Chocolate-Covered Espresso Beans

$- 1 cup roasted espresso beans - 1 cup dark chocolate chips (minimum 70% cacao) - 1 tablespoon coconut oil - Sea salt for garnish - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for enhanced flavor You need just a few simple ingredients to make chocolate-covered espresso beans. First, gather one cup of roasted espresso beans. These beans give your snack a strong coffee flavor and a nice crunch. Next, you will need one cup of dark chocolate chips. I suggest using chips with at least 70% cacao. This gives the chocolate a rich and deep taste. Add one tablespoon of coconut oil to help the chocolate melt smoothly and evenly. If you want to add a little extra flavor, consider using sea salt for garnish. A sprinkle of sea salt adds a delightful contrast to the sweet chocolate. You may also add one teaspoon of vanilla extract to boost the flavor even more. This is not required, but it can make your snack even tastier. Now that you have your ingredients ready, you can enjoy making this energizing snack. These chocolate-covered espresso beans are great for a pick-me-up during the day! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, get your baking sheet ready. Line it with parchment paper. This step keeps the chocolate-covered beans from sticking. It makes cleanup easy too! Next, grab a medium-sized heatproof bowl. In this bowl, combine 1 cup of dark chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. If you want, you can add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor. Now, use the double boiler method. Place the bowl over a pot of gently simmering water. Keep the heat at medium. Stir the mixture as it melts. Keep an eye on it! If any water touches the chocolate, it can ruin the melt. You want it smooth and shiny. Once the chocolate is melted, take the bowl off the heat. Now, add 1 cup of roasted espresso beans to the bowl. Gently stir the beans to coat each one in chocolate. Using a fork or slotted spoon, lift the beans from the bowl. Let any extra chocolate drip back into the bowl. Place the coated beans on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Avoid clumping! To finish, lightly sprinkle sea salt over the beans. This adds a nice contrast to the sweet chocolate. Now, put the baking sheet in the refrigerator. Chill for about 30 minutes. This step helps the chocolate set and become firm. After the time is up, take the beans out. If any are stuck together, gently break them apart. Now, they’re ready to enjoy! To get a smooth chocolate coating, start with dry chocolate. Any water can ruin it. Use a slotted spoon to lift the beans out. This method helps you get an even coat. Let excess chocolate drip back into the bowl. This way, your beans won’t be too messy. Want to boost the taste? Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract while melting the chocolate. This small step makes a big difference! You can also adjust the salt. If you like it salty, add more. If you want less, skip it. Just find what you enjoy most. When serving, think about how it looks. Use small, decorative bowls for a nice touch. You can also package them in cute jars. These chocolate-covered espresso beans make great gifts. They not only taste wonderful but look lovely too! Pro Tips Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao will enhance the flavor and richness of your chocolate-covered espresso beans. Chill Time: Ensure to chill the beans for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set properly for a perfect crunch when you bite into them. Flavor Variations: Experiment by adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of orange zest to the chocolate for a unique twist on the classic flavor. Storage Tips: Store your chocolate-covered espresso beans in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain their freshness and prevent melting. {{image_4}} You can choose from different chocolates for your beans. Dark chocolate gives a rich taste. I recommend using dark chocolate chips with at least 70% cacao. Milk chocolate is sweeter and creamier. It offers a more mellow flavor. White chocolate is not really chocolate, but it tastes sweet and buttery. Each type adds a unique twist to your snack. You can get creative with flavor! Adding spices can boost the taste. A pinch of cinnamon adds warmth. Chili powder gives a kick that surprises your taste buds. You can also try flavored chocolate, like mint. Mint chocolate is refreshing and perfect for a pick-me-up. For added texture, roll your beans in crushed nuts or sprinkles. Crushed almonds or hazelnuts add a nice crunch. Sprinkles give a fun, colorful look. These toppings make your snack more exciting. Plus, they can change the flavor profile, making every bite special. To keep your chocolate-covered espresso beans fresh, store them in an airtight container. This prevents moisture from ruining their crunchy texture. I often use glass jars or plastic containers with tight lids. Keeping them sealed helps maintain their flavor and crispness. When stored properly, chocolate-covered espresso beans last for about two weeks. After that, they may lose their taste and crunch. If you want to enjoy them longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure you use a freezer-safe container. Avoid exposing your beans to heat and light. Both can cause the chocolate to melt or become dull. Store them in a cool, dark place, like a pantry or cupboard. This helps to keep your tasty snack ready for whenever you need a quick energy boost. You can use dark, milk, or white chocolate. Each type has a different taste. Dark chocolate has a rich, deep flavor. Milk chocolate is sweeter and creamier. White chocolate lacks cocoa solids but is still tasty. Each type melts differently. Dark chocolate melts well but can seize if water touches it. Milk chocolate melts smoother. White chocolate may need careful heating. Always choose high-quality chocolate for the best taste. Look for a smooth and shiny texture. Stir it gently while melting. If you see lumps, it needs more heat. Avoid burning! Chocolate should not feel gritty. If it does, it means it got too hot. Remove it from the heat as soon as it is smooth. You want it melted, not boiling. Perfect chocolate will coat your beans easily. Absolutely! You can add a variety of toppings. Try crushed nuts for crunch. Sprinkles add color and fun. Coconut flakes give a tropical twist. You can use spices like cinnamon or chili for a kick. Mix dried fruit in for sweetness. Feel free to get creative with your favorite flavors! Yes, they can be a healthy snack! Espresso beans are full of antioxidants. Dark chocolate has health benefits too. It can improve heart health and boost mood. Eating a few gives you energy without too much sugar. However, remember to enjoy them in moderation. They are calorie-dense, so balance them with other foods. You can find them at many grocery stores. Look in the snack aisle or the coffee section. Health food stores often carry them too. Online shopping is another great option. Brands like Trader Joe's or Amazon offer various flavors. You can also try local coffee shops. They might sell fresh, homemade options! You now know how to make chocolate-covered espresso beans from scratch. Start with quality espresso and dark chocolate, add a bit of coconut oil, and follow the steps to coat and chill. Remember, you can customize flavors and try different chocolate types or toppings. Store them in an airtight container for the best freshness. Enjoy them as a tasty snack or give them as gifts. Your friends will love them! Now, get in the kitchen and try this simple treat.$

Chocolate-Covered Espresso Beans

Delicious roasted espresso beans coated in rich dark chocolate, perfect for a snack or dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Start by preparing your baking sheet—line it with parchment paper to prevent the chocolate-covered beans from sticking once set.
In a medium-sized heatproof bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. If you desire a hint of vanilla, stir it in at this stage as well.
Set the bowl over a pot of gently simmering water (this is the double boiler method) on medium heat. Stir the mixture continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be cautious to ensure that no water comes into contact with the chocolate, as this can cause it to seize up.
Once the chocolate is fully melted, remove the bowl from the heat. Introduce the roasted espresso beans to the bowl and stir them gently, ensuring that each bean is fully coated in the glossy chocolate layer.
Using a fork or a slotted spoon, carefully lift the chocolate-covered beans from the bowl, allowing any excess chocolate to drip off. Arrange them artfully onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer to avoid clumping.
After all the beans are coated and spread out on the sheet, lightly sprinkle sea salt over them. This garnish will provide a delightful contrast to the rich sweetness of the chocolate.
Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely firm and set.
Once the chocolate has hardened, take the espresso beans out of the refrigerator. If any beans are stuck together, gently break them apart to separate.

Notes

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

Keyword chocolate, dessert, espresso, snack