Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys Twist – A Whimsical Thanksgiving Dessert
There’s something so delightfully whimsical about taking a simple chocolate-covered strawberry and transforming it into a tiny turkey for Thanksgiving. These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys Twist are as adorable as they are delicious — combining the juicy sweetness of strawberries with a glossy layer of chocolate, crunchy pretzel “feathers,” and playful candy details. It’s the kind of dessert that instantly brings smiles to kids’ faces and sparks a few laughs among adults too. Whether you’re planning a family gathering, a school bake sale, or a festive holiday table, these cute little treats add the perfect touch of edible joy.
The best part? They’re shockingly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a little creativity, you can whip up a whole flock of these chocolate turkeys in under 30 minutes. The “twist” in this recipe adds a layer of personality — a touch of white chocolate drizzle, crushed cookie crumbs for “feathers,” or even a sprinkle of sea salt for that sweet-salty finish.
Imagine a platter of these sitting next to your pumpkin pie or apple crisp — a fun, modern way to bring some lighthearted charm to your Thanksgiving dessert spread.
Ingredients:
- 12 large fresh strawberries (washed and dried completely)
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or dark chocolate melts)
- ¼ cup white chocolate chips (optional, for drizzle)
- 24 pretzel sticks (for turkey “legs” and “feathers”)
- 12 mini orange candies (for beaks)
- 24 candy eyes
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (to smooth the chocolate)
- Crushed cookie crumbs (optional for “feathered” look)
- Parchment paper
Instructions:
- Prepare the strawberries. Wash and thoroughly dry all strawberries — any moisture can prevent the chocolate from sticking. Leave the green tops on; they’ll serve as cute little “turkey tails.”
- Melt the chocolate. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with the coconut oil in 30-second bursts, stirring between each until smooth and glossy.
- Dip the strawberries. Hold each strawberry by its green stem and dip it into the melted chocolate, covering about 90% of the fruit. Allow any excess to drip off, then place the dipped strawberry on a parchment-lined tray.
- Add the “turkey legs.” Before the chocolate hardens, stick two pretzel sticks into the bottom sides of the strawberry to resemble turkey drumsticks.
- Attach the face. Using a tiny dab of melted chocolate, attach candy eyes and an orange candy “beak” near the front.
- Decorate the feathers. Break pretzel sticks in half and gently press them into the back or sides of the strawberry to form “feathers.” You can also drizzle white chocolate over the top for a more textured look.
- Optional twist – cookie crunch. While the chocolate is still tacky, sprinkle crushed cookie crumbs over the top for an added layer of crunch and a realistic feathered effect.
- Chill to set. Place the tray in the fridge for about 15 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely firm.
- Serve and enjoy. Arrange on a festive platter and watch them disappear one by one!
Tips & Tricks:
- For the smoothest chocolate, don’t overheat it — short microwave bursts and stirring are key.
- Want shinier strawberries? Use tempered chocolate instead of simple melted chips.
- Try different chocolate bases — milk, dark, or even caramel-flavored melts.
- Add crushed nuts or toasted coconut for a crunchy feather texture.
Variations:
- Spiced Chocolate Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder to the melted chocolate for a hint of warmth and spice.
- White Chocolate Feathers: Dip the strawberry in dark chocolate, then drizzle or dip the back half in white chocolate for a fun two-tone turkey.
- Mini Turkeys: Use smaller strawberries and mini pretzel sticks for bite-sized treats.
- Cupcake Version: Top chocolate cupcakes with one strawberry turkey for a charming edible centerpiece.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys Twist
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash and dry strawberries completely.
- Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in the microwave until smooth.
- Dip each strawberry into melted chocolate, then place on parchment paper.
- Add pretzel sticks for legs and feathers before the chocolate hardens.
- Attach candy eyes and orange candies to form faces.
- Chill for 15 minutes to set, then serve.
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these on a dessert tray with other Thanksgiving sweets like pumpkin fudge or caramel apple slices. They’re also perfect as cupcake toppers or edible décor for a kids’ Thanksgiving party.
Pair them with a mug of hot cocoa or spiced apple cider for a cozy afternoon treat.
Storage Information:
Store the finished strawberries in a single layer in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Keep refrigerated and enjoy within 48 hours for best freshness and texture. Avoid stacking them, as it can cause the decorations to shift.
FAQ:
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them up to a day ahead. Just refrigerate and cover lightly with plastic wrap.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
No — frozen strawberries release too much water when thawed, which prevents the chocolate from sticking properly.
What can I use instead of candy eyes?
Mini chocolate chips or white icing dots make great substitutes.
History / Fun Facts:
Chocolate-covered strawberries first became a trend in the 1960s when they appeared in luxury dessert shops as a simple yet elegant treat. This playful “turkey twist” version combines that classic decadence with the fun, family-friendly spirit of Thanksgiving. It’s become a viral favorite on social media because it turns something simple into something irresistibly festive.
And just like that, a humble strawberry becomes a tiny turkey — proof that food can be art, laughter, and love all rolled into one sweet bite.
