Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Turkeys are the kind of festive novelty treat that make everyone at the table smile. Fresh strawberries are dipped in smooth chocolate, then decorated with pretzels, candy eyes, and peanut butter candies to resemble adorable miniature turkeys. They are fun to assemble, delightful to serve, and surprisingly simple despite their detailed appearance. I especially enjoy making them with children or as a lighthearted addition to a Thanksgiving dessert spread. Once, I even replaced the usual chocolate drizzle with melted almond bark mixed with a splash of almond milk, and the texture remained wonderfully glossy. These treats offer a perfect balance of fruity freshness and chocolate richness, making them an excellent alternative to heavier holiday sweets. If you want a recipe that is playful, creative, and certain to impress your guests, these Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Turkeys are the ideal choice.
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Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Turkeys – A Charming, Whimsical Holiday Treat
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 20 strawberry turkeys
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Adorable chocolate-dipped strawberry treats decorated to look like tiny Thanksgiving turkeys—fun, festive, and perfect for holiday dessert tables.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh strawberries
- 1 1/2 cups milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup orange candy melts (or colored white chocolate)
- 1/4 cup yellow candy melts (optional)
- Mini candy eyes
- Pretzel sticks or mini pretzels (optional for tail feathers)
Instructions
- Wash and fully dry the strawberries, leaving stems intact.
- Melt the milk chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate and place on a parchment-lined tray to set.
- Melt the white chocolate and spoon or pipe it onto the back of each strawberry to form the “turkey body feathers.” Allow to set.
- Melt the orange candy melts and pipe small beaks onto the front of each strawberry.
- Add mini candy eyes above the beak while the chocolate is still soft.
- Pipe small orange or yellow feet at the base if desired.
- Let strawberries rest until all details are fully set, then serve.
Notes
- Make sure strawberries are completely dry or chocolate will not stick.
- Use a toothpick for precise piping if you don’t have a decorating bag.
- Store in the refrigerator and serve within 24 hours for best texture.
- Add pretzel pieces to the back for a more detailed tail.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Strawberries
Strawberries form the base of each turkey, providing natural sweetness and a fresh, juicy contrast to the chocolate coating.
Chocolate (Milk, Dark, or White)
Melted chocolate coats the strawberries, creating a smooth, flavorful shell that helps hold the decorations in place.
Mini Pretzel Twists
Pretzels create the turkey “tail feathers,” adding both visual charm and a salty crunch that complements the sweet components.
Candy Eyes
Candy eyes instantly bring personality to each turkey, making them playful and expressive.
Peanut Butter Candies or Mini Chocolate Candies
These candies form the turkey’s beak and wattle, offering a burst of color and a fun finishing touch.
Candy Melts or Colored Icing
Used for attaching the eyes and beaks and for adding detail, these melts act like edible glue.
Vegetable Oil or Coconut Oil (Optional)
Adding a small amount helps achieve a smoother, shinier chocolate coating if needed.
Salt (Optional)
A tiny pinch of salt intensifies the sweetness and complements the chocolate and pretzels.
Sprinkles (Optional)
Sprinkles can be used for added texture and flair, especially on the pretzel tails.
Directions
Begin by washing and thoroughly drying the strawberries—any moisture will prevent the chocolate from adhering properly. Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate in short intervals, stirring between each burst until smooth. If desired, add a touch of vegetable or coconut oil to help thin the chocolate and create a glossy finish.
Hold each strawberry by the leafy top and dip it into the melted chocolate, ensuring an even coating. Allow any excess to drip off before placing the berry onto the prepared sheet. While the chocolate is still soft, attach mini pretzel twists behind each strawberry to form tail feathers. Press them gently into place so they adhere as the chocolate sets.
Next, use a small amount of melted candy melts or icing to affix the candy eyes on the front. Add a peanut butter candy or small chocolate candy for the beak, and a second smaller piece for the wattle. Once all decorations are secure, allow the strawberries to rest until the chocolate hardens completely. Chill briefly in the refrigerator if needed. Serve arranged on a platter for a charming centerpiece.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
Makes approximately 12 strawberry turkeys.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Setting time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store the finished treats in a single layer in the refrigerator for up to two days. Avoid stacking, as the decorations can shift. These treats do not require reheating and are best served chilled.
Variations and Customizations
Use White Chocolate
White chocolate gives a brighter appearance and pairs wonderfully with fresh strawberries.
Make Them Dairy-Free
Use dairy-free chocolate chips and allergy-friendly pretzels for an inclusive version.
Add a Caramel Drizzle
A light caramel drizzle over the set chocolate adds richness and flair.
Create Colorful Tails
Dip the pretzels in colored candy melts before assembling for vibrant turkey feathers.
Add Crushed Nuts
A sprinkle of crushed pecans or almonds on the tail area creates rustic texture.
Use Mini Marshmallows
Cut marshmallows can replace candies for softer facial features.
Try Flavored Chocolates
Mint chocolate or orange-infused chocolate adds seasonal interest.
Make a “Family” Display
Use different sizes of strawberries to create small and large turkeys.
Swap Pretzels
Use chocolate-covered pretzels for an extra-indulgent variation.
Add Edible Glitter
A touch of edible glitter adds a festive sparkle without affecting flavor.
FAQs
Do the strawberries need to be completely dry?
Yes, any moisture prevents the chocolate from sticking properly.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
No, they release moisture as they thaw, making the chocolate slip off.
How can I thin the chocolate?
Add a teaspoon of vegetable or coconut oil during melting.
Can I use chocolate chips?
Yes, chocolate chips melt well and can be used with a bit of oil.
How long do they last?
Up to two days when stored in the refrigerator.
Can I prep them in advance?
Yes, but prepare them no more than 24 hours ahead for optimal freshness.
Can I use something else for the feathers?
Yes, graham crackers or chocolate wafers can be cut into shapes.
Do I need special icing?
Candy melts or simple store-bought icing work perfectly as edible glue.
How do I keep the pretzels from falling off?
Attach them while the chocolate is still soft so they set in place.
Can children help make these?
Yes, this recipe is ideal for family-friendly kitchen activities.
Conclusion
Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Turkeys are a delightful, whimsical treat that blends creativity with simple ingredients. Their fresh, fruity center wrapped in chocolate makes them lighter than traditional holiday desserts, yet no less festive. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, they offer a charming way to bring joy and personality to your holiday table. Whether served as a dessert, displayed as edible décor, or enjoyed as a fun kitchen project, these little turkeys always inspire smiles.
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