These chocolate-covered almonds are crunchy, simple to make, and a perfect treat when you crave something sweet. With just a few ingredients you likely already have on hand, they offer an indulgent yet relatively healthy snack or dessert. This version is easy to make vegan and dairy-free by choosing the right chocolate.
What you’ll need
- Whole natural almonds (raw or roasted, depending on preference)
- Dark chocolate or chocolate melting wafers
- Sea salt
- Chili powder (optional, for a spicy-sweet contrast)
Choose a high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor. If you want the lowest sugar option, pick unsweetened chocolate and sweeten lightly while melting, or use a minimally sweetened bar. For a vegan or dairy-free recipe, verify the chocolate contains no milk solids.
How to make chocolate-covered almonds
- Prepare a lined tray: Line a baking sheet or cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Melt the chocolate: Break the dark chocolate into small pieces and place them in a heat-safe bowl. Melt the chocolate using a double boiler set-up: simmer an inch or two of water in a pot and place the bowl over the pot so the bowl does not touch the water. Stir until the chocolate is smooth. Alternatively, melt in the microwave in 20–30 second bursts, stirring between intervals until fully melted.
- Coat the almonds: Pour the almonds into the melted chocolate and stir until every almond is well coated.
- Drain excess chocolate: Use a fork to lift each almond out of the chocolate, letting excess drip back into the bowl. Wipe the fork on the bowl edge to remove extra chocolate, then place the coated almonds on the parchment-lined sheet. Space them so they do not stick together.
- Season and set: Sprinkle each almond with a pinch of sea salt and, if using, a light dusting of chili powder for heat. Transfer the tray to the freezer for about 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden completely.
- Store: Once set, transfer the chocolate-covered almonds to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for longer freshness or at cool room temperature for short-term snacking.
Chef’s tips and variations
- Vegan or dairy-free: Use dark chocolate confirmed to be dairy-free or dairy-free chocolate wafers.
- Lower sugar: Choose unsweetened chocolate and add a small amount of granulated sweetener while melting if desired.
- Microwave method: If you prefer, melt chocolate in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each interval until smooth.
- Make clusters or brittle: To make clusters or chocolate almond brittle, spoon clumps of coated almonds onto the parchment, or spread all chocolate-coated almonds into a thin layer and freeze until firm, then break into pieces.
- Flavor swaps: Replace chili powder with ground cinnamon, orange zest, or crushed peppermint for seasonal variations. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances the chocolate’s richness.
- Roasted almonds: For added depth, roast raw almonds first at 325°F (160°C) for 8–10 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, then allow to cool before coating.
Chocolate Covered Almonds
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 5 minutes | Freeze time: 30 minutes
These chocolate-covered almonds are perfectly sweet, crunchy, and simple to prepare—ideal for gifting, snacking, or a healthier dessert option.
Author: Cheryl Malik
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups whole natural almonds
- 10 ounces dark chocolate melting wafers (or chopped dark chocolate)
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
- Chili powder, optional
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Melt the chocolate using a double boiler or microwave until smooth and glossy.
- Stir almonds into the melted chocolate until fully coated.
- Lift almonds out with a fork, let excess chocolate drip back, and arrange on the lined sheet.
- Sprinkle with sea salt and optionally a pinch of chili powder.
- Freeze for about 30 minutes to set the chocolate, then store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Vegan option: Use dairy-free chocolate.
- Texture options: Use roasted almonds for a deeper flavor.
- Serving suggestions: Serve as a snack, dessert garnish, or packaged in small jars as a homemade gift.
Nutrition information (approximate, per batch)
Calories: 1380 kcal | Protein: 33 g | Fat: 107 g | Total carbs: 82 g | Sugar: 35 g
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary by brand and portion size.