow chocolate to fully set before serving.
