Transform your holiday gatherings with this adorable reindeer-themed chocolate-covered strawberries recipe! With only a few simple ingredients, you can effortlessly create sweet treats that are almost too cute to eat. Almost. These bite-sized delights are perfect for Christmas parties, impromptu get-togethers, or as a thoughtful hostess gift. Plus, they pair beautifully with festive drinks and offer a delightful surprise for your guests.The magic of this recipe lies in its ease and versatility. You can create these charming reindeer strawberries in no time, making them an excellent choice for busy holiday schedules. And if you’re looking to spread the cheer even further, be sure to check out our other festive delights, such as chocolate-dipped peppermint meringue kisses, gingersnap eggnog jello pudding shots, and Rudolf the reindeer donuts. These sweet treats are sure to bring joy to anyone who tries them!
Why You’ll Love Them
To create Christmas-themed chocolate-covered strawberries, you’ll need only a handful of ingredients and won’t have to worry about any baking or cooking beyond melting the chocolate. The process is remarkably straightforward. But don’t be fooled – this sweet treat is sure to delight both kids and adults alike with its adorable reindeer design and delightful combination of smooth, rich chocolate, crunchy textures, and complementary sweet and savory flavors.
How to Make This Holiday Season Favorite
To get started with this festive treat, you can refer to the printable recipe card for more detailed instructions including weights and measurements. To melt the chocolate, combine the chocolate chips with avocado oil in the microwave. Once melted, it’s time to dip the berries – simply coat fresh strawberries with the melted chocolate and place them on a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper to set once the excess has dripped off. Next, decorate your reindeer-themed treats by sprinkling graham cracker crumbs over the top and adding candy eyes and red M&Ms. Finally, once the chocolate-covered strawberries are set, use pretzels to create the antlers, giving your reindeer a playful finishing touch.
Substitutions and Variations
While omitting the graham cracker crumbs altogether or substituting with Christmas sprinkles can be a great alternative, feel free to experiment with different chocolate options as well. Semisweet chips are a popular choice, but you may also consider using white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even mixing and matching to offer a variety of flavor profiles. Additionally, if you’re looking for a dairy-free substitute for the avocado oil, coconut oil could be a suitable alternative.
How to Store Chocolate Covered Strawberry Reindeer
When it comes to storing leftover store-bought chocolates with pretzel centers, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Firstly, if you plan on keeping them for just a few days, an airtight container in the refrigerator is your best bet. However, when it comes to freezing these treats, it’s not the most ideal approach. The reason being that the fruit filling inside the chocolate shell tends to become mushy, and the same can be said for the pretzels. As a result, you may want to consider other storage options if you won’t be consuming them within a short period.
Reindeer Strawberries FAQs
When it comes to adding oil to melted chocolate, its primary purpose is to enhance the consistency of the mixture, making it easier to work with – particularly when dipping strawberries. However, if you prefer not to use oil or would like to substitute it with a different type, that’s perfectly acceptable. It’s crucial to ensure your strawberries are completely dry before coating them in chocolate, as excess moisture can cause the chocolate to run off. In terms of using frozen strawberries for this recipe, it’s best to avoid doing so. When thawed, the strawberries will become soft and mushy, which can compromise the overall appearance of the finished product. For instance, reindeer faces might not maintain their intended shape.
Chocolate Strawberry Reindeer Recipe
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Reindeer
Indulge in the whimsical charm of these strawberry reindeer treats, crafted with fresh strawberries, rich chocolate, and crunchy pretzel antlers. A delightful creation that requires mere 15 minutes of prep time and a total of 15 minutes to complete. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, this recipe yields a dozen scrumptious treats that are sure to impress.
Instructions
To create these decadent treats, start by melting the chocolate chips and avocado oil together in a small Mason jar in 30-second increments in the microwave. Stir after each interval until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency. Next, wash and thoroughly pat dry the strawberries to prevent any excess moisture from affecting the final product. Then, dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate until fully coated, allowing any excess to drip off for a few seconds. Place the strawberries on their side on a plate or sheet of parchment paper. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over the top and add the eyes and M&M’s. Allow the chocolate to set before moving on to the final step. Once hardened, use the curved edges of mini pretzels to create a natural ‘socket’ on either side of each strawberry. Simply press the pretzel into place once the chocolate has fully hardened, securing it in position.