Cute Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys: Perfect Dessert!

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys are about to become your new favorite Thanksgiving tradition! If you’re searching for a dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, then you’ve absolutely landed in the right place. I’m so excited to share how you can bring these incredibly charming and irresistibly delicious treats to your holiday table this year.

Forget complicated bakes and fussy preparations; this recipe is all about simple elegance and maximum impact. We all know and love the classic chocolate-covered strawberry, a timeless confection celebrated for its perfect balance of juicy fruit and rich, smooth chocolate. Now, imagine elevating that beloved treat with a whimsical, festive twist, transforming it into an adorable turkey figure that will capture hearts young and old. It’s a truly innovative way to celebrate the spirit of gratitude with something sweet and memorable.

While the idea of a turkey-shaped dessert is firmly rooted in our Thanksgiving celebrations, these Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys offer a fresh, modern approach to dessert artistry. They’re not just desserts; they’re conversation starters, edible decorations, and a wonderful activity to share with family. I find immense joy in creating treats that bring smiles, and this recipe certainly delivers on that promise. Get ready to add a burst of fruity freshness and decadent chocolate to your festive spread, making your holiday gathering truly unforgettable!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (approximately 20-24 large) fresh Strawberries: Choose large, firm, and blemish-free strawberries with their green leafy caps still intact. These will form the heads of our adorable Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys.
• 12 ounces Dark Chocolate or Milk Chocolate Melting Wafers/Chips: High-quality melting wafers are ideal as they melt smoothly and set firmly. You’ll need this for the main chocolate coating for your turkeys.
• 6 ounces White Chocolate Melting Wafers/Chips: This will be for any optional decorative accents or to add contrast to your turkey designs.
• 12-15 Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Cups (unwrapped): These delightful little candies will serve as the sturdy, delicious bodies for your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys. You’ll need one for each strawberry.
• 1-2 cups Candy Corn: A classic autumnal treat, candy corn will become the vibrant, colorful feathers of our turkeys. You’ll want plenty for a full, fanned look.
• 1/2 cup Mini Chocolate Chips: These are perfect for creating the eyes of your turkeys. You can also opt for edible googly eyes if you prefer.
• 1/2 cup Pretzel Sticks or Mini Pretzels: We’ll use these to fashion the little turkey feet, adding a nice salty crunch to balance the sweetness.
• Optional:
  • 1 tablespoon Shortening or Coconut Oil: To thin out the chocolate slightly if it’s too thick for dipping.
  • Orange or Yellow Sprinkles: For additional beak details or decorative flair.
  • Red Sprinkles or Tiny Red Candy Bits: For the wattle (the fleshy growth under the turkey’s chin), if you’re feeling extra detailed!
  • Edible Googly Eyes: For a quick and fun alternative to mini chocolate chips for the eyes.

Gathering Your Supplies and Prepping the Berries

Alright, my friends, before we dive into the delicious world of making Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys, let’s make sure we’ve got everything ready to go. A little prep work now means a much smoother and more enjoyable crafting experience later!

1. Prepare Your Workstation: First things first, clear a good amount of counter space. You’ll want to have easy access to all your ingredients and tools. Lay out a few sheets of parchment paper or wax paper on baking sheets. These will be crucial for letting your chocolate-covered strawberries and assembled turkeys set without sticking. I usually line two or three baking sheets just to be safe, giving myself plenty of room.
2. Wash and Dry Those Strawberries: This step is absolutely critical, so please, do not skimp on it! Gently wash all your fresh strawberries under cool running water. Be careful not to bruise them. Once washed, the most important part is to dry them thoroughly. Water and melted chocolate are not friends; even a tiny drop of water can cause your beautiful, smooth chocolate to “seize,” turning it into a grainy, unusable mess. I like to lay my strawberries out on a clean kitchen towel and gently pat them dry, then let them air dry for another 10-15 minutes, ensuring every last bit of moisture is gone. Their green caps should remain intact, as these will be the perfect little handles for dipping.
3. Unwrap Your Reese’s Cups: Go ahead and unwrap all of your Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Cups. We want them ready to go when it’s time for assembly. Trust me, trying to unwrap them with chocolate-covered fingers is a sticky situation you want to avoid!
4. Organize Your Decorating Candies: Place your candy corn, mini chocolate chips, pretzel sticks, and any other decorative sprinkles or candies into separate small bowls. This makes grabbing them quickly during the assembly phase incredibly easy and keeps your workspace tidy. Think of it as setting up a mini assembly line – efficiency is key when working with setting chocolate!

