Delightful Chocolate Covered Strawberry Christmas Trees: An Easy & Festive Holiday Treat
Get ready to sprinkle some magic into your holiday season with these irresistibly charming **Chocolate Covered Strawberry Christmas Trees**! Imagine sweet, juicy strawberries, dipped in rich chocolate, adorned with colorful sprinkles, and perched atop a classic Oreo cookie base. Not only are they incredibly delicious, but they also look like miniature festive Christmas trees, making them the perfect centerpiece or finger food for any holiday gathering.
What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity. It’s so straightforward that even the youngest members of your family can join in the holiday fun! Kids will absolutely adore decorating these edible trees, transforming them into personalized festive masterpieces. And if you’re looking for more fun holiday activities to do with your children, be sure to check out our delightful Christmas Tree Brownies too!
Why These Strawberry Christmas Trees Are a Must-Make This Season
There’s something truly magical about homemade treats during the holidays, and these **Strawberry Christmas Trees** perfectly capture that spirit. Everyone already loves the classic combination of strawberries dipped in chocolate, but transforming them into these adorable little Christmas trees elevates them to an entirely new level of festive delight. They are ideal for:
- **Holiday Parties:** They make stunning and delicious finger foods that are sure to impress your guests.
- **Family Fun:** A fantastic activity for kids and adults to do together, creating cherished holiday memories.
- **Edible Gifts:** Package a few of these in a cute box for a thoughtful homemade present.
- **No-Bake Ease:** No oven required, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules or when your oven is occupied with other dishes.
- **Customization:** Easily change the look with different colored chocolates or a variety of sprinkles.
Their vibrant colors and whimsical shapes bring a joyful touch to any dessert table. Imagine a platter full of these edible trees, glistening with sprinkles and topped with a tiny star – they are as delightful to look at as they are to eat!
Key Ingredients for Your Festive Strawberry Trees
Crafting these delectable **Oreo-based Strawberry Christmas Trees** requires just a few simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have on hand or can easily find at any grocery store. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility, allowing for various substitutions to suit your taste or dietary needs.
What You’ll Need:
- Melting Chocolate or Candy Melts: We recommend 12 ounces. You can opt for dark, milk, or white chocolate chips, or even use colorful candy melts to create vibrant trees. If you prefer, high-quality almond bark also works wonderfully for a smooth, easy-to-work-with coating.
- Fresh Strawberries: You’ll need about 1 pound of firm, ripe strawberries. Look for ones that are well-shaped, as their natural conical form is perfect for mimicking a Christmas tree.
- Oreo Cookies: About 24 cookies are needed. These serve as the sturdy and delicious “tree bases.” You can use classic Oreos or explore different flavors for a unique twist.
- Powdered Sugar: 2 cups will be used to make the “snow” icing that helps secure your trees and adds a touch of sweetness.
- Milk: 2-3 tablespoons of milk will be mixed with powdered sugar to create a thick, spreadable icing. Any type of milk (dairy or non-dairy) will work.
- Sprinkles and Nonpareils: The more, the merrier! Choose green, red, white, silver, or gold sprinkles to make your trees extra festive. Nonpareils add a lovely textured “ornament” effect.
- Star Sprinkles: These are essential for topping your trees, giving them that classic Christmas tree look. Look for edible gold or silver stars.
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Essential Tools for Smooth Sailing
Having the right tools can make the process of creating your **Chocolate Covered Strawberry Christmas Trees** even more enjoyable and mess-free. Here’s a quick list of what you’ll find helpful in your kitchen:
- Toothpicks or Wooden Skewers: These are absolutely essential for dipping the strawberries cleanly and keeping your fingers out of the melted chocolate.
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a few bowls – one for melting chocolate and another for whisking your powdered sugar icing.
- Whisk: Perfect for achieving a smooth, lump-free powdered sugar icing.
- Chef’s Knife: For cleanly slicing the tops off your strawberries to create a flat base.
- Parchment Paper or Wax Paper: Highly recommended for lining your baking sheets to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Pro Tips for Perfect Strawberry Christmas Trees
Achieving picture-perfect results with your **Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Trees** is easy with these helpful kitchen tips:
- Melting Chocolate Mastery: When melting chocolate (whether in the microwave or double boiler), always stop heating when there are still a few small pieces visible. Remove it from the heat source and continue stirring. The residual heat will melt the remaining pieces, ensuring a smooth, glossy consistency without burning. Overheating chocolate can make it seize and become unusable.
