Chocolate Covered Almonds

These homemade chocolate covered almonds deliver the perfect balance of rich, smooth chocolate and crunchy roasted almonds in every bite. With just a handful of quality ingredients and simple techniques, you’ll create professional-looking treats that outshine any store-bought version – perfect for snacking, gifting, or elegant entertaining.

Ready to create the most delicious chocolate covered almonds you’ve ever tasted? This foolproof recipe will walk you through each step to ensure glossy, perfectly coated nuts with that satisfying snap when you bite into them. No specialized equipment needed – just a few kitchen basics and my time-tested techniques!

Get ready to transform ordinary almonds into extraordinary treats that will have everyone reaching for more. Whether you’re making a batch for yourself or as thoughtful homemade gifts, these chocolate covered almonds are guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Covered Almonds

• Irresistible Taste – The combination of premium dark chocolate and freshly roasted almonds creates a perfect sweet-nutty flavor balance that’s impossible to resist
• Super Simple Process – Just roast, dip, and set! This recipe requires minimal ingredients and basic kitchen equipment
• Endlessly Customizable – Easily adapt with different chocolates, spices, or toppings to suit any taste preference or occasion
• Healthier Than Store-Bought – Control the ingredients for a treat that’s both indulgent and nutritious, with no preservatives or artificial ingredients

Perfect For: Holiday gift-giving, weekend projects with kids, healthy snacking alternatives, or elegant dessert platters

Ingredients You Need for Chocolate Covered Almonds

For the Base Recipe:

• Raw Almonds – 2 cups, unsalted. These form the heart of our recipe, providing that distinctive nutty crunch. Choose high-quality almonds with intact skins for the best flavor and texture. Look for plump, uniform almonds without any shriveling.
• Dark Chocolate – 8 ounces, chopped or in chip form (60-70% cacao recommended). Dark chocolate offers rich, complex flavors that perfectly complement the earthy almonds. The higher cacao percentage creates a less sweet, more sophisticated flavor profile while providing antioxidant benefits.
• Coconut Oil – 1 tablespoon. This secret ingredient helps thin the chocolate to the perfect consistency for dipping while creating that beautiful shine once set. It also helps the chocolate snap cleanly when bitten.
• Sea Salt – ½ teaspoon. Salt enhances both the chocolate and almond flavors while creating a delightful contrast. I recommend fine sea salt for the coating and flaky salt as an optional garnish.
• Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon. A touch of quality vanilla rounds out the chocolate flavors beautifully and adds subtle aromatic notes.

Optional Flavor Enhancers:

• Cinnamon – ¼ teaspoon. Adds a warm, spicy note that pairs wonderfully with both chocolate and almonds.
• Espresso Powder – ½ teaspoon. Deepens the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee.
• Maple Extract – ¼ teaspoon. Creates a delightful maple-chocolate combination.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silicone mat
• Heat-proof bowl for melting chocolate
• Saucepan for creating a double boiler
• Slotted spoon or dipping tools for coating almonds
• Cooling rack (optional but helpful)
• Food thermometer (optional, for tempering chocolate)

How to Make Chocolate Covered Almonds

Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Almonds

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Spread the raw almonds in a single layer on your baking sheet. For an extra flavor boost, lightly spray with water and sprinkle with a pinch of salt before roasting.

Roast the almonds for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they become fragrant and turn a slightly deeper color. Be careful not to burn them – there’s a fine line between perfectly roasted and bitter!

Allow the roasted almonds to cool completely before moving on to the next step. This cooling period is crucial – warm nuts will prevent your chocolate from setting properly.

Step 2: Melt and Prepare the Chocolate

Create a double boiler by filling a saucepan with about an inch of water and placing your heat-proof bowl on top, ensuring the bottom doesn’t touch the water. Bring the water to a gentle simmer.

Add the chopped chocolate and coconut oil to the bowl. Stir frequently with a silicone spatula until 90% melted, then remove from heat. The residual heat will melt the remaining chocolate while preventing overheating.

