Description
These Patriotic Chocolate Covered Strawberries are a simple, festive, and delicious treat, perfect for 4th of July, Memorial Day, or any patriotic celebration. Fresh strawberries are dipped in blue candy melts and decorated with white star sprinkles for an easy and eye-catching dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 24 fresh strawberries, rinsed and completely dried
- 12 ounces royal blue or dark blue candy melts (See Notes)
- 3 ounces white star sprinkles (or red, white, and blue sprinkles)
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Rinse the strawberries and thoroughly dry them with paper towels. Any moisture on the strawberries will prevent the candy melts from adhering properly.
- Melt Candy Melts: Place the blue candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl (a deep, narrow bowl or a glass measuring cup works well for dipping). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the candy melts are completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat.
- Dip Strawberries: Holding a strawberry by the stem (or by carefully grasping the leaves), dip it halfway into the melted blue candy coating, leaving some of the red part of the strawberry exposed.
- Remove Excess Coating: Gently lift the strawberry out of the melted candy, allowing any excess coating to drip back into the bowl. You can gently tap the strawberry against the side of the bowl to help remove excess.
- Place on Wax Paper: Place the dipped strawberry on a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper.
- Add Sprinkles: Immediately, while the candy coating is still wet, sprinkle white star sprinkles (or other sprinkles) over the blue-coated portion of the strawberry. You can create a pattern (like a circle) or simply sprinkle them randomly.
- Repeat: Repeat steps 3-6 with the remaining strawberries.
- Let Set: Allow the chocolate-covered strawberries to sit at room temperature until the candy coating is completely set and hardened.
- Serve or store
Notes
- Candy Melts: Use royal blue or dark blue candy melts for the best patriotic color. You can find candy melts at most craft stores, baking supply stores, or online. Do not substitute chocolate chips. Candy melts are specifically formulated for melting and coating.
- Melting Candy Melts: Microwave in short intervals and stir well after each interval to prevent overheating and scorching. If the candy melts become too thick, you can add a tiny amount of vegetable shortening or paramount crystals (1/2 teaspoon at a time) to thin them out. Do not add water.
- Drying Strawberries: It’s crucial that the strawberries are completely dry before dipping them. Any moisture will cause the candy coating to seize up and become grainy.
- Sprinkles: You can use white star sprinkles, red, white, and blue sprinkles, or any other festive sprinkles you like.
- Serving Suggestions: These chocolate-covered strawberries are a delicious treat on their own, or you can serve them as part of a dessert platter.
- Storage: Store the chocolate-covered strawberries in an airtight container at room temperature, with a layer of wax paper placed directly over the strawberries to protect them. They are best served the day they are made, but can be stored for up to 24 hours. Do not refrigerate, as this can cause condensation and make the candy coating sticky.