Melting the Chocolate: A Smooth Foundation for Your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys

Now for the heart of our creation – the chocolate! Achieving perfectly melted, smooth chocolate is essential for gorgeous Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys. There are a couple of ways to do this, and I’ll walk you through both of my favorites.

1. Preparing Your Chocolate:
   • For the main chocolate coating (dark or milk chocolate), place about 10 ounces of your chosen melting wafers or good quality chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl. If you’re using chocolate bars, chop them into small, uniform pieces first to ensure even melting.
   • In a separate, smaller microwave-safe bowl, place your 6 ounces of white chocolate melting wafers or chopped white chocolate.
   • If you plan to use a bit of shortening or coconut oil to thin your chocolate (which can make for a smoother, thinner coat), have it ready. A teaspoon at a time is usually sufficient.
2. Microwave Melting Method (My Go-To for Ease!):
   • Place your bowl of dark/milk chocolate in the microwave and heat on 50% power for 30-second intervals. After each interval, remove the bowl and stir the chocolate thoroughly with a rubber spatula. Even if it doesn’t look like it’s melting, stirring helps distribute the heat and prevents burning.
   • Continue heating and stirring in 15-20 second intervals (reducing the time as it gets closer to melting) until the chocolate is smooth and completely melted, with no lumps remaining. It should be fluid enough for dipping. Caution: Overheating chocolate can cause it to seize or burn, so gentle, slow heating is key.
   • Repeat this process with your white chocolate in its separate bowl. White chocolate can be a bit more finicky, so be extra cautious with heating times.
   • If your chocolate seems a bit too thick for dipping, you can stir in 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of shortening or coconut oil (not water!) until you reach your desired consistency. This helps create a thinner, glossy coat.
3. Double Boiler Method (For the Purists!):
   • If you prefer a more traditional method or don’t have a microwave, a double boiler works beautifully. Fill a saucepan with about an inch or two of water and bring it to a gentle simmer.
   • Place a heat-proof bowl (glass or metal) over the saucepan, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the simmering water.
   • Add your dark/milk chocolate to the top bowl. The steam from the simmering water will gently melt the chocolate. Stir continuously with a rubber spatula until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted.
   • Crucial Tip: Be incredibly careful that no steam or water gets into your chocolate. Water will cause it to seize immediately.
   • Carefully remove the bowl from over the saucepan once melted. Repeat the process for your white chocolate in a clean bowl.
4. Maintaining Temperature: Keep your melted chocolate warm enough to remain fluid, but not hot. If it cools too much, it will become too thick to work with. If it does, you can briefly reheat it using your chosen method, stirring well. We want a perfectly smooth, silky texture for our Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys!

Dipping the Strawberries: Creating the Turkey Body

This is where our beautiful strawberries transform into the main “body” of our Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys! Dipping is a simple yet satisfying step that lays the foundation for all the fun decorations to come.

