Chocolate-Covered Espresso Beans

$- 1 cup roasted espresso beans - 1 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cacao) - 1 tablespoon coconut oil - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Sea salt (for garnish) You need three main items for your chocolate-covered espresso beans. First, use 1 cup of roasted espresso beans. They give a great flavor. Next, grab 1 cup of dark chocolate chips. Look for chips with at least 70% cacao for a rich taste. Finally, add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. This helps the chocolate melt smoothly. You can also add a few optional items. A teaspoon of vanilla extract adds a lovely note to the chocolate. Lastly, sprinkle some sea salt on top for a sweet and salty crunch. These simple ingredients create a treat that is both rich and tasty. You can enjoy them as a snack or gift them to friends. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper. This helps the beans not to stick. It makes clean-up easy too. Next, take a medium bowl and add the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. If you want, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor. Place this bowl over a pot of simmering water. This is called the double boiler method. Stir gently until the chocolate is smooth and melted. Be careful, no water should touch the chocolate. If it does, the chocolate might seize up. Once the chocolate is ready, take it off the heat. Add 1 cup of roasted espresso beans to the bowl. Stir them gently so each bean gets coated in chocolate. Use a fork or slotted spoon to lift the beans out. Let the extra chocolate drip off. Place the beans on the lined baking sheet in a single layer. Now for the fun part! Lightly sprinkle sea salt over the chocolate-covered beans. This adds a nice flavor contrast. Put the baking sheet in the refrigerator. Let the beans chill for about 30 minutes until the chocolate is firm. After that, take them out. If any beans are stuck together, you can break them apart easily. Enjoy your tasty treat! To get the best chocolate coating, keep water away from the chocolate. Water can make the chocolate clump. When you melt the chocolate, use a double boiler. This helps the chocolate melt evenly. After coating the beans, let the chocolate set properly. I recommend refrigerating them for about 30 minutes. This ensures the chocolate will harden well. You can change the flavor of the chocolate-covered beans easily. Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm taste. You can also mix in a splash of almond or mint extract. If you want something crunchy, add chopped nuts or dried fruit. These small changes can make your treat even more special. Pro Tips Choose Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao for a richer flavor and better melting properties. Keep it Dry: Ensure all your utensils and the bowl are completely dry, as any moisture can cause the chocolate to seize and become unusable. Experiment with Flavors: Try adding different extracts like almond or orange to the melted chocolate for a unique twist on flavor. Store Properly: Keep the chocolate-covered espresso beans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain their freshness. {{image_2}} You can use different types of chocolate for your beans. Milk chocolate is sweet and creamy. It gives a mild flavor. Dark chocolate has a rich taste and is less sweet. I love using dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao. It adds depth to the beans. White chocolate is another option. It is sweet and works well for a different twist. Each type of chocolate changes the taste. Try them all to see which you like best! You can make your chocolate-covered espresso beans even better with flavors. Adding spices like cinnamon gives warmth. A dash of cayenne pepper adds heat for a surprise kick. Both spices pair well with chocolate and espresso. You can also add crushed nuts or dried fruits. Almonds or hazelnuts add crunch. Dried cherries or cranberries bring tartness. These additions create a unique flavor profile. Mix and match to find your favorite! To keep your chocolate-covered espresso beans fresh, use airtight containers. This helps prevent moisture from getting in. A glass jar or a plastic container with a tight lid works well. Store them in a cool, dry place. The ideal storage temperature is between 60°F and 70°F. Avoid keeping them near heat sources or direct sunlight. Chocolate-covered espresso beans can last up to two weeks when stored properly. After that, they may start to lose flavor. Watch for signs of spoilage. If the chocolate becomes white or dull, it has likely bloomed. If the beans smell off or taste stale, it’s best to toss them. To make chocolate-covered espresso beans, start with a few simple steps. First, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the beans not stick. Then, melt dark chocolate chips with coconut oil in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Stir until the chocolate is smooth. Next, mix in the roasted espresso beans until each bean is coated. Use a fork to lift the beans and let the extra chocolate drip off. Place them on the baking sheet. Sprinkle a little sea salt on top. Finally, chill the beans in the fridge for about 30 minutes until the chocolate sets. Chocolate-covered espresso beans can be a healthy treat in moderation. They contain antioxidants from dark chocolate. Antioxidants help protect your body from damage. Espresso beans offer some caffeine, which can boost energy. However, be cautious with portions. Eating too many can lead to excess caffeine. Some people may feel jittery or anxious. The dark chocolate also has sugar and fat, so balance is key. Enjoying a few can be part of a healthy diet. You can find chocolate-covered espresso beans at many places. Local coffee shops often sell them. Check specialty candy stores too. If you prefer online shopping, sites like Amazon and specialty food stores have great options. Look for brands that use high-quality ingredients. Always read reviews to find the best product for you. You now have a simple and fun guide to making chocolate-covered espresso beans. Start with quality ingredients like espresso beans and dark chocolate. Follow the easy steps to melt, coat, and set your beans. Remember to store them well for lasting freshness. You can play with flavors too, using spices or different types of chocolate. Enjoy your tasty treat while savoring the great balance of coffee and chocolate. It’s a delicious blend you won’t want to miss!$

Chocolate-Covered Espresso Beans

Delicious roasted espresso beans coated in rich dark chocolate, perfect for snacking or gifting.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Ingredients

1 cup roasted espresso beans
1 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cacao)
1 tablespoon coconut oil
to taste sea salt (for garnish)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

Begin by preparing a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This will prevent the chocolate-covered beans from sticking.
In a medium-sized heatproof bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. If you’re using vanilla extract for added flavor, include it here as well.
Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) on medium heat. Stir the mixture gently until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to get any water into the chocolate as it may seize.
Once melted, remove the bowl from the heat. Add the roasted espresso beans to the bowl and stir them gently, ensuring each bean is completely coated in the chocolate.
Using a fork or a slotted spoon, lift the chocolate-covered beans from the bowl, allowing the excess chocolate to drip off. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
Once all the beans are coated and on the sheet, lightly sprinkle sea salt over them for a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the chocolate.
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate is completely set.
After the chocolate has hardened, remove the espresso beans from the fridge and break apart any that may have stuck together.

Notes

These make a great gift when packaged in a cute jar.

Keyword chocolate, dessert, espresso, snack