Festive New Year’s Chocolate Covered Strawberries: Your Ultimate Party Treat
Don’t forget the chocolate covered strawberries for your New Year’s Eve party this year! Usher in the new year with this festive sweet treat that’s both elegant and incredibly simple to prepare. As the clock ticks down to midnight, there’s no better way to celebrate new beginnings than with a touch of sweetness and sparkle. These decadent, juicy berries enrobed in smooth chocolate are a guaranteed crowd-plepleaser, adding a touch of sophistication to any celebration.
New Year’s Eve is all about celebration, joy, and looking forward to what the future holds. And what’s a celebration without a truly memorable dessert? While fireworks light up the sky and champagne flutes clink, these dazzling chocolate-covered strawberries will capture the hearts (and taste buds) of your guests. They are not only visually stunning but also offer a delightful burst of fresh fruit paired with rich chocolate, making them a balanced and satisfying sweet treat.
Why These New Year’s Chocolate Covered Strawberries Are a Must-Make
Chocolate covered strawberries are inherently simple to make, yet they exude an air of gourmet luxury. This recipe takes that natural elegance and elevates it with a quick switch of colors and festive embellishments, transforming an already amazing dessert into a New Year’s Eve themed treat that truly sparkles. Here’s why this recipe should be at the top of your party prep list:
- Effortlessly Elegant: Despite their sophisticated appearance, these berries are incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and fuss.
- Customizable for Any Theme: While we’re focusing on New Year’s Eve with white and gold, you can easily adapt the colors and sprinkles for any holiday or occasion.
- Perfect Texture Every Time: Our preferred method of using a double boiler for melting chocolate helps prevent clumping and ensures a silky-smooth, perfectly tempered coating. This technique is key to achieving that professional finish.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The timeless combination of sweet, juicy strawberries and rich chocolate is universally loved, making them a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
- Quick to Prepare: With just a few steps, you can create a stunning dessert in under an hour, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities.
How to Make Dazzling New Year’s Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Creating these festive delights is a straightforward process, but a few key techniques will ensure your strawberries are picture-perfect. From selecting the right berries to melting your chocolate flawlessly, we’ll guide you through each step. Remember, precision in preparation leads to perfection in presentation!
This recipe and step-by-step photos are all available on my original recipe for Chocolate Covered Strawberries. You can print out the recipe below as well, but if you want visual aids, please go to the original post.
Selecting and Preparing Your Ingredients
The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the final taste and appearance of your chocolate-covered strawberries. Choose fresh, firm, and vibrant red strawberries. Look for berries that are roughly the same size for a consistent presentation. For the chocolate, a good quality white chocolate provides a neutral canvas for festive colors, while gold candy melts specifically offer that quintessential New Year’s sparkle. You can also experiment with dark or milk chocolate for different flavor profiles.
When it comes to decorations, the sky’s the limit! Coarse sugar adds a glistening effect, while decorator gel allows for intricate designs. A variety of decorative sprinkles, nonpareils, and jimmies in gold, silver, black, or white will instantly elevate your strawberries to a celebratory level. Consider edible glitter for an extra touch of glamour.
Essential Equipment for Success
Having the right tools makes the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Double boiler or a homemade setup: Crucial for gently melting chocolate without scorching. A heat-proof glass bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water works perfectly.
- Saucepan: For the simmering water in your double boiler setup.
- Sheet pan: To hold your dipped strawberries while they set.
- Parchment paper or waxed paper: To line the sheet pan, preventing sticking and making cleanup a breeze.
- Wooden skewers: These act as convenient handles for dipping the strawberries.
- Small bowls: For your melted chocolate and various sprinkles.
Enjoy your New Year’s Eve responsibly, and let these sweet treats add to the joy!
More New Year’s Eve Recipes to Complete Your Celebration
Looking for more delicious ideas to round out your New Year’s Eve menu? We’ve got you covered with a selection of appetizers and cocktails that are sure to impress your guests:
- Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies: A savory and irresistible bite-sized appetizer.
- Shrimp Cocktail: A classic and elegant starter that never goes out of style.
- French 75: A sophisticated champagne cocktail perfect for toasting.
- Fizzy Julep: A refreshing and sparkling drink option.
- New Year’s Champagne Cocktails: A variety of bubbly concoctions to welcome the new year.
I love to bake and cook and share my kitchen experience with all of you! Remembering to come back each day can be tough, that’s why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe and start receiving your free daily recipes!
New Years Chocolate Covered Strawberries
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries (approximately 18-20 evenly sized strawberries)
- 12 oz white chocolate (high quality recommended for best results)
- 12 oz gold candy melts (or other festive color like silver or black)
Optional Decorations
- Coarse sugar (for a sparkling effect)
- Decorator gel (for fine lines and patterns)
- Decorative sprinkles (in festive colors)
- Nonpareils (small, round sprinkles)
- Jimmies (elongated sprinkles)
Things You’ll Need
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Double boiler (or a heat-proof glass bowl and a saucepan)
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Saucepan
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Sheet pan
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Wooden skewers
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Parchment or Waxed Paper
Before You Begin: Pro Tips for Perfect Chocolate
Microwaves will do the job, but they can be tricky. Chocolate continues to cook after you take it out of the microwave. Therefore, if you microwave it until it is completely melted, you run the risk of scorching it. If you are microwaving your chocolate, start with one minute on high, then stir thoroughly. Then continue cooking in short 20-second intervals on MEDIUM POWER, stirring well after each, until almost melted. Remove it from the microwave and stir, stir, stir until all the pieces have melted and the chocolate is perfectly smooth. This residual heat will finish the job.
