Chocolate covered coffee beans are the perfect snack for anyone who loves the rich flavors of coffee combined with the smooth sweetness of chocolate. Whether you want a quick energy boost or a tasty treat, making these at home is easier than you might think. In this article, I’ll walk you through a friendly, step-by-step guide on how to make chocolate covered coffee beans that will impress your taste buds and your friends.
What You’ll Need
Before we start, gather these simple ingredients:
– 1 cup of whole roasted coffee beans (choose your favorite roast, dark roast is best for bold flavor)
– 8 oz (about 1 cup) of high-quality dark chocolate (60% cocoa or higher for a rich taste)
– Optional: a pinch of sea salt or cocoa powder for extra flavor
Step 1: Choose the Right Ingredients
The secret to amazing chocolate covered coffee beans starts with picking the right ingredients. Use fresh, high-quality coffee beans to ensure a bold coffee flavor that shines through the chocolate. Dark roast beans work best because they have a robust taste that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
For the chocolate, pick a bar or chips with at least 60% cocoa content. This ensures the chocolate is rich but not too sweet, balancing the bitterness of the coffee beans perfectly.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
Melting chocolate can be done easily with a double boiler or a microwave:
– Double Boiler Method: Place a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Add the chocolate pieces to the bowl and stir continuously until smooth and melted.
– Microwave Method: Put the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until fully melted.
Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as burnt chocolate can taste bitter and grainy.
Step 3: Coat the Coffee Beans
Once your chocolate is melted and silky smooth, it’s time to coat the coffee beans:
– Add the coffee beans to the melted chocolate.
– Stir gently but thoroughly until every bean is completely covered in chocolate.
– To get a thicker chocolate coating, you can let the chocolate cool slightly so it thickens before coating.
Try to separate the beans as you stir to avoid clumps sticking together.
Step 4: Separate and Set the Beans
Using a fork or a small spoon, lift each chocolate-coated bean out of the bowl, letting excess chocolate drip off. Place the beans on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper.
Make sure to spread them out so they don’t stick together while the chocolate hardens. This step might take a little patience, but the result is worth it.
Step 5: Chill and Finish
Put the tray of chocolate covered coffee beans into the refrigerator or freezer for about an hour. This allows the chocolate to set firmly and the beans to cool completely.
If you want to get creative, sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt or cocoa powder on the beans before chilling to boost the flavor even more.
Bonus Tips for Perfect Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans
– Layering Chocolate: For a thicker coating, you can repeat the coating process by dipping the beans again after the first layer has hardened.
– Experiment with Chocolate Types: Try milk chocolate or white chocolate for different flavor profiles.
– Add Toppings: While the chocolate is still soft, roll the beans in chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or drizzle with contrasting chocolate for a fancy touch.
– Storage: Keep your chocolate covered coffee beans in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. They usually stay fresh for a couple of weeks but tend to disappear quickly!
Why Make Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans at Home?
Making your own chocolate covered coffee beans is not only fun but also allows you to control the quality and flavors. You can customize the sweetness, chocolate type, and even add your favorite toppings. Plus, they make fantastic homemade gifts or party snacks.
They’re a perfect blend of crunchy, bitter, sweet, and energizing all in one bite — ideal for coffee lovers who want a little extra kick with their chocolate fix.
Enjoy your homemade chocolate covered coffee beans as a delightful snack or a unique treat to share. They’re simple to make, delicious, and sure to satisfy your cravings for both coffee and chocolate!