How to Make Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Turkeys

Updated: Nov. 09, 2023

We’ve all seen chocolate-covered strawberries, but what about chocolate-covered strawberry turkeys? Elevate your Thanksgiving table with this festive spin on a classic treat.

As someone who works at a cooking magazine, it’s probably no surprise that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love going all out on the desserts (check out my Turkey Cake from last year). When I came across this viral TikTok of chocolate-covered strawberry turkeys, I knew I had to create my own version. Sweet, salty and completely adorable, these treats are the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving dessert spread this year.

How to Make Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Turkeys 

Ingredients

  • 12 fresh strawberries
  • 1-1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
  • 2 teaspoons coconut oil, divided
  • 12 pretzel sticks
  • 24 miniature marshmallows
  • 1/4 cup white chocolate chips

Tools

  • Waxed paper: We love using waxed paper in the Test Kitchen as a nonstick surface to set chocolate and coated candies on. Once set, your treats will peel off with ease—and no mess!
  • Mini spatula: The small spatula from Taste of Home is the perfect size for stirring the melted chocolate.
  • Wooden skewers: Stab your strawberry onto a long skewer for easy dipping and a clean coating.

Directions

Step 1: Make the turkey legs

making turkey legs for chocolate covered strawberry turkeysTaste of Home

To make the legs of the turkey, you’ll need two basic ingredients: mini marshmallows and pretzel sticks. Start by snapping a pretzel stick in half, then slide a marshmallow onto the top of the pretzel to form the thigh. The marshmallows are already sticky so they adhere easily to the pretzel on their own. Repeat this process until you have 24 legs.

Step 2: Attach them to the strawberry

attaching turkey legs to strawberry for chocolate covered strawberry turkeysTaste of Home

Combine the milk chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon of coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium power until melted, stirring in between so all of the chips melt evenly.

Dip one half of each marshmallow in chocolate, then stick it to either side of the strawberry. Hold for a few seconds until the leg stays in place on its own, then transfer to a waxed paper-lined sheet tray to set completely.

Test Kitchen Tip: This step works best on a cold strawberry straight from the fridge; the colder the strawberry, the faster the chocolate will set.

Step 3: Dip strawberry in chocolate

dipping turkey into chocolate for chocolate covered strawberry turkeysTaste of Home

Stick a wooden dowel or toothpick into the top of each assembled strawberry, then dip entirely in chocolate, turning a few times to ensure its completely coated. Let the excess drip off, then return it to the waxed paper to harden.

Step 4: Dip feet in white chocolate

dipping chocolate covered strawberry turkey into white chocolateTaste of Home

Combine the white chocolate chips and remaining coconut oil; melt in the microwave until smooth. Once the dipped strawberries are hard to the touch, dip the ends of both turkey legs in the white chocolate and let set. This adds that extra finishing touch to take these turkeys over the top on cuteness.

Tips for Making Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Turkeys

chocolate covered strawberry turkeys on a white plateTaste of Home

How do you store chocolate covered strawberry turkeys?

If you don’t plan on eating your chocolate turkeys for a while, they are best kept in the fridge to prevent the chocolate from melting. You can either serve them cold, straight from the fridge, or take them out 10 minutes before eating so they’ll soften up slightly.

How far in advance can you make the turkeys?

These treats are best enjoyed the same day they’re made, but if you want to get ahead on Thanksgiving prep, make them the day before and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Learn more ways to prep Thanksgiving dinner in advance.

How do you get a smooth finish on the chocolate?

Adding the coconut oil to the chocolate helps give your chocolate that silky-smooth texture and shine without the hassle of tempering.