The chilled sheet pan is an essential step that will help the chocolate begin to harden and set almost immediately as you place the strawberry onto it, preventing pooling and ensuring a neat, firm coating.
Instructions
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Prepare Your Workstation: First, line a sheet pan with waxed or parchment paper. Place this lined pan in the freezer to chill thoroughly. This step is crucial for the chocolate to set quickly and beautifully. While the pan chills, gently wash your strawberries and pat them completely dry. Moisture is the enemy of melted chocolate! Insert a wooden skewer into the stem end of each strawberry, creating a handle for easy dipping.
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Set Up Melting Bowls: Place the white chocolate and gold candy melts into separate glass or other heat-proof bowls. Ensure the bowls are clean and completely dry.
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Melt the Chocolate: Pour about 2 inches of water into two saucepans and bring them to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, turn off the heat to prevent overheating the chocolate. Carefully set the bowls of chocolate and candy melts over the warm water (ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water). Stir the chocolate gently and continuously until it is completely smooth and free of lumps.
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Retrieve Chilled Pan: Once your chocolates are melted and smooth, remove the sheet pan from the freezer. Work quickly to keep it cold.
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Dip the Strawberries: Holding a strawberry by its skewer handle, dip the fruit into one of the melted chocolates. Submerge it almost completely, leaving a small portion of the strawberry visible near the stem for a nice contrast. Lift the strawberry and gently turn it, allowing any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. This ensures a clean, even coating.
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Place on Pan: Carefully place the dipped berry onto the chilled, lined sheet pan. Repeat this process with the remaining strawberries, alternating between white chocolate and gold candy melts, or dipping them all in one color before moving to decorations.
Decorating Options for New Year’s Sparkle
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Drizzle Designs: For an elegant look, dip a fork into a contrasting melted chocolate/candy melt (e.g., gold drizzle on white chocolate, or white drizzle on gold) and drizzle it artfully over the freshly dipped strawberries. You can create intricate zigzags or simple, delicate lines.
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Half-Dipped Glamour: After the first layer of chocolate has slightly set, dip one half of the chocolate-covered strawberry into a colored candy melt for a two-toned effect. This creates a bold and festive statement.
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Sprinkle Roll: Roll freshly dipped strawberries into a shallow bowl of colorful sprinkles or decorator sugar. Press gently to ensure even adhesion.
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Sparkling Dust: Sprinkle freshly dipped strawberries with sprinkles, nonpareils, or edible glitter immediately after dipping, while the chocolate is still wet. This allows the decorations to adhere perfectly.
Chill and Serve
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Set the Chocolate: Place the decorated strawberries in the refrigerator to set for about 15 minutes. This chilling time helps the chocolate firm up quickly. Once set, remove them from the refrigerator. If left in for too long, the strawberries might “sweat” when brought to room temperature, which can affect the chocolate’s appearance. They are best served at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Serving)
Tips for Success & Troubleshooting
- Dry Strawberries Are Key: Ensure your strawberries are absolutely dry after washing. Even a tiny drop of water can cause your melted chocolate to seize and become clumpy.
- Don’t Overheat Chocolate: Patience is a virtue when melting chocolate. Use low, indirect heat, especially with white chocolate, which is more prone to scorching.
- Room Temperature Serving: For the best flavor and texture, serve chocolate-covered strawberries at room temperature. The chocolate will be firm, and the strawberries will be juicy and flavorful.
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover strawberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. While they are best enjoyed fresh, they will still be delicious.
- Re-melting Chocolate: If your chocolate starts to harden in the bowl, you can gently reheat it over the simmering water (or in short microwave bursts) until it’s smooth again.
Creative Variations & Serving Suggestions
While the white and gold theme is perfect for New Year’s, don’t hesitate to get creative with your chocolate-covered strawberries:
- Chocolate Choices: Experiment with dark chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor, or milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier coating. You can even create a swirl effect by partially dipping in one chocolate, then drizzling with another before it sets.
- Flavor Boost: Add a tiny drop of food-grade extract to your melted chocolate for an extra flavor dimension – peppermint, almond, or orange extracts work beautifully.
- Additional Toppings: Beyond sprinkles, consider finely chopped nuts (pistachios, almonds), shredded coconut, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even a sprinkle of sea salt flakes on dark chocolate.
- Elegant Presentation: Arrange your finished strawberries on a tiered serving platter for a stunning display. You can also place individual berries in mini cupcake liners for easy handling by guests. For a thoughtful gift, package them in a decorative box.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying chocolate-covered strawberries:
- How long do chocolate-covered strawberries last?
- They are best consumed within 1-2 days. After that, the strawberries may start to release moisture, which can affect the chocolate’s texture and appearance.
- Can I make them ahead of time for a party?
- Yes, you can make them a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just be sure to take them out about 15-30 minutes before serving to let them come closer to room temperature for optimal flavor.
- Can I use frozen strawberries?
- No, frozen strawberries are not recommended for dipping. When thawed, they release too much water, which will prevent the chocolate from adhering properly and make the berries soggy.
- What if my chocolate seizes (becomes thick and lumpy)?
- Seized chocolate is usually due to moisture (even a tiny drop!) or overheating. If it seizes, you can sometimes rescue it by stirring in a small amount (1 teaspoon at a time) of vegetable oil or shortening until it becomes smooth again, but the texture might not be as perfect.
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.