Strawberry Christmas Tree Treats

Strawberry Christmas Tree Treats are a fun, festive, and irresistibly adorable holiday dessert. These bite-sized edible Christmas trees are made with juicy strawberries, creamy candy coating, and a crunchy cookie base—topped with colorful sprinkles and a candy star for the perfect finishing touch. They’re easy to make, no baking required, and guaranteed to impress guests at any holiday party or dessert table.

Ingredients

▢ 24 oz dark green candy melts
▢ 2 lbs fresh strawberries, cleaned and hulled
▢ 18 frosted oatmeal cookies
▢ ¼ cup colorful nonpareils
▢ 18 yellow star candies (for toppers)

Introduction

If you’re looking for a festive treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, these Strawberry Christmas Tree Treats are your answer. Perfect for kids, families, or holiday gatherings, each “tree” combines the crunch of a cookie, the sweetness of chocolate, and the freshness of strawberries—all dressed up in holiday colors. They’re fun to make and even more fun to eat, making them a great holiday activity or dessert centerpiece.

The vibrant green candy coating turns ordinary strawberries into charming little Christmas trees, while the colorful nonpareils look like twinkling ornaments. Placed atop frosted oatmeal cookies and topped with a star candy, they’re miniature masterpieces that bring holiday magic to your dessert spread.

How to Make Strawberry Christmas Tree Treats

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Wash and thoroughly dry the strawberries. It’s very important that they are completely dry before dipping—any moisture will prevent the candy coating from sticking properly. Remove the stems and leaves, then hull each strawberry so the base is flat and can sit upright on a cookie.

Step 2: Melt the Candy Coating

Place the dark green candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round, until smooth and fully melted. If the mixture seems too thick, add 1–2 teaspoons of coconut oil or shortening and stir until smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Dip the Strawberries

Hold each strawberry by the tip and dip it into the melted candy, turning to coat evenly. Allow any excess coating to drip off. Place each dipped strawberry flat-side down onto a frosted oatmeal cookie so it stands upright like a tree.

Step 4: Decorate the Trees

Before the coating hardens, quickly sprinkle the colorful nonpareils over the strawberries to create a “decorated tree” effect. Press a yellow star candy onto the tip of each strawberry while the coating is still soft so it sticks firmly.

Step 5: Let Them Set

Place the assembled strawberry trees on a parchment-lined tray and allow them to set completely at room temperature for 20–30 minutes, or refrigerate for about 10 minutes until the candy coating hardens.

Tips for Success

• Dry thoroughly: Make sure strawberries are completely dry before dipping—moisture causes the candy coating to seize.
• Work quickly: Candy melts set fast, so decorate each strawberry immediately after dipping.
• Use quality melts: Good-quality candy melts or coating chocolate ensures smooth texture and vibrant color.
• Even coating: To avoid streaks, stir the candy melts frequently and reheat briefly if they begin to thicken.
• Flat base: Trim the bottoms of the strawberries slightly if needed to help them sit evenly on the cookies.

Variations

• White Chocolate Trees: Use white candy melts and tint them with green food coloring for a softer shade of green.
• Coconut Snow: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the coated strawberries for a snowy look.
• Different Bases: Instead of oatmeal cookies, use sugar cookies, chocolate wafers, or shortbread rounds.
• Gold Star Toppers: Use gold foil star sprinkles for an elegant touch.
• Mini Trees: Use smaller strawberries and mini cookies for bite-sized versions.

Serving Suggestions

Arrange the Strawberry Christmas Tree Treats on a decorative platter or tiered dessert stand for a show-stopping holiday display. They pair beautifully with other Christmas desserts like sugar cookies, fudge, or peppermint bark. You can even serve them as edible place settings at a holiday dinner—one “tree” on each plate.

For a festive party spread, place them on a large white platter dusted with powdered sugar to look like snow. Add a few sprigs of fresh mint or rosemary for a natural, wintery touch.

Make-Ahead and Storage

These treats are best enjoyed the same day they’re made, as strawberries can release moisture over time. However, you can prepare them up to 6 hours in advance and store them uncovered in the refrigerator. Avoid covering them tightly with plastic wrap, as condensation can make the coating sticky.

If you’d like to prepare components ahead of time, you can dip the strawberries and let them set, then assemble them on cookies just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use white chocolate instead of candy melts?
Yes, you can use white chocolate or almond bark tinted with green food coloring, but candy melts are easier to work with and set faster.

2. How do I make the coating smooth and shiny?
Add a small amount of coconut oil or shortening while melting to achieve a smooth, glossy finish.

3. Can I use frozen strawberries?
No, frozen strawberries become too soft and watery when thawed, which prevents the coating from adhering properly.

4. Can I make them a day ahead?
It’s best to make them the same day, but they can be prepared a few hours in advance and kept refrigerated until serving.

5. What can I use instead of star candies?
You can use small fondant stars, gold sprinkles, or even edible glitter stars as toppers.

6. My candy coating thickened while dipping. What do I do?
Simply reheat it in the microwave for 10–15 seconds and stir until smooth again.

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Conclusion

Strawberry Christmas Tree Treats are the perfect combination of creativity, color, and flavor. With their festive charm and deliciously simple ingredients, they bring a touch of holiday magic to any celebration. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, preparing a dessert table, or making treats with kids, these edible strawberry trees are sure to impress. Quick, cheerful, and irresistibly cute—they’re a holiday tradition in the making.