I think chocolate covered strawberries are the perfect Valentine's Day treat. They make a decadent gift or a light dessert after a special meal. Chocolate covered strawberries are also great for parties, showers, picnics, weddings and anniversaries too.
If you have ever priced chocolate covered strawberries, they are very expensive. Online you can easily spend $20-$25 for a half dozen! Depending on the time of year and price of strawberries, you can make 2 dozen for $4-$7 and they are so easy!
Start by washing the strawberries under cool water.
Let berries dry on a towel until completely dry (including leaves). When I am in a hurry, I will gently pat each strawberry dry with paper towels.
What kind of chocolate to use is personal preference. I am showing you how to use semi sweet chocolate chips because I think they taste the best. However, candy coatings such as Wilton Candy Melts or Candiquick are good options for first timers who are not confident about melting chocolate.
Empty one 12 oz bag of semi sweet chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon shortening into a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds and stir. Repeat this process just until the chocolate is smooth.
Holding the stem/leaves dip the berry into the chocolate, turning it until the whole berry is coated. Gently shake the excess chocolate off. Last, I like to drag the bottom of the berry across the rim of the bowl because it creates a flat surface to set the berry down on.
Place each berry on a wax paper covered tray or cookie sheet.
I usually like to drizzle my chocolate covered strawberries with white chocolate. While you can use white chocolate chips and shortening, I do prefer using white candy coating because it is thinner and that makes it easier to drizzle a small amount across the berries. My favorite candy coating is Wilton's Candy Melts and it comes in many colors.
Put a few candy melts (I am using red Candy Melts for Valentine's Day) in a large plastic bag. Melt the candy coating for 30 seconds in the microwave. Instead of stirring, squish the bag in your hands. Repeat until coating is smooth. Cut of the tip of the bag (don't cut too much) and drizzle over each strawberry. I like to go over the edges of the berry for a more professional look.
After the chocolate has completely set up, I like to set each strawberry in a mini cupcake liner for a nice finishing touch. Give it a try, they are so easy and sure to impress!
- 12 oz semi sweet chocolate chips
- 2 lbs ripe strawberries
- 3 oz Wilton Candy Melts, optional
- Start by washing the strawberries under cool water.
- Let berries dry on a towel until completely dry (including leaves). When I am in a hurry, I will gently pat each strawberry dry with paper towels.
- Empty one 12 oz bag of semi sweet chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon shortening into a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds and stir. Repeat this process just until the chocolate is smooth.
- Holding the stem/leaves dip the berry into the chocolate, turning it until the whole berry is coated. Gently shake the excess chocolate off. Last, I like to drag the bottom of the berry across the rim of the bowl because it creates a flat surface to set the berry down on.
- Place each berry on a wax paper covered tray or cookie sheet.
- Put a few candy melts in a large plastic bag. Melt the candy coating for 30 seconds in the microwave. Squish the bag in your hands. Repeat until candy coating is smooth. Cut of the tip of the bag and drizzle over each strawberry.
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