Chocolate-covered strawberries are the ultimate blend of indulgence and simplicity, offering a luxurious treat that’s surprisingly easy to make. The rich, velvety chocolate pairs perfectly with the juicy, sweet strawberries, creating a harmony of flavors that’s irresistible. With just 15 minutes of prep and an hour to set, you’ll have a stunning dessert that feels gourmet yet approachable. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch of chocolate followed by the burst of fresh fruit, making it a delight for all your senses.
These elegant treats are not only delicious but also a healthier indulgence, packed with vitamin C and just 44 calories per berry. Whether you’re hosting a party or treating yourself, they’re a crowd-pleaser that’s as beautiful as it is tasty. The glossy chocolate coating and vibrant red strawberries make them a feast for the eyes, while the combination of creamy and juicy textures keeps you coming back for more. Perfect for any occasion, they’re a dessert that feels special without being complicated.
What You’ll Need
- 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) strawberries (well rinsed and thoroughly patted dry)
- 12 oz (340 g) Ghirardelli dark chocolate chips
- ½ cup (85 g) Ghirardelli white chocolate chips (melted for drizzling, optional)
- Finely chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or other toppings (optional, for dipping)
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberries
- Prepare the strawberries: Rinse the strawberries well and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Tip: Any moisture can ruin the chocolate coating.
- Set up a double boiler: Fill a small saucepan with 1-2 inches of water and place a heatproof bowl on top, ensuring it doesn’t touch the water.
- Melt the chocolate: Add the dark chocolate chips to the bowl, reserving 2 tablespoons for tempering. Bring the water to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Stir the chocolate constantly until fully melted and smooth.
- Temper the chocolate: Remove the bowl from heat, wipe the bottom dry, and stir in the reserved chocolate chips until melted. This prevents streaking.
- Dip the strawberries: Hold each strawberry by the stem and dip it into the melted chocolate, coating it evenly. If desired, roll the dipped strawberry in nuts, coconut, or other toppings while the chocolate is still warm.
- Set the strawberries: Place the dipped strawberries on a wax paper-lined cookie sheet to allow the chocolate to set.
- Drizzle with white chocolate (optional): Melt the white chocolate chips using a double boiler or microwave. Transfer the melted chocolate to a ziplock bag, snip a tiny corner, and drizzle over the strawberries for a decorative touch.
- Let it set: Allow the chocolate to harden at room temperature for about 1 hour before serving.
Creative Toppings and Drizzles
Take your chocolate-covered strawberries to the next level with fun toppings! Try rolling them in crushed pistachios, sprinkles, or shredded coconut for extra texture. For a drizzle, melt white chocolate and use a ziplock bag with a tiny corner snipped off for precise, elegant lines. Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of sea salt for a sweet-and-salty twist!
Perfect Presentation Tips
Arrange your strawberries on a chilled platter to help the chocolate set faster. For a festive touch, use parchment paper or a marble slab as a base. If gifting, place them in a decorative box lined with wax paper and tie with a ribbon. Pro tip: avoid stacking the strawberries to keep the chocolate from smudging.
Storage and Freshness Hacks
Store your chocolate-covered strawberries in a single layer in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. To prevent condensation, place a paper towel at the bottom of the container. For best results, enjoy them at room temperature—just let them sit out for 10 minutes before serving.
Time-Saving Tricks
Short on time? Use a microwave-safe bowl to melt the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Skip the double boiler method for quicker prep. If you’re hosting, prep the strawberries and toppings ahead of time, then dip and decorate just before serving for a fresh, glossy finish.
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Ingredients
Strawberries
- 2.5 lbs strawberries well rinsed and thoroughly patted dry
Chocolate
- 12 oz Ghirardelli dark chocolate chips
- ½ cup Ghirardelli white chocolate chips melted for drizzling (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Finely chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or anything else you might like to dip your strawberries in optional
Instructions
- Prepare your strawberries by rinsing well and then thoroughly patting dry with paper towels. It is very important that you get as much water as possible off of the berries or it could end up ruining your dipping chocolate.
- Fill a small saucepan with 1-2 inches of water and find a medium-sized heatproof bowl that fits over the saucepan without touching the water.
- Remove the bowl and add your chocolate, but reserve 2 Tablespoons for tempering later.
- Bring the water in your saucepan to a simmer on the stovetop. Once simmering, reduce heat to low and rest your bowl with chocolate in the saucepan.
- Stir constantly until chocolate is completely melted.
- Once chocolate is smooth, remove bowl from heat and wipe the bottom of the bowl. Add reserved 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips and stir until they are melted (this helps keep your chocolate from becoming streaky).
- Pat your strawberries dry once more, then dip by holding the berry firmly by the stem and dipping into the chocolate.
- If desired, dip in chopped nuts, coconut, etc. while chocolate is still warm and then transfer to a wax paper lined cookie sheet to allow the chocolate to set.
- If drizzling with white chocolate, melt the chocolate chips either in a double boiler or in the microwave and then drizzle over the strawberries. For neat drizzles I like to pour the chocolate into a ziploc bag and then snip off a tiny corner of the bag to drizzle over the berries.
- Allow chocolate to set at room temperature before enjoying.