Chocolate Turkeys: The Perfect Thanksgiving Treat

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These chocolate turkeys are the ideal Thanksgiving dessert for several reasons:

1. Easy to Make: With only a handful of ingredients and simple steps, even kids can join in on the fun of creating these cute treats.
2. Adorable Presentation: Their unique look – with strawberry bodies, marshmallow heads, and pretzel legs – makes them a standout addition to your dessert spread.
3. Delicious: A combination of fresh fruit, chocolate, and candy creates the perfect balance of sweet and crunchy.
4. Customizable: You can easily adjust the chocolate coating or swap out the toppings to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.

Ingredients

• Fresh strawberries
• Semi-sweet or milk chocolate (melted)
• Mini marshmallows
• Pretzel sticks
• Candy eyes (optional)
• Orange frosting or colored icing for the beak
• Red frosting or colored icing for the waddle

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Strawberries: Wash and dry your strawberries thoroughly. Leave the green tops on as these will be used to position the body and the turkey’s “tail.”
2. Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
3. Dip the Strawberries: Hold each strawberry by the green top and dip the bottom half into the melted chocolate. Place the dipped strawberries on a parchment-lined tray to set.
4. Assemble the Turkey: Once the chocolate has set, use frosting to attach mini marshmallows as the turkey’s head at the top of the strawberry. Insert pretzel sticks into the bottom of the strawberry for the turkey legs.
5. Decorate: Add candy eyes to the marshmallow head and use the colored frosting to draw a beak and waddle. You can also add additional decorations for a personal touch.
6. Let Set: Allow the chocolate to harden completely before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe typically makes around 12-15 chocolate turkeys, depending on the size of your strawberries and how much chocolate you use.
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Set Time: 30-45 minutes (depending on room temperature)

Variations

• Use Different Fruit: While strawberries work beautifully, you could try making chocolate turkeys with other fruits like grapes or bananas if you prefer.
• Swap the Chocolate: You can use white chocolate for a lighter color or even create a mix of milk and dark chocolates for a more decadent flavor.
• Decorations: Experiment with different candies and sprinkles to make your turkey even more festive. You could use colored M&Ms for a pop of color or candy corn for the tail feathers.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: These chocolate turkeys should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them, but the chocolate coating might become a bit dull.
• Reheating: Reheating isn’t necessary as the chocolate sets at room temperature. Just allow the turkeys to come to room temperature before serving if they’ve been chilled.

FAQs

1. Can I use white chocolate for these chocolate turkeys?

Yes, white chocolate works perfectly for this recipe. It will give the turkeys a lighter, more subtle flavor.

2. How do I keep the chocolate from melting too quickly?

Make sure your strawberries are dry before dipping them into the chocolate, as moisture can cause the chocolate to seize. Also, if you’re making a large batch, keep the melted chocolate warm by reheating it in short intervals.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these chocolate turkeys a day ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

4. What can I use instead of candy eyes?

If you don’t have candy eyes, you can use small chocolate chips or a dot of black frosting.

5. Can I use pretzel sticks that are not mini-sized?

Yes, larger pretzel sticks work too, though you might need to break them in half to create turkey legs that fit better.

6. Can I use another type of candy for the waddle and beak?

Absolutely! You could use small pieces of orange or red fruit for the beak, or even colored gumdrops.

7. How long do these chocolate turkeys take to set?

Typically, the chocolate will set within 30-45 minutes, but if your kitchen is warm, you can refrigerate them to speed up the process.

8. Can I make these turkeys with non-dairy chocolate?

Yes, you can use non-dairy chocolate, such as dark chocolate or a dairy-free milk chocolate alternative.

9. What is the best way to dip the strawberries?

Hold the strawberry by the green top to keep your hands clean while dipping. Gently swirl the strawberry in the melted chocolate to coat it evenly.

10. How do I keep the chocolate from dripping down the sides?

Make sure to dip the strawberries in the melted chocolate quickly and let any excess chocolate drip off before placing them on the tray.

Conclusion

These chocolate turkeys are a fun, festive, and delicious way to celebrate Thanksgiving. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party or just enjoying a creative activity with family, they’re sure to bring smiles to the table. Easy to make and even more fun to eat, these chocolate turkeys will become a new holiday tradition for years to come!