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Chocolate covered strawberries are a classic dessert that’s especially popular for Valentine’s Day because they’re romantic. Romantic desserts always include chocolate.
Homemade chocolate dipped strawberries are easier to make than you think. All you need is high quality chocolate and strawberries.
WHAT IS THE BEST CHOCOLATE TO MELT?
I prefer to use Guittard chocolate chips for melting chocolate so I don’t have to chop up a chocolate baking bar. It works great for these chocolate covered strawberries.
Guittard chocolate chips are made with high quality ingredients (like baking bars) and use cocoa butter (not just palm oil) so the chocolate is smooth and creamy. The choice of milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate is up to your personal preference.
The ingredient of cocoa butter is especially important with the white chocolate that you use, if you want it for dipping or drizzling.
Cheaper/lower quality chocolate chip varieties may work out ok for these chocolate covered strawberries, but the melted chocolate will most likely harden with a streaked or swirled appearance due to the fact that there is little to no cocoa butter in them.
HOW TO MAKE CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES:
Wash and dry the strawberries thoroughly. Any water on the strawberries will prevent the chocolate from adhering properly.
Prepare toppings, if desired. Chocolate strawberries can be enjoyed simply as-is. Toppings like chopped nuts, toasted coconut, sprinkles, crushed Oreos, etc. make for fun flavors and textures. If using toppings, have them ready to go in separate bowls, for rolling.
Prepare a pan for the dipped strawberries. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to place the dipped strawberries on. Wax paper would also work. This allows for the pan to go in the fridge to harden the chocolate quickly, and for the chocolate covered strawberries to be removed easily once set
Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave. Or you can use an electric chocolate melting pot.
Dip the strawberries in the melted chocolate. Firmly hold a strawberry by the stem, then dip and twist the strawberry rotating the berry to cover all sides. Let excess chocolate fall back into the bowl, or gently scrape the bottom of the strawberry with the side of the bowl of chocolate
Coat in toppings. If using any. This is optional.
Place the strawberries on the prepared baking sheet. Allow the chocolate covered strawberries to rest/chill until the chocolate has set.
Notes:
Chocolate covered strawberries are best eaten the day they are made, and will keep at room temperature for as long as 10 hours, without a problem. Just leave them on the parchment-lined baking sheet, uncovered, in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight or heat.
Store chocolate covered strawberries in a cool location. You may store them in the refrigerator, uncovered, up to two days, leaving them on the same baking sheet you placed them on after dipping. Never freezechocolate covered strawberries. The berries will release too much moisture as they thaw and ruin the chocolate
CAN YOU MELT CHOCOLATE IN THE MICROWAVE?
Yes, you can melt chocolate and (high-quality) chocolate chips in the microwave
Place chocolate in a heatproof glass bowl or container and heat in the microwave at half power (50%) for 30-second intervals.
Remove and stir each time before returning to the microwave and repeating. Each microwave is unique and affects the chocolate differently so monitor the chocolate closely.
When only small lumps remain, remove and continue to stir until completely melted
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