- Keep it Clean: Using a toothpick or wooden skewer to hold and dip the strawberries is a game-changer! It allows for even coating and keeps your fingers clean and chocolate-free, which is especially helpful when dealing with sticky sprinkles.
- The “Snow” Effect: For an enchanting winter wonderland look, spread your powdered sugar icing all the way to the edges of the Oreo cookie. This creates a beautiful “snowy” base before you place the chocolate-covered strawberry tree on top. It also helps to firmly glue the strawberry in place.
- Chill for Speed: Chilling your strawberries for about an hour before dipping is crucial. Cold strawberries help the chocolate set much faster, reducing waiting time and preventing drips. Make sure your sprinkles are ready to go *before* you dip, as you’ll need to apply them quickly while the chocolate is still wet.
- Strawberry Selection: Choose firm, fresh strawberries that are roughly the same size for a uniform look. Avoid overly ripe or soft berries, as they can become mushy when handled.
- Icing Consistency: When making the powdered sugar icing, add milk gradually, a tablespoon at a time. You want a thick, spreadable consistency – thin enough to spread, but thick enough to hold the strawberry securely and not run off the Oreo. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar; if too thick, a tiny splash of milk or even water.
Crafting Your Edible Christmas Masterpieces: Step-by-Step
Now, let’s get to the fun part: making these adorable **Chocolate Covered Strawberry Christmas Trees**! Follow these easy steps to create your festive treats.
- Prepare the Strawberries: Start by carefully cutting the green tops off all your strawberries. The goal is to create a flat, stable base for each strawberry. Then, gently insert a toothpick or a small wooden skewer into the flat end of each strawberry. This will be your handle for dipping. Place the skewered strawberries on a plate or tray and chill them in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This step is vital as cold strawberries help the chocolate set quickly, which is key for applying sprinkles effectively.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt your chosen chocolate or candy melts. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until mostly smooth. Stir until any remaining small pieces are melted by the residual heat. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler: place a heat-safe bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, ensuring the bowl doesn’t touch the water, and stir until melted and smooth.
- Prepare the Icing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk. Continue adding milk, a very small amount at a time, until you achieve a thick, spreadable icing consistency. It should be thick enough to stay on the Oreo but not so stiff that it’s hard to spread.
- Create the Oreo Base: Take one Oreo cookie and spread a small amount of the prepared powdered sugar icing on its top surface. This icing will act as the “snow” around your tree and also as an edible glue to hold the strawberry securely. Repeat for each Oreo.
- Dip the Strawberries: Holding a chilled strawberry by its toothpick handle, carefully dip it into the melted chocolate. Rotate it to ensure an even coating. Gently shake off any excess chocolate back into the bowl.
- Decorate with Sprinkles: Immediately after dipping, while the chocolate is still wet, liberally sprinkle the strawberry with nonpareils and candy sprinkles. This is where you can get creative with colors and combinations!
- Assemble the Tree: Because the strawberries were chilled, the chocolate should dry and harden quite quickly. Once the chocolate is set, carefully remove the strawberry from the toothpick. Place the flat, cut end of the chocolate-covered strawberry onto the center of an Oreo cookie that has been prepped with the powdered sugar icing. The icing will act as a strong adhesive, securing your strawberry tree to its base.
- Add the Star: For the finishing touch, carefully place a star sprinkle on the very top of your strawberry Christmas tree.
Continue this delightful process for each of your strawberries, creating a whole forest of edible Christmas trees!
Creative Variations & Serving Suggestions
These **Chocolate Covered Strawberry Christmas Trees** are incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas to make them uniquely yours:
- Color Them Up: Use green candy melts for truly green trees, or red and white candy melts for a peppermint-inspired look.
- Different Bases: While Oreos are fantastic, you could also use round shortbread cookies or even mini chocolate chip cookies as a base.
- Topping Galore: Beyond classic sprinkles, consider edible glitter, finely chopped nuts, shredded coconut (for a snowy effect without icing), or even mini chocolate chips.
- Mini Trees: Use smaller strawberries for mini Christmas tree bites.
- Elegant Presentation: Arrange them on a tiered cake stand for a stunning display, or on a large platter surrounded by fresh mint leaves for a pop of green.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These festive treats are best enjoyed fresh, but they can certainly be made a few hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in a single layer in the refrigerator. If you need to stack them, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking or damaging the decorations. They will generally stay fresh for 1-2 days, but the strawberries are at their peak flavor and texture within the first 24 hours. Keep them chilled until just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen strawberries?
No, it’s highly recommended to use fresh strawberries. Frozen strawberries release too much water when thawed, which will make the chocolate coating soggy and prevent it from adhering properly.
