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Cute holiday treats should be simple, tasty and totally photo ready. These chocolate covered strawberry reindeer check every box with juicy berries, glossy chocolate and easy candy faces. You dip strawberries, dust with cookie crumbs to resemble “fur,” and then add eyes and a cute candy nose. Little pretzel antlers finish the look. They’re quick to make, the ingredients are easy to find and the result gets smiles from everyone. Make a platter for parties or gift a box to friends.
Turn berries into chocolate covered strawberry reindeer with a quick dip, cookie crumb “fur,” candy eyes and pretzel antlers. They’re cute, easy and perfect for parties.
Also try chocolate peppermint meringue kisses, gingersnap eggnog jello pudding shots, chocolate covered cherries, or Rudolph the reindeer donuts.
Why You’ll Love It
Super easy: It’s simple to make Christmas chocolate covered strawberries and you only need a few ingredients. Apart from making melted chocolate, there’s no baking or cooking involved.
Undeniably cute: These fun reindeer chocolate dipped strawberries will appeal to everyone – they aren’t just for the kids!
Totally tasty: Pairing different textures, both smooth and crunchy, with sweet and savory flavors, these reindeer strawberries are certainly delicious.
Christmas Chocolate Covered Strawberries Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Strawberries: Fresh berries give juicy bite and a bright pop of color.
Semi sweet chocolate chips: Melt into a smooth shell with balanced sweetness.
Avocado oil: Thins the chocolate slightly for a cleaner dip.
Graham cracker crumbs: Light crunch that mimics “fur” and adds flavor.
Chocolate candy: Peanut butter M&M’s or similar make cute noses.
Mini pretzels: Provide the perfect antler shape with salty snap.
Candy eyes: Instant personality for each reindeer.
Extra chocolate chips: Melt for quick touch ups or drizzle.
How to Make Strawberry Chocolate Reindeer
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Melt the chocolate: Melt the chocolate chips with the avocado oil in the microwave.
Dip the berries: Dip strawberries in melted chocolate then arrange on wax paper or parchment paper (here) to set once the excess chocolate has dripping off.
Decorate the reindeer: Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs on them and stick on the candy eyes and red M&Ms, and push in the pretzels when the chocolate covered strawberries are set.
Substitutions and Variations
Gluten free option: Use gluten free graham crumbs and gluten free mini pretzels.
Milk chocolate shell: Swap semi sweet for a sweeter finish.
White chocolate reindeer: Dip in white chocolate and add a dark chocolate nose.
Flavor twist: Dust with cocoa or cinnamon sugar for a warm finish.
Color pop: Use red noses for Rudolph or mix candy colors for a playful tray.
Serving Suggestions
With a drink: Enjoy these paired with a festive cocktail such as Santa hat cocktails or chocolate martinis.
With other bites: You could pair these with gingerbread man cookies or Grinch sugar cookies. For something savory, this antipasto Christmas tree is a fun choice.
How to Store Chocolate Covered Strawberry Reindeer
Store: Leftovers will keep for a few days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Freeze: They don’t thaw out well since the fruit goes mushy inside the chocolate shell, as do the pretzels.
Top Tips
Dry completely: Any moisture makes chocolate seize or slide.
Work in batches: Dip a few berries, decorate, then move to the next set.
Mind warmth: Keep chocolate warm and fluid so coats stay smooth.
Match antlers: Break extra pretzels so you can pair similar curves.
Use parchment: Nonstick surface keeps the bottoms neat and shiny.
Reindeer Strawberries FAQs
The oil helps make the chocolate runnier and more easy to dip the strawberries. If you want to use another kind of oil or leave it out altogether, that’s fine. Just make sure the strawberries are completely dry before dipping, otherwise the chocolate will run off.
No, not for this recipe because the strawberries will be soft and a bit mushy when they thaw, so your reindeer’s faces won’t come out the right shape.
Chocolate Strawberry Reindeer Recipe
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Reindeer
Ingredients
- 1 Pound strawberries, fresh
- 1 Cup chocolate chips, semi-sweet, for melting
- 1 Teaspoon avocado oil, or coconut oil
- ¼ Cup graham cracker crumbs
- chocolate candies, such as peanut butter M&Ms
- 1 Cup mini pretzels
- candy eyes
Instructions
- Melt the chocolate chips with the avocado oil in a small mason jar in the microwave on 30 second intervals. Stir after every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Wash the strawberries, and pat them dry thoroughly.
- Dip the strawberries in the chocolate enough to coat them, and let the chocolate drip off for a few seconds. Place the strawberries on their side on a plate or sheet of parchment paper.
- Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over the melted chocolate, and while the chocolate is still wet, add the eyes and M&Ms.
- Break the corners of the mini pretzels off into curved shapes. (The pretzels should naturally break this way).
- Once the chocolate has set, push the pretzels into the strawberry on both sides to be antlers.
Notes
Work in batches: Dip a few berries, decorate, then move to the next set.
Mind warmth: Keep chocolate warm and fluid so coats stay smooth.
Match antlers: Break extra pretzels so you can pair similar curves.
Use parchment: Nonstick surface keeps the bottoms neat and shiny.
Nutrition
Super-cute and yummy too, you’ll definitely want to whip up some of these for Christmas this year. If you want a tray that stops traffic at cookie swaps, chocolate covered strawberry reindeer are sure to deliver on looks and taste. The process stays simple, the ingredients are pantry staples and just look at them – they’re pure fun! Juicy berries meet smooth chocolate, crumbs add a little crunch and pretzel antlers seal the reindeer look. Make a batch for school parties or set a platter next to hot cocoa.
Other Recipes to Try
- Add festive fun to your holiday spread with Reindeer Cookie Treats.
- Whip up a batch of Easy Reindeer Cupcakes for a quick and adorable dessert.
- Santa Cupcakes feature a sweet design that kids and adults alike will love!
- Transform classic treats into a special treat with Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats.
- And this fun Antipasto Christmas Tree is perfect for the holidays.
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
My family loved this recipe so much!! I’ll make this again soon!
Thanks for sharing this amazing recipe. My family loved it. I will be sharing this recipe with my friends too!