1. Prepare for Dipping: Have your thoroughly dried strawberries ready, along with your baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Position your bowl of melted dark or milk chocolate within easy reach. If you want some white chocolate dipped strawberries, prepare that bowl too.
2. The Dipping Technique:
   • Holding a strawberry by its green leafy cap, carefully immerse it into the melted chocolate. Dip it almost all the way up to the leaves, ensuring a full, even coat. Don’t worry if a tiny bit of red peeks out right near the stem; this will be the “neck” area and won’t be visible once decorated.
   • Once fully coated, lift the strawberry out of the chocolate and gently rotate it, allowing any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. You can lightly tap the stem against the rim of the bowl to help shake off any extra drips. We’re aiming for a smooth, relatively thin, even coating.
   • Carefully place the dipped strawberry onto your prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Ensure there’s enough space between each strawberry so they don’t touch while setting.
3. Dip All Your Strawberries: Continue this process until all your strawberries have been beautifully coated in chocolate. If you’re using white chocolate for some, dip those in the separate bowl. Variety adds to the fun of your flock of Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys!
4. Setting the Chocolate:
   • Once all the strawberries are dipped, carefully transfer the baking sheet(s) to the refrigerator. Chilling them will help the chocolate set more quickly and firmly. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on how warm your chocolate was and the temperature of your fridge.
   • Important: Do not rush this step. The chocolate needs to be completely firm before you start adding decorations. If it’s still soft, your decorations will slide off, and that’s just a sad sight for a turkey! You want a solid, sturdy base for our Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys.
   • While the strawberries are chilling, you can clean up any chocolate drips from your bowls, ensuring you have enough melted chocolate remaining (or re-melt a small amount) for “gluing” the decorations later.

Assembling Your Adorable Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys

Now for the truly fun and creative part! This is where our simple chocolate-covered strawberries transform into the charming Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys we’ve been dreaming of. Get ready to play with your food – in the best way possible!

1. Prepare Your Assembly Station: Bring your firm, chocolate-covered strawberries out of the refrigerator. Have your unwrapped Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Cups, candy corn, mini chocolate chips, pretzel pieces, and any other decorative candies within easy reach. Make sure you have a small bowl of melted chocolate ready to act as your “glue.” A toothpick or a small spoon can be very helpful for applying tiny dabs of chocolate.
2. Attaching the Head to the Body:
   • Pick up one of your firm, chocolate-covered strawberries. This is the turkey’s head and body.
   • Take one unwrapped Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Cup. This will be the base for our turkey.
   • Dip the flat bottom of the chocolate-covered strawberry into your small bowl of melted chocolate, or apply a generous dollop of melted chocolate to the top center of the Reese’s Cup.
   • Gently press the flat bottom of the strawberry onto the melted chocolate on the Reese’s Cup. Hold it in place for a few seconds to allow the chocolate “glue” to start setting. The strawberry should stand upright on the Reese’s Cup.
   • Place this newly assembled “body” back onto your parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat for all your turkeys.
3. Creating the Feather Fan:
   • This is where our candy corn comes in to make those glorious turkey feathers!
   • Take a piece of candy corn. Dip the wider, white end of the candy corn into the melted chocolate.
   • Carefully press the chocolate-dipped end onto the back of the chocolate-covered strawberry, above where it meets the Reese’s cup. Position it so the colorful, pointed end of the candy corn sticks out like a feather.
   • Continue attaching candy corn pieces, slightly overlapping them, to create a fan-like “tail” of feathers for your turkey. You can use 5-7 pieces per turkey, depending on how full you want the tail to look. I love to make mine quite full and vibrant!
   • Pro Tip: Work quickly but carefully. If the chocolate glue starts to set, just add a fresh dab. You might need to hold each piece for a moment until it feels secure.
4. Adding the Turkey Face Details:
   • The Eyes: For the eyes, take two mini chocolate chips. Dip the flat, wider side of each chip into the melted chocolate, then gently press them onto the front of the strawberry, just below the green stem, where the “face” would be. Make sure they are relatively even and give your turkey a friendly gaze. If using edible googly eyes, just use a tiny dot of melted chocolate on the back and press them into place.
   • The Beak: For the beak, you have a couple of options. You can take a small, pointy tip from a piece of candy corn (you might need to break one carefully) and use a tiny dab of chocolate to attach it below the eyes. Alternatively, a single orange or yellow sprinkle can make a cute little beak.
   • The Wattle (Optional but Fun!): If you’re feeling ambitious, you can use a tiny red sprinkle or a very small piece of red candy to create the wattle, attaching it below the beak with another tiny dot of chocolate. This really adds to the character of your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys!

Giving Your Turkeys Feet and Finishing Touches

Our Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys are almost complete! Just a few more details to add, including some sturdy little feet, and then they’ll be ready for their grand debut.

