Christmas Lights Chocolate Strawberries

There’s nothing quite like the sparkle of Christmas lights, is there? Driving around with the kids, all snuggled in the back, spotting the brightest and most colourful displays. This year, inspired by those magical twinkles, I decided to bring that joy into the kitchen with these Christmas Lights Chocolate Covered Strawberries. After a rather drizzly Saturday afternoon and a mountain of strawberries to use up, this treat was born. The children, bless them, were my willing taste testers, and after a few (ahem, many) attempts, we finally nailed the perfect balance of sweetness and fun. These are not only delicious but also so simple that even the littlest hands can help decorate. I promise you, they’ll be a hit at any Christmas gathering, or just a lovely treat on a cold winter evening. So get ready to add a bit of sparkle to your Christmas!

Why This Recipe Works

As a busy mum with 8+ years of home cooking under my belt, I know the importance of recipes that are both delicious and doable. This Christmas Lights Chocolate Covered Strawberries recipe ticks all the boxes for a family-friendly treat:

• Easy to Make: The method is very straightforward, even the kids can help.
• Kid-Approved: What’s not to love about chocolate and sprinkles? This recipe has received the official thumbs-up from my two little critics.
• Festive and Fun: Perfect for Christmas parties or just a special treat during the holidays. The colourful sprinkles make them look so festive.

I won’t lie, there were a few sticky fingers and chocolatey faces during testing, but that’s all part of the fun! We discovered that slightly chilled strawberries hold the chocolate better, a little tip I’ll share later on.

Ingredients

• 500g fresh strawberries, washed and thoroughly dried
• 200g milk chocolate, chopped (or use chocolate chips)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or coconut oil)
• Assorted Christmas-themed sprinkles (stars, sugar strands, edible glitter)

Ingredient Notes

Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries are key for that juicy sweetness. Make sure they are completely dry before dipping, otherwise the chocolate won’t stick properly. If you can find British strawberries in season, even better!

Chocolate: I prefer milk chocolate for this recipe, as it’s a crowd-pleaser, but dark chocolate or even white chocolate would also work well. Use a good quality chocolate for the best flavour and melting consistency. If you’re on a budget, chocolate chips work perfectly fine.

Vegetable Oil: Adding a little oil helps to thin the chocolate, making it easier to dip the strawberries and giving them a smoother, glossier finish. Coconut oil works just as well and adds a subtle flavour. You can find both in any supermarket.

Sprinkles: This is where you can really get creative! Choose a variety of Christmas-themed sprinkles to create the “Christmas lights” effect. I found a great selection at my local supermarket, including colourful sugar strands, edible glitter, and star-shaped sprinkles.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries. Gently wash the strawberries under cold water and pat them completely dry with a paper towel. This is crucial, as any moisture will prevent the chocolate from sticking properly. Remove the green leafy tops only after washing, to avoid them becoming waterlogged.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate. Place the chopped chocolate and oil in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water (bain-marie). Make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir gently until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted.

Step 3: Dip the Strawberries. Hold each strawberry by the leafy top and dip it into the melted chocolate, swirling to coat about two-thirds of the strawberry. Gently tap off any excess chocolate.

Step 4: Add the Sprinkles. Immediately after dipping, hold the chocolate-covered strawberry over a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper and sprinkle generously with your chosen sprinkles. The chocolate needs to be still wet for the sprinkles to adhere.

Step 5: Set the Strawberries. Place the decorated strawberries on the prepared baking sheet. Refrigerate for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate is set. This will help the chocolate harden and keep the sprinkles in place.

My Kitchen Tips & Tricks

• Chill Out: Slightly chilling the strawberries before dipping can help the chocolate set faster and adhere better.
• Double Dipping: If you want an extra thick chocolate coating, dip the strawberries twice, allowing the first layer to set slightly before the second dip.
• Sprinkle Station: Set up a little sprinkle station with different bowls of sprinkles for the kids to choose from. It makes the decorating process even more fun!
• Drying Rack Hack: If you want the chocolate to set evenly around the entire strawberry, use a wire rack instead of parchment paper. Poke the strawberry stems through the wire so they hang freely.
• Melted Chocolate Magic: If your chocolate starts to seize up, add a tiny bit more oil (half a teaspoon at a time) and stir until smooth again.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Let the kids pick their favourite sprinkles and create their own Christmas light designs. It’s a great way to get them involved in the kitchen!
• Make-Ahead Marvel: These strawberries can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just be aware that the strawberries may release some moisture over time, so they are best enjoyed within 24 hours.

Storage & Meal Pre

These Christmas Lights Chocolate Covered Strawberries are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Keep them in an airtight container to prevent the strawberries from drying out.

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
• Freezer: Freezing is not recommended as the strawberries will become soggy.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare these a few hours in advance for a party or gathering. Just keep them refrigerated until serving.

Substitutions & Variations

This recipe is quite adaptable, so feel free to experiment with different flavours and ingredients.

• Chocolate: Use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even a combination of all three.
• Dietary: For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free chocolate and ensure your sprinkles are also dairy-free.
• Nuts: Add chopped nuts, such as pistachios or almonds, for extra crunch and flavour.
• Other Toppings: Try drizzling the chocolate-covered strawberries with melted white chocolate or caramel for an extra touch of indulgence.
• Peppermint Twist: Crush some candy canes and sprinkle them over the chocolate-covered strawberries for a festive peppermint flavour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries?

I wouldn’t recommend it, as frozen strawberries tend to be quite watery when thawed, and this will prevent the chocolate from sticking properly. Fresh strawberries are definitely the way to go for this recipe.

How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing up?

The key is to avoid getting any water or steam into the chocolate while it’s melting. Make sure the bowl you’re using is completely dry, and don’t let the bottom of the bowl touch the simmering water if you’re using a bain-marie. If the chocolate does seize up, try adding a tiny bit more oil, half a teaspoon at a time, and stirring until smooth again.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these Christmas Lights Chocolate Covered Strawberries a few hours in advance and store them in the fridge until serving. However, keep in mind that the strawberries may release some moisture over time, so they are best enjoyed within 24 hours.

What if I don’t have Christmas-themed sprinkles?

No problem! You can use any type of sprinkles you like. Colourful sugar strands, edible glitter, or even just a simple dusting of cocoa powder would all work well.

My kids are fussy eaters. Will they like these?

In my experience, most children absolutely love these! The combination of juicy strawberries and sweet chocolate is a winner. Plus, the colourful sprinkles make them so visually appealing. My two certainly can’t resist them!

How do I store leftover melted chocolate?

If you have leftover melted chocolate, you can pour it onto a sheet of parchment paper and spread it out into a thin layer. Once it’s cooled and hardened, you can break it into pieces and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for future use.

Serving Suggestions

These Christmas Lights Chocolate Covered Strawberries are perfect on their own as a festive treat. But if you’re looking to elevate the experience, here are a few serving suggestions:

• Dessert Platter: Add them to a dessert platter alongside other Christmas goodies like mince pies, shortbread, and gingerbread cookies.
• Hot Chocolate Pairing: Serve them with a mug of warm hot chocolate for a cosy winter treat.
• Gift Giving: Package them in a pretty box or cellophane bag as a homemade Christmas gift for friends and family.

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