Little Boy #1 found this cute little Chocolate Covered Strawberry Christmas Tree project in his Clubhouse magazine this month. He begged to make them, and even though I knew I would be cleaning ground up sprinkles out of the my kitchen tile grout until next Christmas, I gave in because, well… it’s CHRISTMAS! #embracethemess #justhisonce
But really this was super fun to do with the boys and really didn’t get too out of control. I helped them each make a few trees one at a time, and I let them pick which color sprinkles and star they wanted to decorate with.
The little stars on top are from a local specialty candy store, and they really complete the look of the tree. I think you could find something similar in the baking supply section of a hobby store as well.
If you are not able to find them nearby, you can order them on Amazon. I only used the white ones for my trees, but the boys liked the colorful ones.
Toothpicks are a helpful tool when you are dipping and handling the strawberries before the candy coating has set. You’ll notice that I used a white icing on top of the Oreo to adhere the tree to it’s base.
You can simplify this step by just opening the Oreo and setting the tree on the frosting already inside. I had trouble separating the Oreos in a way that left all the frosting intact. Guess I didn’t have enough practice as a kid?
I would also recommend not planning on keeping these cute little guys around before eating them for more than a day. Because of the moisture in the strawberry, things can get a little soggy.
Take a peek and see how easy they are to make!
Another fun and easy idea to make with the kiddos is these Cinnamon-Sugar Snowflakes from my friend Jackie over at Happy Hooligans. Check them out!
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PinIngredients
- 12 ounces dark green candy melts (found at Amazon, Hobby Lobby or Michael’s)
- 1 pound of strawberries, stems removed
- 24 Oreo cookies
- White Icing
- Sprinkles
- Candy Stars (order them from Amazon)
Icing
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- Add water by the teaspoon and whisk until the desired consistency is reached. You want it to be thick like toothpaste.
Instructions
- Set a heat proof bowl over a small pot of simmering water on the stovetop (double boiler). Slowly melt the candy melts in the bowl, stirring occasionally. Do not allow moisture to come in contact with the candy.
- Spoon or pipe a small amount of icing onto the top of each Oreo. This will adhere the strawberry to the cookie base.
- Once candy melts are fully melted, turn the heat to low while you dip the strawberries using a toothpick inserted into the cut end.
- Shake off excess candy coating gently. Using a second toothpick inserted into the pointed end of the dipped strawberry, carefully place the strawberry on top of the icing on the Oreo.
- Decorate with sprinkles and a candy star while the candy coating is still wet. It will usually dry in about 10 minutes.
Notes
Adapted and inspired by Clubhouse magazine December 2014
Disclaimer: the links in this post for the candy melts and candy stars are Amazon affiliate links.
Katya @ Little Broken says
These are definitely one of the cutest christmas projects I’ve seen! My 6 year old would be all over this 🙂
Valerie | From Valerie's Kitchen says
Sweet, simple, and adorable! It’s so great to get those guys into the kitchen when they’re young. I have great big ones now that love to cook as a result. Good job, Mom 🙂
Linda says
This is a precious idea. I think I could make these. I’d love it if you shared these at Holiday Best with Tumbleweed Contessa.
Linda
http://www.tumbleweedcontessa.com/blog/holidaybest/
Ashley says
I think i can make these too they look delicious and adorable .
Christina @ Bake with Christina says
Oh my god these are seriously SO adorable! And a really awesome flavor combo! Pinned!
Nano in Sylmar says
These little Christmas trees are adorable. I read the “Directions” and where it says, Once you have melted the chocolates. . . . I don’t see chocolate in the Ingredients. Are the “dark green candy melts” chocolate?
Julie says
Thank you for pointing that out, I’ve fixed it in the recipe. I keep thinking of the candy melts as a “colored white chocolate” but I can see how this is confusing.
Maria says
They are not chocolate, no cocoa, but they do contain milk.
Vicky says
so is the candy melts cooking chocolate? If so how do you get green chocolate?
