Dark Chocolate Almonds (Cocoa-Roasted)
These crunchy Dark Chocolate Almonds transform a handful of everyday nuts into an irresistible cocoa-dusted snack. Each almond is wrapped in a lightly sweet, deeply chocolatey coating and then slowly baked until crisp. They’re easy to make, naturally gluten-free and dairy-free… and perfect for snacking, gifting, or fixing a chocolate craving.
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As a dietitian, I’m a big fan of treats that bring nutritional goodness along for the ride. Almonds provide plant-based protein, fiber, and heart-healthy unsaturated fats… while unsweetened cocoa powder contributes rich flavor and beneficial plant compounds called flavanols.
PS. If chocolate-almond treats make you happy, you’ll also love my Almond Joy Crispy Bites, Almond Joy Dates,Chocolate Peanut Butter Dates and Flourless Almond Butter Blondies. For even more easy chocolate treats, try my 3-Ingredient Chocolate Truffles, Super Seed Chocolate Bark or fruity Chocolate Blueberry Clusters.
A simple trick creates the crispy cocoa coating
There’s no melted chocolate and no candy thermometer required. Instead, whipped egg white helps the dry mix (cocoa powder, sugar + salt) cling to every nook and cranny. As the almonds bake, that coating becomes crisp and crackly, with an intense chocolate flavor and just the right touch of sweetness.
Be sure to stir the almonds until no dry cocoa mixture remains at the bottom of the bowl. Then spread them into a single layer so they toast evenly and develop that irresistible crunch.
Why these almonds disappear quickly
- Big chocolate flavor: unsweetened cocoa powder gives each bite a deep, dark chocolate taste without the need for a heavy candy coating.
- Just six ingredients: everything comes together with simple staples you may already have in your kitchen.
- SO snackable: flavored almonds offer a nourishing combo of plant protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
- Perfect for sharing and gifting: spoon them into jars for an easy homemade holiday or hostess gift.
The toughest part about this recipe?
… waiting for the almonds to cool! I’ll leave the tray on the counter with every intention of storing them neatly, and then my family starts wandering through the kitchen and plucking them off the tray. Before long, half the batch has mysteriously vanished… and yes, I’m usually one of the culprits, ha!
Be sure to let the almonds cool for at least 15 minutes before breaking them apart; they’ll become crisper as they sit. Then tuck them into an airtight container and enjoy whenever the chocolate munchies strike.
Try these Cinnamon-Sugar Pepitas!
Dark Chocolate Almonds (Cocoa-Roasted)
Ingredients
- 1 egg white
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups raw almonds
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 275˚. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and mist with nonstick oil spray. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the egg white and vanilla and whip until very frothy. Add the almonds to the bowl and stir until they are completely soaked in egg white, about 2 minutes.
- In a small bowl, stir together the sugar, cocoa powder and salt until thoroughly mixed. Add the sugar-cocoa mixture to the almonds, and stir until the dry ingredients are completely incorporated and almonds are evenly coated (no dry powder should remain at the bottom of the bowl).
- Pour the almonds onto the prepared baking sheet and use a spatula, spoon or your hands to spread them in a single even layer. Bake for 25 minutes on the middle oven rack.
- Cool for at least 15 minutes. Break the almonds apart before serving. Store in an airtight container.
Fantastic and easy with ingredients I always have on hand. Really liked that they weren’t overly sweet so that you can actually taste the almond. I found that using the back of a spoon worked best to get in even layer on cookie sheet because they are surprisingly sticky.
Hi Jill, thanks for your sweet comments! We’re thrilled to hear you love the recipe—they’re such a delicious treat! And also, thanks for sharing your tip to get them onto the baking sheet! We’re so grateful to have you here!
—Donna
I made this recipe and I am thrilled with the outcome! The taste of the almonds is so delicious with a wonderful chocolate taste and crunch. I will absolutely make this recipe again!
Thank you
Jean, yay!! I’m so happy you loved these almonds. That crunchy, chocolatey combo is irresistible, right?! Thrilled to hear this one’s a keeper for you…thanks for sharing this wonderful review!