Strawberry Christmas Trees Recipe
Introduction
These Strawberry Christmas Trees are a festive and delicious holiday treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Fresh strawberries dipped in green candy melts, adorned with colorful sprinkles and topped with a star candy, create a charming edible decoration perfect for any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries (about 18 large strawberries, plus extra just in case)
- 24 ounces dark green candy melts (two 12-ounce packages)
- 18 frosted oatmeal cookies
- ¼ cup multi-colored nonpareils
- 18 yellow star candies
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse the strawberries gently and pat them dry. Slice a thin, clean piece off the base of each strawberry to remove the stem and create a flat base, allowing the strawberry to stand upright like a tree.
- Step 2: Set up a double boiler by placing candy melts in the top pan over simmering water. Stir frequently until the candy melts are fully melted and smooth. Carefully remove the pan from heat and dry the bottom with a towel.
- Step 3: Using a toothpick or fork, dip each strawberry into the melted candy, then gently tap off any excess coating.
- Step 4: With a clean fork, lift the coated strawberry and place it in the center of a frosted oatmeal cookie. For extra stability, you can place a small dollop of melted candy on the cookie before setting down the strawberry.
- Step 5: While the candy coating is still wet, sprinkle multi-colored nonpareils over the strawberry for ornaments. Place a yellow star candy on top as the tree topper.
- Step 6: Reheat the candy melts as needed to keep them smooth and easy to dip throughout the process.
Tips & Variations
- For a different look, try using white or milk chocolate candy melts tinted with green food coloring.
- If you don’t have frosted oatmeal cookies, graham crackers or simple sugar cookies work well as a stable base.
- Use mini chocolate chips or small candies instead of nonpareils for decorating the “ornaments.”
- Make sure strawberries are thoroughly dry before dipping to help the candy coating stick better.
Storage
Store the finished Strawberry Christmas Trees in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. Avoid storing for too long as the strawberries may release moisture and soften the candy coating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these strawberry trees ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare these up to a day in advance and keep them refrigerated. For best results, serve within 24 hours to maintain freshness and crunch.
What if I don’t have a double boiler?
You can melt candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl in short 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Be careful to avoid overheating to prevent burning.
PrintStrawberry Christmas Trees Recipe
Delight your holiday gatherings with these charming and festive Strawberry Christmas Trees. Fresh strawberries are dipped in luscious dark green candy melts, decorated with colorful nonpareils, topped with a yellow star candy, and elegantly perched on frosted oatmeal cookies for a delightful and easy-to-make holiday treat perfect for all ages.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 18 Strawberry Christmas Trees 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Melting and Dipping
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Fruits and Cookies
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries (about 18 large strawberries plus extra for safety)
- 1 package frosted oatmeal cookies (need 18 cookies)
Candy and Decorations
- 24 ounces dark green candy melts (two 12-ounce packages)
- ¼ cup multi-colored nonpareils
- 18 yellow star candies
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries: Rinse the strawberries gently under cold water and pat them dry carefully with paper towels. Slice a small portion off the base of each strawberry to remove the stem and create a flat surface for stable placement as the tree base.
- Melt the Candy: Set the candy melts in the upper section of a double boiler and place over simmering water. Stir frequently until smooth and fully melted. Remove from heat and dry the bottom of the pan thoroughly to prevent water from dripping into the candy.
- Dip the Strawberries: Using a toothpick or fork, dip each strawberry into the melted candy ensuring full coverage. Gently tap off any excess candy to avoid drips and uneven coating.
- Place on Cookies: Optionally, place a small dollop of melted candy on the center of each oatmeal cookie to act as a glue. Then, carefully transfer the coated strawberry onto the cookie using a second fork or your fingers, positioning it upright.
- Decorate the Trees: Quickly sprinkle multi-colored nonpareils over the wet candy coating to mimic Christmas lights and decorations. Top each strawberry with a yellow star candy to serve as the tree topper while the coating is still soft.
- Set and Reheat as Needed: Allow the candy coating to harden completely at room temperature. If the candy melts begin to thicken during decorating, reheat gently using the double boiler method to maintain a smooth, dippable consistency.
Notes
- Ensure strawberries are thoroughly dried before dipping to help the candy coating adhere properly.
- Use a clean towel to dry the bottom of the double boiler pan to avoid water seizing the candy melts.
- Work relatively quickly when decorating as the candy coating hardens fast at room temperature.
- Store finished treats in a cool, dry place and consume within 2 days for best freshness.
- You may substitute yellow star candies with small yellow sprinkles or edible glitter for variety.
Keywords: strawberry Christmas trees, holiday dessert, candy melts, festive treats, Christmas recipe
