Every year I make dipped strawberries at home. Usually, it is for Valentine’s day, but there are other occasions I will find a reason to enjoy some strawberries dipped in a bath of chocolate. Although dipping strawberries is a relatively easy process and recipe, there are tips you can follow to make them look pretty and last longer.
It took me a few years to master the perfectly dipped strawberry, but it was worth the patience. As easy as this process is for someone who makes them often, I get asked how I make mine frequently. Those candy companies aren’t making twenty bucks on half-dozen chocolate-dipped strawberry purchases for nothing! There is a reason they charge so much, and a reason people buy them.
They are good. And they are like artwork. Candy artwork.

TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST DIPPED STRAWBERRIES:
- Purchase the strawberries within 2-3 days before use. Make sure they aren’t too ripe (soft). A bright red (not dark red) with a white top, near the stem, is the best ripeness for dipping.
- Select strawberries that have the leaves still on them. This will make it easier for dipping and look best for presentation.
- Do not purchase strawberries from a refrigerated case or store them in the fridge. Room temperature strawberries are essential to avoid “sweating” after they are dipped.
- Wash strawberries immediately and allow them to air dry. I usually do this the day below I dip them, to allow enough drying time.
HOW TO DIP & DECORATE STRAWBERRIES:
- Choose a good quality dipping chocolate (Wilton’s candy melts work well!). If you’d like to double-dip the strawberries, select two different types of chocolate (typically I do a white and dark chocolate combo).
- You can purchase dipping tools to dip the strawberries, however, I generally I just hold the strawberry by the leaves to dip.
- Use a sheet pan, layered with parchment (or wax) paper, to let dipped strawberries dry.
- Start by melting chocolate in a glass measuring cup (this works best for me) or in a double-boiler or in a pan over hot water. Dip strawberry, pointed end down until emerged so that just a little bit of the red is still showing. Set on the lined sheet pan to dry.
- Adding a small amount of oil to the melted chocolate gives the melted chocolate a smoother, glazy texture and appearance.
- If you are doing a second dip with another chocolate, be sure that the first layer has had time to dry before dipping a second time.
- Do not refrigerate (to avoid the “sweating” the strawberries).

DECORATING DIPPED STRAWBERRIES OPTIONS:
There are a number of ways you can decorate chocolate-covered strawberries, you will want to make sure you sprinkle or drip the chocolate-covered strawberry with these options before the chocolate dries.
- Sprinkles (a variety of sprinkles can be used to add color or to fit a holiday theme)
- Chopped nuts (almonds and peanuts work well)
- Coconut flakes
- Crushed Oreos
- Crushed vanilla wafers
- Mini chocolate chips
- Kraft Caramel Bits (melted in the microwave and drizzled on)
- Crushed peppermint candies
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6 Comments
Kelly
Those look beautiful!
Georgia
I think you’ve answered my “sweaty” strawberry problem. I’ll have to try this again to surprise my husband! 🙂
Jamie
Oh good! I’m glad it’s a useful tip!
Breanne Barger
Dipped strawberries are so good. Never thought of adding extras like cookie crumbles. Great tip.
Jamie
Our kids like the Oreo cookie crumbles on them!
Sierra
Yum these look delicious!