Julie says
Vicky, it tastes like a white chocolate, but they come already colored. Here’s a link to the kind I used. I’ve seen them at hobby stores, craft stores, and even Walmart. Very handy because adding food coloring to white chocolate will cause it to seize up, which is no fun! Hope that helps!
http://www.wilton.com/store/site/product.cfm?id=3E310BA7-475A-BAC0-56A52187494C6999&killnav=1
Lynn Hodgson says
You can buy them in all kinds of colours at our Bulk Barn stores.
Maria says
You can color white chocolate if you use an OIL based color. Any moisture added will cause it to seize so regular food coloring, icing coloring, etc will not work. If you can find powdered coloring that can also work. If you do happen to seize up your chocolate you can usually add a small amount of vegetable oil to it to smooth it out.
Chrystal says
Such a great idea. I have pinned this for next year. My boys would love to make these!
Julie says
Thanks Chrystal, they were so fun to make!
Iris says
Going to make these for family and friends
CHARLEEN WARREN says
I tried to subscribe to you recipes but couldn’t go thru
Marnan Whaley says
I love this and would love to do this with my two granddaughters but I’m wondering how hard it’s gonna be to find strawberries at that time of the year. I live in Maryland
Julie says
We are able to find strawberries in the grocery store year round here in Arizona, but I will admit they are sweeter in the summer.
Christine says
These little trees are so cute! I’m always looking for something new and different to bring to family events, my family is HUGR. Just a hint, the disc to melt to dip them in tastrd far better at the cake decorating or candy making stores then the Wilton’s that you can get at Walmart. Cake and candy stores also carry a large array of candy decorations so you may be able to find the stars and the sprinkles there at well
Also thought if a regular Oreos a bit much for you, they just came out with the Oreo thins, just putting in my two cents in, these are great!
Julie says
Great tips, thanks Christine!
Margaret Hopkins says
What kind of heavy cream (brand) did you use?
Julie says
Margaret, I can’t remember which brand of heavy cream I used, but I usually just buy whatever is on sale.
Mary Law says
I’m excited!
Ann says
Can these be frozen? Thank you!
Julie says
No I would not recommend freezing them. Once the strawberry stem is cut, it will start to become juicy and I think it would be a bit messy if you didn’t eat them the same day.
cherie says
could you make these like day before and still be good to eat not soggy? i wanted to do this with our seniors before our Christmas party so meeting to make day ahead
Julie says
I haven’t tried making them ahead of time so I’m not sure about that. I think the icing under the tree might get a little juicy from the cut strawberry. Hope this is helpful!
Barb Feinsinger says
I think if you wanted to make ahead of time, you might just dip the strawberries and add the sprinkles and star. Then leave them in the fridge and if they get juicy, you can dry them off and then on the next day, put them on the iced cookie.
Linda Albaugh says
So is the icing used just at the base to hold the toothpicks, Do I really need it?
Julie says
The toothpicks are just used to dip the strawberries in the candy coating. Once the strawberry is placed on the iced cookie, you will take the toothpick out and place the star on top. So the icing is just to give the strawberry something to stick to on the cookie, and sort of gives the appearance of snow.
Christy says
These would be adorable at Halloween time too as little Witch hats!!
SheriM says
I love the quick recipes you have..
Julie says
Thank you Sheri!
EULA MATTHEWS says
always like finding new, clever and easy recipes!
thanks!
Julie says
Thank you, so glad you found me!
Christina Enloe says
Can you use frosting instead of chocolate? I would love to make these with my grandkids, but I have one who has a severe aleragy to milk. So he can not have chocolate.
Julie says
Hi Christina, you could definitely try frosting. It might not be as smooth as chocolate, but then again, real Christmas trees really aren’t very smooth either :0)
Rita Torfs says
In Europe, the strawberries have no taste at all in december, and are very priced but I tried to replace them with shaped marshmellows, that works great too !
Julie says
Great idea, Rita!
Constance says
I like this idea but how is this done or can you purchase them and if so where?
Scott Fraser says
This looks good to eat and is there any chance of getting a Santa Claus in made of fruits???
Loretta says
Great ideas. Please put me on your email list. Thanks!!
Julie says
Thanks – I’ve added you.
Pat Grider says
I just want to know if I make them the day before my luncheon how do I
store them overnite?
Linda Dickson says
Love these ideas
Barb Feinsinger says
Darling idea.
