Valentine Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Plump, juicy strawberries dipped in luxuriously smooth dark chocolate, dressed up with crunchy, sweet, or salty toppings. Perfect for Valentine’s dates, Galentine’s gifts, or treating yourself! Naturally gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 12 medium strawberries fresh, with stems! Look for bright red + fragrant
- 1 cup high-quality dark chocolate chopped bar or chips—see notes below
- 1 tsp coconut oil or vegetable shortening optional but HIGHLY recommended
Toppings of choice:
- Crunchy: Crushed pistachios pretzels, or toasted coconut
- Sweet: Rainbow sprinkles mini chocolate chips, or crushed freeze-dried fruit
- Fancy: Edible gold flakes rose petals, or sea salt flakes
Instructions
- Prep the Berries:
- Rinse strawberries under cold water, then pat obsessively dry with paper towels. Even a little moisture = chocolate disaster.
- Let berries sit at room temp for 30 mins (cold strawberries cause “sweaty” chocolate later).
- Melt the Chocolate:
- Microwave method: Combine chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second bursts, stirring vigorously between each round. Stop when 90% melted—stir to finish!
- Stovetop method: Use a double boiler. Simmer 2" of water, place bowl on top (don’t let it touch water!), and stir until smooth.
- Dip & Decorate:
- Hold a strawberry by the stem and dip it ¾ into the chocolate. Swirl gently to coat.
- Let excess drip off (tap your wrist lightly over the bowl).
- Immediately roll in toppings or place on parchment paper. Repeat!
- Chill & Set:
- Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes. Don’t skip this—warm chocolate smudges!