What kind of chocolate works best?
Good quality melting chocolate or candy melts are ideal because they melt smoothly and set firmly. Chocolate chips also work, but sometimes require a touch of coconut oil or shortening to achieve a perfectly smooth, dippable consistency.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free chocolate or candy melts, and substitute almond milk or another plant-based milk for the powdered sugar icing. Most Oreos are naturally dairy-free (though always check labels).
How many strawberries should I plan for per person?
Generally, 1-2 **Strawberry Christmas Trees** per person is a good estimate, depending on other desserts being served. For a party, planning for 24 trees (1 pound of strawberries) is a good starting point.
What if my chocolate isn’t melting smoothly?
If your chocolate becomes thick or grainy, it might be overheated or got a drop of water in it. For thick chocolate, try adding a teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening and stirring until smooth. If it’s grainy, it might be seized, and unfortunately, it’s usually best to start with a fresh batch.
Strawberry Christmas Trees
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Ingredients
- 12 ounces melting chocolate or candy melts (dark, milk, or white)
- 1 pound fresh strawberries (firm, ripe, conical shape)
- 24 Oreo cookies (or similar round cookie)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
- Assorted Christmas sprinkles and nonpareils
- Edible star sprinkles (gold or silver)
Equipment
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Toothpicks or wooden skewers
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Mixing bowls
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Whisk
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Chef’s knife
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Parchment paper or wax paper
Notes for Success
- When melting chocolate, heat slowly and stop when small pieces remain. Stir until fully smooth using residual heat to prevent burning.
- Using a toothpick or wooden skewer for dipping keeps your hands clean and ensures an even chocolate coating.
- For a “snowy” effect, spread the powdered sugar icing right to the edges of the Oreo cookie before placing the strawberry. This also helps secure the “tree.”
- Chilling strawberries for an hour before dipping helps the chocolate set quickly, making decoration easier. Have your sprinkles ready!
- Ensure strawberries are firm and dry for best chocolate adhesion.
- Adjust milk for icing gradually to achieve a thick, yet spreadable, consistency.
Instructions
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Using a chef’s knife, carefully cut the tops off of all strawberries, creating a flat, stable base. Insert a toothpick or wooden skewer into the flat end of each strawberry to use as a handle. Place the skewered strawberries on a tray lined with parchment paper and chill in the refrigerator for approximately one hour. This ensures the chocolate sets quickly.
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Melt your chosen chocolate or candy melts. You can do this in the microwave (heating in 30-second bursts, stirring between each until smooth) or using a double boiler over simmering water. Make sure the chocolate is smooth and lump-free.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk. Add more milk (a few drops at a time) if needed, until the icing reaches a thick, yet spreadable, consistency.
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Take one Oreo cookie and spread a thin layer of the powdered sugar icing on its top surface. This creates a snowy base and acts as glue.
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Holding a chilled strawberry by its toothpick, dip it entirely into the melted chocolate. Gently shake off any excess chocolate to ensure a smooth coating.
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Immediately after dipping, sprinkle the chocolate-covered strawberry generously with your chosen nonpareils and candy sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet.
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Allow the chocolate to set quickly on the chilled strawberry. Once hardened, carefully remove the strawberry from the toothpick. Place the flat, cut end of the strawberry firmly onto the center of the prepared Oreo cookie, pressing gently to secure it with the icing.
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Carefully place a star sprinkle on the very top of each chocolate-covered strawberry to complete your festive Christmas tree.
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Repeat this delightful process for all remaining strawberries and Oreos until you have a beautiful forest of Strawberry Christmas Trees! Serve immediately or store as recommended.
Nutrition Information
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
More Festive Holiday Treat Ideas
Looking for more delightful treats to make your holiday table extra special? Here are some other festive recipes perfect for the season:
- Christmas Tree Cheese Platter: A savory and beautiful appetizer shaped like a Christmas tree.
- Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread: A warm, cheesy, and shareable bread that’s perfect for entertaining.
- Christmas Tree Rice Krispie Treats: Another fun and easy no-bake treat that kids will love decorating.
- Spiked Cherries: An adult-friendly treat for festive cocktails or desserts.
- Candy Cane Jello Shots: A fun, themed drink for grown-up holiday parties.
- Cornflake Christmas Wreaths: A classic no-bake cookie that’s nostalgic and easy to make.
We hope you have an absolutely joyful time making these **Chocolate Covered Strawberry Christmas Trees**! They are more than just a dessert; they’re a fun activity, a beautiful decoration, and a delicious addition to any festive celebration. Happy holidays and happy baking (or in this case, no-baking)!