1. Fashioning the Turkey Feet:
   • For the feet, we’re going to use our pretzel sticks or pieces of mini pretzels. These add a wonderful salty crunch that complements the sweet chocolate and strawberry.
   • Break pretzel sticks into smaller pieces, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches long, or use the small, straight segments of mini pretzels. You’ll need two pieces per turkey.
   • Dip one end of a pretzel piece into your remaining melted chocolate.
   • Gently press the chocolate-dipped end onto the front-bottom edge of the Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Cup base. Angle it slightly outwards, so it looks like a little turkey leg.
   • Repeat for the second leg, placing it next to the first, creating two distinct feet. Hold them in place for a moment until they feel secure. You want these little guys to stand tall!
   • Continue this for all your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys, ensuring each one has sturdy feet.
2. Optional White Chocolate Drizzles and Details:
   • If you melted white chocolate earlier, now is the perfect time to use it for extra artistic flair!
   • You can put the melted white chocolate into a small piping bag (or a ziploc bag with a tiny corner snipped off).
   • Use this to add fine lines or dots on the candy corn feathers for more texture, or to create a swirly pattern on the chocolate-covered strawberry body. You could even tint a small amount of white chocolate with food coloring (oil-based, not water-based!) to create orange or yellow accents for the beak or wattle.
   • These small details can truly make your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys unique and visually stunning.
3. Ensuring Security: After adding all the decorations, take a moment to gently check each turkey. Are the feathers secure? Do the eyes and beak feel firmly attached? Are the feet stable? If anything seems wobbly, add a tiny bit more melted chocolate “glue” and hold it in place for a few extra seconds. Patience here will prevent any turkey mishaps later on!

Chilling and Serving Your Delightful Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys

Congratulations, my dear kitchen artist! Your flock of charming Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys is almost ready for their grand reveal. Just a little more time to chill, and then they’ll be perfect for serving and delighting everyone!

1. Final Chill Time:
   • Once all your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys are fully assembled and decorated, carefully transfer the baking sheets back into the refrigerator.
   • Allow them to chill for at least 30-60 minutes, or until all the chocolate (both the coating and the “glue” holding the decorations) is completely firm and set. This is crucial for them to hold their shape and for all the delightful decorations to stay put.
   • A cold turkey (the dessert kind, of course!) is a happy, stable turkey!
2. Serving Suggestions:
   • Once thoroughly chilled and firm, gently lift your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys off the parchment paper. They should come off easily.
   • Arrange them beautifully on a platter or a festive serving tray. You can surround them with extra candy corn, autumn leaves, or other small decorative elements to enhance the holiday theme.
   • These make an absolutely adorable centerpiece for a dessert table, or you can serve them individually for a fun and personal touch. Imagine the smiles when your guests see these!
   • Remember, these are not just desserts; they’re conversation starters and a testament to your creative spirit.
3. Storage Tips for Freshness:
   • Because these are made with fresh strawberries, they are best enjoyed within 1-2 days of preparation.
   • Store any leftover Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help keep the strawberries fresh and prevent the chocolate from absorbing any fridge odors.
   • While they can last a little longer, the strawberries are at their peak freshness and juiciness in the first day or so.
   • Allow them to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture, as super cold chocolate can be a bit hard.
4. Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor:
   • Stand back and admire your handiwork! You’ve created not just a delicious treat, but a whimsical piece of edible art. The combination of juicy strawberry, rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and the playful crunch of candy and pretzels is simply irresistible.
   • Making these Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys is a fantastic activity to do with family, especially kids, during the holiday season. It’s a sweet, fun, and memorable way to celebrate and bring some joy to your table. Dig in and savor every delightful bite!

Conclusion:

Well, friends, we’ve reached the sweet finale of our culinary journey, and I genuinely hope you’re as excited as I am about the prospect of bringing these delightful treats to life. After walking through the steps, you can see that creating your very own “Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys” isn’t just about following instructions; it’s about crafting edible art that’s as charming to look at as it is delicious to devour. This recipe truly stands out as a must-try for so many reasons, and I’m confident it will become a cherished part of your holiday traditions, or simply a fun, whimsical treat to brighten any day.