Julie says
Thank you Barb!
Velma Johnson says
So cute. Can’t wait to make them
Julie says
Thanks Velma!
Ruth says
Would love to see photos and instructions on how to make Halloween hats rather than the very cute Christmas trees that I will definitely try at Christmas!
Thanks do much!
Linda M. says
what would you do for thanksgiving ?
Love the Christmas trees
Steph @MisplacedBrit says
VERY CUTE!!
You’ve done such a beautiful job with these 🙂
Julie says
Sweet of you to say so, Steph. Thanks for stopping by!
Bettie says
I am in total awe of your creativeness and the beauty we can enjoy with others!
Julie says
Thank you so much Bettie!
Maria says
I think these are really cute however you really need to change the name of them from “chocolate” covered to candy coated since the candy melts are NOT chocolate. Only the the light cocoa, dark cocoa and cocoa mint have any actual cocoa powder in them. The candy melts do contain milk for anyone with allergies. But again they are not chocolate!
Nirvana Farrag says
Hi Julie… I really love the idea that they are so easy to make . I am sure my daughter and I will enjoy making them for Christmas .
Please add me to your email list
Mathilde Sd says
This recipe is great !
But, I live in France (Paris) and we do not have the same stores ,plus, I can’t order it on amazon. Have you any idea of what I can remplace that specific “dark green candy melts” ?
Julie says
Hello there! I have heard (but have not tried) that you can color regular white chocolate with food coloring as long as it is oil based. Or, if you could find some green sanding sugar, you could dip them in chocolate and then dust them in the green sugar. Hope this is helpful. Prayers for your beautiful city!
Jennie says
Do these need to be refrigerated if I want to make the the night before?
Julie says
Hi Jennie – Yes, I think I would keep them refrigerated. Just a heads up, the strawberries (once cut and in contact with the sugar in the icing) will get a little juicy after a little while. We have only made these to enjoy on the same day, so I’m not sure how far in advance you can make them.
Maria R. says
I can’t wait to try this! What kind of sprinkles did you use? The sugar pearl sprinkles I use are usually large, and don’t vary in size. I like the way yours are small and big.
Julie says
I just mixed two different sizes of white nonpareils I had in the pantry. It was just a happy accident, but I like they way it turned out! I usually find they have a good selection of sprinkles at craft stores, like Michaels or Hobby Lobby.
Aimee says
These are adorable. I am going to try these with royal icing to coat the berries instead. Am also going to try a double-stuffed Oreo base.
Julie says
Good idea Aimee!
Ashley @ The Party Girl says
These are so adorable! Such a simple idea but would never have thought if it, thanks so much for sharing!
Julie says
Thanks Ashley!
Sharon says
It was so fun making these together at our Christmas dinner last night. Thanks so much for sharing your recipes with us! We all enjoyed it! 🙂
Julie says
That’s wonderful! Thank you!
Sharon Goodwin says
Could you please add me to your email list…….love to do projects with my two grandchildren…….ages two and six……..also, twins will be arriving at the end of November.
Thank you.
Rebecca | Let's Eat Cake says
These are so clever and cute! I love the little white stars on top 🙂
Jan Malcolm says
I live in Australia and have no idea what green candy is. Can you please let me know and do you know what else I can use?Jan.Jan
Julie says
Hello Jan! For this recipe I used Wilton Green Candy Melts. They are basically like white chocolate melting wafers that have already been colored. Here is a link to them so you can see what they are… https://www.amazon.com/Wilton-Green-Candy-Melts-12-Ounce/dp/B0061TXSU8/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1508941673&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=green+candy+melts&psc=1 I have seen some people try to use green colored frosting, but it doesn’t hold up and harden like the candy melts does. Adding coloring to plain white chocolate is tricky because it can cause it to seize up and become gritty. Hope this helps!
Wanda says
Do try double-stuffed oreo cookies. They are way easier to separate. I have used them for years to make my Christmas mice and they work great! Also refrigerating your creations overnight helps them stay firmer for the next day. Works for my mice!
Constance says
Love these little trees but has anyone used other options besides the strawberries for the trees since I would like to make these a few days ahead of time???