These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys are a fun treat for any holiday! Juicy strawberries dressed in tasty chocolate make a cute, delicious dessert. Perfect for kids and adults alike!
Who knew being a turkey could be so sweet? I love making these whimsical treats with family, and they vanish faster than my homework ever did! 🍓🍫
They’re easy to whip up; just dip, decorate, and enjoy! Serve them on a plate, and watch everyone smile. Trust me, you’ll want to make more than just a few!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are key here! Look for large berries with bright green stems. If strawberries are out of season, you can use other fruits like bananas or apples, but keep in mind the visual appeal might change.
Chocolate: Semi-sweet chocolate chips give a nice balance between sweetness and richness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use dark chocolate chips or vegan chocolate wafers that melt well.
Pretzels: Mini pretzel sticks work perfectly for legs and feet, but you could also use candy corn if you prefer a sweeter version. For wings, any small pretzel shape would work too!
Heads: Mini marshmallows are cute for the turkey head, but you can use chocolate-covered almonds or even small candies if you want a different look.
Decorations: Red decorating gel is fun for wattles, but melted red candy melts offer a more uniform look. For coconut tails, use shredded coconut or leave them out altogether if you’d like to keep it simple.
How Do I Melt Chocolate Without Burning It?
Melted chocolate should be smooth and creamy, but it can burn easily. Here are some tips to melt chocolate perfectly:
- Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short bursts of 20-30 seconds. Stir between each burst to help it melt evenly and prevent burning.
- Alternatively, use the double boiler method by placing a heat-safe bowl on top of simmering water, ensuring the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir constantly until smooth.
- Never overheat; chocolate will lose its shine and become gritty if too hot.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Body:
- 12 large fresh strawberries, stems on
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chocolate melting wafers)
For the Decorations:
- Mini pretzel sticks (for turkey legs and feet)
- Mini pretzel twists or sticks (for turkey wings)
- Mini marshmallows or white chocolate chips (for turkey heads)
- Red decorating gel or melted red candy (for turkey wattles)
- Optional: Coconut flakes or white chocolate for additional decoration (turkey tails)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful treat takes about 20-30 minutes to prepare, plus about 15-20 minutes to let the chocolate set. It’s a fun activity to spend time with family or friends, and the clean-up is quick!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Strawberries:
Start by washing the strawberries gently under cool water and drying them thoroughly with a paper towel. Make sure to keep the green stems intact, as they’ll help create the turkey look!
2. Setup for Dipping:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which will keep the dipped strawberries from sticking as they cool. This is an important step to make sure everything is tidy!
3. Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips or chocolate melting wafers. Heat them in the microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Careful not to overheat it!
4. Dip the Strawberries:
Hold a strawberry by the green stem and dip it into the melted chocolate, coating about ¾ of the berry. Be sure to leave the top red; this part is the “head” of the turkey! Once dipped, place it immediately on the parchment paper.
5. Add Turkey Legs:
Press 3 pretzel sticks into the chocolate-covered bottom of each strawberry to create turkey legs and feet. Gently push them in so they stick well.
6. Create Wings:
Take a mini pretzel twist or a few pretzel sticks and attach them on one side of the strawberry as the wings. Press gently into the chocolate to secure them in place.
7. Make the Turkey Head:
On one side at the tip of the strawberry, attach a mini marshmallow or white chocolate chip with a dab of melted chocolate to create the turkey’s head. You can use a tiny pretzel or a small piece for the beak by sticking it into the marshmallow/chocolate chip.
8. Add Wattle Details:
Use the red decorating gel to draw a small wattle near the beak on the marshmallow or chocolate chip. This little touch makes your turkey look extra cute!
9. Optional Tail Decoration:
If you’d like, add a dollop of coconut flakes or melted white chocolate to the back of the turkey for a fluffy tail effect. It adds a nice touch and looks adorable!
10. Let Them Set:
Allow the chocolate to fully set, either at room temperature or in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. This will ensure everything sticks and looks great!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is set, carefully transfer your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys to a serving plate. These charming treats are sure to bring smiles during your Thanksgiving festivities or any fun gathering!
Enjoy your delicious and adorable creations, and watch them disappear quickly!
Can I Use Different Types of Chocolate?
Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate is a favorite for its rich taste, you can also use milk chocolate for a sweeter flavor or dark chocolate for a more robust taste. Just ensure any chocolate you use melts smoothly!
How Do I Store Leftover Turkey Treats?
Store any leftover Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep them layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, but for the best flavor and texture, make them no more than a day in advance. The strawberries should be fresh, so prepare them the day before your event for the most vibrant presentation!
What Alternatives Can I Use for Decorations?
If you don’t have pretzels, you could use candy corn for legs and wings, or even chocolate-covered nuts. For the heads, consider using small candies like M&Ms. Get creative with what you have on hand!