Why is this recipe a non-negotiable addition to your baking repertoire, you ask? Firstly, the sheer visual appeal is undeniable. Imagine a platter filled with these adorable, feathered friends gracing your dessert table. They instantly spark conversations, elicit smiles, and add a touch of playful elegance that store-bought desserts simply can’t replicate. The vibrant red of the fresh strawberries peeking from beneath a rich coat of chocolate, adorned with those cheeky candy eyes and pretzel stick legs, creates a spectacle that’s both festive and incredibly inviting. Beyond their undeniable cuteness, the flavor profile is a classic for a reason: the crisp sweetness of a perfectly ripe strawberry harmonizes beautifully with the smooth, luxurious melt of good quality chocolate. It’s a combination that appeals to nearly everyone, making these turkeys an absolute crowd-pleaser.

A Treat for All Ages and Occasions

Moreover, the process itself is wonderfully accessible. You don’t need to be a seasoned pastry chef to achieve stunning results. It’s a fantastic project to tackle with kids, making for cherished memories as little hands help arrange candy feathers or carefully place tiny sprinkles. The joy of creating something so special with your loved ones is, in my opinion, just as rewarding as eating the final product. These aren’t just desserts; they’re an experience, a craft, and a delightful way to inject personality and fun into any gathering, especially during the autumn festivities when unique, themed treats are always a welcome sight. They offer that delightful homemade touch that makes any occasion feel more personal and warm, truly embodying the spirit of sharing and celebration.

Now, let’s talk about making these even more uniquely yours! While the classic rendition is absolutely perfect, don’t hesitate to experiment with variations. For a different flavor profile, consider using white chocolate for a lighter, sweeter coating, or even a dark chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage for a more intense, sophisticated bite. You could also experiment with milk chocolate, which provides a familiar, comforting sweetness that many adore. Instead of traditional candy corn for the beaks, perhaps a sliver of dried apricot or a tiny piece of orange zest could add a fresh twist. For the “feathers,” feel free to get creative with different types of sprinkles: rainbow nonpareils for a festive pop, chocolate sprinkles for an extra cocoa kick, or even finely chopped nuts like pecans or almonds to add a delightful crunch and rustic texture. You could even use small chocolate chips arranged in a fanned pattern for a more prominent feathered look, or even tiny colorful candy melts for a bolder, brighter display. Imagine an array of different colored Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys, each with its own unique personality!

Serving Suggestions to Impress

When it comes to serving, these whimsical creations are incredibly versatile. They make an unforgettable centerpiece on your Thanksgiving dessert spread, nestled amongst pies and cakes, instantly elevating your presentation. They also work wonderfully as individual party favors, perhaps presented in small cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon – a charming take-home treat that guests will adore. For a more casual setting, simply arrange them artfully on a large platter alongside other fresh fruits or a selection of cheeses for a delightful contrast. Pair them with a warm mug of spiced cider, a glass of sparkling wine, or a rich cup of coffee for the ultimate indulgence. They even hold up well if you need to transport them, making them perfect for potlucks or as a thoughtful, edible gift for friends and family. Their robust nature once chilled means less worry and more enjoyment, giving you one less thing to stress about when hosting or attending an event.

So, there you have it! My heartfelt plea for you to embrace the joy of making these Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys. They are simple, stunning, and simply irresistible. I truly believe that the best recipes are those that not only taste incredible but also bring people together and spark joy in the making. This recipe does all that and more. Don’t let this holiday season (or any season, for that matter!) pass without giving these adorable treats a try. Take the leap, get creative in your kitchen, and let your culinary imagination soar. Once you’ve whipped up your batch, please, please, please share your creations with me! I absolutely love seeing your interpretations and hearing about your experiences. Tag me on social media or drop a comment below. Your successes, your tweaks, and your delicious adventures are what inspire us all to keep baking and creating. Happy decorating, and even happier eating!

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