Stir in the vanilla extract and any optional flavor enhancers you’ve chosen. For a truly professional result, you can temper the chocolate (keep it around 88-90°F for dark chocolate) using a thermometer, but this step is optional for home cooks.

Step 3: Coat the Almonds

Working in batches, add about a third of your cooled roasted almonds to the melted chocolate. Gently stir until each almond is completely coated. Taking your time here makes all the difference in achieving an even coating.

Lift the coated almonds one by one using a fork or slotted spoon, allowing excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. For an extra-thick coating, you can double-dip after the first layer has set.

Transfer to your prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring the almonds don’t touch each other. If desired, sprinkle immediately with flaky sea salt or other toppings like a dust of cinnamon or finely chopped dried fruit.

Step 4: Set and Store

Allow the chocolate covered almonds to set completely at room temperature (about 1-2 hours) or speed up the process by refrigerating for 20-30 minutes. Avoid the freezer as extreme temperature changes can cause chocolate bloom.

Once set, gently break apart any almonds that might have stuck together during the setting process. For the glossiest finish, handle with clean, dry hands to avoid fingerprints.

Store your chocolate covered almonds in an airtight container. They’ll keep at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, though I doubt they’ll last that long!

Expert Tips and Variations for Chocolate Covered Almonds

Pro Tips for Perfect Results:

1. Chocolate Selection Matters: While you can use any chocolate, couverture chocolate (with higher cocoa butter content) produces the smoothest, most professional results.
2. Temperature Control: The biggest secret to glossy chocolate is keeping it at the right temperature. Too hot, and it becomes dull; too cool, and it thickens too much for proper coating. For more detailed information on the tempering process, see Fine Cooking’s Tempering Guide.
3. Humidity Awareness: Chocolate and humidity don’t mix! Avoid making these on particularly humid days, as the moisture in the air can prevent proper setting and cause sugar bloom.

Exciting Variations:

• Triple Chocolate Almonds: After the first coating sets, dip half the batch in white chocolate and the other half in milk chocolate for a variety pack.
• Spiced Holiday Blend: Add ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or gingerbread spice blend to the chocolate for a seasonal twist.
• Coconut Dream: Roll freshly dipped almonds in finely shredded unsweetened coconut before the chocolate sets.
• Mocha Crunch: Mix 1 tablespoon of espresso powder into the melted chocolate for coffee lovers.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid:

• Overheating Chocolate: Never let chocolate get too hot or it will seize. If using a microwave, heat in 15-second intervals, stirring between each.
• Water Contact: Even a drop of water can ruin your melted chocolate. Keep all utensils and surfaces completely dry.
• Rushing the Process: Allow proper cooling time between each step for the best texture and appearance.

Serving Suggestions

These chocolate covered almonds shine as a standalone treat, but here are some creative ways to serve them:

• Arrange on a cheese board alongside dried fruits and complementary cheeses like brie or gouda
• Crush lightly and sprinkle over vanilla ice cream or yogurt parfaits
• Package in decorative jars tied with ribbon for homemade gifts
• Use as elegant cake decorations or cupcake toppers
• Serve in small dishes alongside after-dinner coffee

Storing Suggestions

• Short-term Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature (65-70°F) for up to 2 weeks.
• Long-term Storage: Refrigerate in layers separated by parchment paper for up to 1 month.
• Gift Preparation: If packaging as gifts, allow to set completely for 24 hours before packaging to prevent sticking.
• Avoid Freezing: While possible, freezing can affect texture and appearance. If necessary, thaw gradually in the refrigerator.

Frequently Asked Questions

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These chocolate covered almonds represent the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. With just a handful of quality ingredients and some attention to technique, you’ll create a treat that rivals anything from fancy chocolate shops. Whether you’re making them as gifts, for entertaining, or simply as a special treat for yourself, this recipe delivers professional results every time

The versatility of this recipe also means you can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Try different chocolate varieties, experiment with various spice blends, or even substitute other nuts if you’re feeling adventurous.

I’d love to hear how your chocolate covered almonds turn out! Leave a comment below sharing your experience or any creative variations you tried.