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    Home » Desserts » Chocolate Turkeys

    Chocolate Turkeys

    Published: November 18, 2021 · Jill Baird · 2 Comments

    chocolate turkeys for thanksgivingwith candy corns,chocolate thanksgiving turkeys.

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    chocolate turkeys for thanksgiving

    These homemade Chocolate Turkeys make the most adorably easy Thanksgiving table decorations.  Using simple candies, chocolate-covered cherries and frosting, this recipe will show you how to make delicious edible works of art.

    Jump to:
    • Cute Edible Turkey Decorations for Thanksgiving
    • Ingredients in Chocolate Turkeys
    • How to Make Chocolate Turkeys for Thanksgiving
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Chocolate Turkeys Recipe

    Cute Edible Turkey Decorations for Thanksgiving

    Does it get any cuter than these chocolate-covered cherry table decorations?  Made with simple candies and chocolate buttercream frosting, these homemade Chocolate Turkeys are our absolute favorite inexpensive Thanksgiving table decoration.

    This recipe gives you step-by-step instructions, ideas for candy substitutions and answers to your frequently asked questions.  You can even turn this into a fun pre-holiday activity with any kiddos who love to get creative with candy and frosting.

    Thanksgiving candies, Candy corns turkeys arranged on a sheet tray in a fan shape - some with chocolate covered cherries already attached. chocolate turkey.

    Ingredients in Chocolate Turkeys

    • Chocolate Covered Cherries - at the grocery store, you should be able to find these in the candy section.  If you have a difficult time locating some, you can also substitute any chocolate bon bons or truffles with a flat bottom.  Otherwise, they are readily available online through places like Harry & David, Amazon or even Walmart..    
    • Candy Corns - these will create the turkey’s feathers and you will need about 5 per Chocolate Turkey.  
    • Chocolate Buttercream Frosting - you can purchase frosting at the store, or make your own homemade Chocolate Buttercream.
    • M&Ms - we use M&Ms to create the beak and the crown on the top of the turkey’s head.  You could also use sprinkles, or another small candy instead.
    • Candy Eyeballs - I’ve had good luck finding these in the cake and baking section at the grocery store.  Otherwise, look at any craft store or online.
    • More decorating options: to make a taller turkey with a more pronounced head, attach a Whopper candy to the top of the chocolate-covered cherry!  You can also decorate the turkey’s chest with candies if you’d like.
    Chocolate turkeys for thanksgiving made with candy corns, chocolate candies and other decorations on a table. thanksgiving chocolate turkeys. homemade thanksgiving decorations.

    How to Make Chocolate Turkeys for Thanksgiving

    1. Arrange the candy corn feathers.  On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, arrange 5 candy corns to create a fan shape with the tapered ends facing in towards the center.
    2. Attach the chocolate-covered cherry.  Place buttercream frosting in a piping bag and cut off the tip.  Add a dollop of frosting to the center of the candy corn fan, then place a chocolate-covered cherry on to stick them all together.
    3. Repeat and chill.  Repeat to make 12 total, then place into the fridge for about 1 hour until the chocolate frosting has set up.
    4. Add the beak, crown and eyes.  Once the frosting has set, remove the baking sheet from the fridge.  Using the chocolate buttercream, attach 1 M&M to create a beak, 1 M&M on the top to create a head crown and 2 candy eyeballs.  You can add any chest decorations that you would like, as well.
    5. Repeat and chill.  Repeat for all Chocolate Turkeys, then return to the fridge until everything is hardened and set.
    6. Serve.  Serve on a platter, or as a quick and easy Thanksgiving table decoration.  Enjoy!
    A closeup of a turkey candy made out of candies. thanksgiving candy. turkey candies, candy turkey.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where can I find chocolate covered cherries?

    Look at the candy section of your local grocery store, Target or Walmart.  If you can’t find them there, you can also order them online from a number of places.  Harry & David has great ones!

    What can I use instead of chocolate covered cherries?

    If you prefer, you can substitute any flavor of dark or milk chocolate bon bons or chocolate truffles that have a flat bottom. 

    Can I make these ahead of time?

    Absolutely!  You can make these up to 3 days in advance.  Wrap the baking sheet in plastic wrap and store them directly on the baking sheet in the fridge until you are ready to use.  You could also transfer them to a shallow baking dish or another airtight container with a lid if you prefer.

    How should I store Chocolate Turkeys?

    These can sit out at room temperature all day long if need be.  But, if you want to store them for longer than that, we recommend storing them in the fridge.  You could line them up in a shallow baking dish covered with plastic wrap, or an airtight container, and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

    turkeys with candy corns for thanksgiving
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    Chocolate Turkeys Recipe

    These homemade Chocolate Turkeys make the most adorably easy Thanksgiving table decoration.  Using simple candies, chocolate-covered cherries and frosting, this recipe will show you how to make delicious edible works of art.
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Cooling Time 1 hour
    Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
    Servings 12 people
    Calories 197kcal
    Author The Carefree Kitchen

    Ingredients

    • 1 12-count box Chocolate Covered Cherries
    • 1 bag Candy Corns
    • ½ cup Chocolate Buttercream Frosting recipe here
    • ¼ cup M&Ms or another small candy
    • 1 bag Candy Eyeballs

    Instructions

    • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • On the baking sheet, arrange 5 candy corns to create a fan shape with the tapered ends facing in towards the center.
    • Place buttercream frosting in a piping bag and cut off the tip. Add a dollop of frosting to the center of the candy corn fan, then place a chocolate-covered cherry on to stick them all together.
    • Repeat to make 12 total, then place into the fridge for about 1 hour until the chocolate frosting has set up.
    • Once the frosting has set, remove the baking sheet from the fridge. Using the chocolate buttercream, attach 1 M&M to create a beak, 1 M&M on the top to create a head crown and 2 candy eyeballs. You can add any chest decorations that you would like, as well.
    • Repeat for all Chocolate Turkeys, then return to the fridge until everything is hardened and set.
    • Serve on a platter, or as a quick and easy Thanksgiving table decoration. Enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 197kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 121mg | Potassium: 19mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 39g | Vitamin A: 10IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg

    Here are more of our favorite recipes for homemade chocolate candies:

    • Nilla Wafer Caramel Candies
    • Pretzel Toffee
    • Chocolate-Covered Wafer Cookies
    • Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Rods
    • Saltine Cracker Toffee
    • Easy Homemade Chocolate Fudge
    • More Christmas Candy Recipes
    • More Thanksgiving Recipes

    If you’ve tried this recipe, please rate it and leave a comment on this post. I love hearing feedback from you helps me and other readers too! If you love Pinterest,  feel free to leave a comment and photo there too.  Also, if you like to share, use the hashtag #thecarefreekitchen on Instagram and tag me @thecarefreekitchen so I can find you and give your post some love. You can also find me on Facebook at The Carefree Kitchen. Thank you!!

    pinterest image for thanksgiving Turkeys

    These easy homemade Chocolate Turkeys are made with basic candies, chocolate buttercream and no special equipment. They make the best inexpensive Thanksgiving table decorations and take no time to throw together.

    « Thanksgiving Menu Plan
    Winter Fruit Salad »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Brandy

      November 19, 2021 at 6:21 am

      Such a festive and fun treat to make for Thanksgiving! I know everyone is going to love them. I think this will be a Thanksgiving treat tradition in my family!

      Reply
    2. Kate

      November 19, 2021 at 4:58 am

      These are just the cutest things ever! The kids are going to love making them.

      Reply

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