Strawberries, pretzels, bacon, potato chips, marshmallows: if it can be dipped, someone has covered it in chocolate. National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day, on December 16, celebrates the joy of dunking your favorite foods in melted chocolate. It's a fun, creative food holiday and a perfect excuse to make edible gifts for the holidays. With a little technique, you can create glossy, professional-looking treats at home.
History of National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day
Chocolate was a drink for most of its history, first in ancient Mesoamerica and then in Europe. Solid eating chocolate developed in the 1800s with new processing techniques, including the cocoa press and later conching, which made chocolate smoother.
Once chocolate could be melted and set, confectioners began coating fruits, nuts, creams and caramels. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, factories developed 'enrobing' machines that poured chocolate over centers on conveyor belts, making chocolate-covered candies affordable and widely available.
Cooks have since dipped just about everything in chocolate. Chocolate-covered strawberries became a classic romantic treat in the mid-20th century, chocolate-covered pretzels combined sweet and salty, and adventurous snacks like chocolate-covered bacon and chips became popular at state fairs and novelty shops. The person behind National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day isn't known, but the name says it all.
Why National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day Matters
Chocolate makes almost anything feel special, and dipping is one of the simplest ways to make homemade treats look impressive.
It's also a creative and social activity. A dipping station is a fun party idea, and chocolate-covered treats make easy, thoughtful gifts during the holidays.
How to Celebrate National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day
- Melt chocolate gently: use short bursts in the microwave or a bowl over simmering water.
- Temper for shine: tempered chocolate sets glossy and snaps cleanly.
- Dip fruit: try strawberries, orange segments, banana slices or dried apricots.
- Go sweet and salty: dip pretzels, potato chips or popcorn.
- Decorate: add sprinkles, crushed nuts or a drizzle of white chocolate before it sets.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, set up a chocolate-dipping station for a holiday party with fruit, pretzels and marshmallows, and use separate bowls for any allergy-friendly options. In classrooms, chocolate is great for teaching melting points and states of matter, and students can observe how chocolate changes as it cools. Younger children can decorate pre-dipped pretzel rods with sprinkles. At home, make a batch of chocolate-covered treats as holiday gifts for teachers and neighbors, packaging them in small boxes with parchment. Dry fruit completely before dipping, and set treats on parchment paper in the fridge for faster setting. Let everyone choose one unusual item to dip.
Fun Facts About National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day
- Enrobing machines coat candies in chocolate on conveyor belts.
- Tempering aligns cocoa butter crystals for a glossy finish and snap.
- Even a drop of water can make melted chocolate seize and turn grainy.
National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day FAQs
When is National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day?
It's celebrated on December 16.
What's the best chocolate for dipping?
Good-quality chocolate bars or couverture melt more smoothly than chocolate chips.
Why did my chocolate seize?
Water or steam got into the chocolate. Keep tools completely dry.
How long do chocolate-covered strawberries last?
Best eaten within a day or two, stored in the fridge.