Mint Chocolate Covered Almonds are the perfect healthy(ish) snack or appetizer! Sprinkle them with coarse sugar for some extra sparkle and crunch. These are totally addictive! Originally published December 30, 2015.
Table of Contents
So how was everyone’s Christmas?? Eric, the kids, and I headed up to Montana, Land of Negative Numbers. It doesn’t even really matter what the numbers are. Once they are negative, they are NOT OKAY.
(A friend of mine (who lives in North Dakota) posted on Facebook the other day, “The air makes my face hurt. Why do I live where the air makes my face hurt??” I don’t know, Jen. I really don’t know.)
Cold weather isn’t so bad, though, when you are cozied up in your socks with the cats drinking Honey Hot Chocolate, so I can’t complain too much. Plus, all the other awesomeness that ensued totally made up for it:
Truman was basically the most adorable wise man ever on Christmas Eve. I didn’t get a picture of Charlotte shoving baby Jesus up under her dress when she played Mary, which is a real shame. I did snap this picture of her with a crazy face making a graveyard out of play dough, though. Obviously.
We made about 300 cookies. I tend to exaggerate a lot, but this time I swear I’m not. Eric’s family is Swedish, and they do NOT mess around when it comes to cookies. On the right here is Kris, my mother-in-law, who wanted a canvas of my Roasted Garlic Ratatouille for Christmas. The colors match her kitchen, so she wanted to put it up. Kind of fun seeing my photo on something other than a computer screen!
Make these mint chocolate covered almonds for your next party
Before we left for Montana, I made these mint chocolate covered almonds. Guys. I know you’ve had chocolate-covered almonds before. But a few drops of mint extract make it a totally different thing! I could not stop eating these. They taste so refreshing, but you still get your chocolate fix. The sprinkle of coarse sugar on top adds just the right crunch.
These are perfect for sneaking into a movie in your purse to have a sweet treat with your popcorn, but word to the wise, DON’T leave your purse on your lap because the chocolate will melt and then you will be sad.
Along with illegal movie-smuggling, these almonds make a great addition to your party menus It’s the perfect snack for partying: no mess, no plate needed, and none of those awkward moments where you are standing holding a drink and suddenly the bite you just took out of your appetizer hangs weird and you have to STOP EVERYTHING while you try to hide the fact that you have food hanging out of your mouth. I know you.
Bonus: these almonds totally support the new you for 2016! I mean, if you are planning on dieting, that is. Almonds are super healthy, and people have been talking for years now about how dark chocolate is basically like eating kale, so you’re golden.
Key ingredients
- Use lightly salted almonds
- Mint extract, but use it sparingly! A little goes a long way.
- I like to use dark chocolate (60%). It’s sweet, but not TOO sweet.
How to make these easy chocolate covered almonds with mint
Chop your chocolate into little pieces.
Microwave the chocolate for 30 seconds, and give it a good stir. Keep microwaving in 30-second bursts, stirring after each one, until there are just a few stubborn little lumps left. Stop there! The residual heat will melt them as you stir, leaving you with perfectly smooth chocolate.
Now for the mint. Add 1/4 teaspoon of mint extract and stir well. Taste it if you want, then add a tiny bit more if needed. Seriously, go easy. Mint extract has no chill, and there’s a very fine line between “festive” and “dipped in toothpaste.”
Dump in the almonds and stir until every last one is coated in chocolate.
Spread out a large sheet of parchment paper or wax paper on your counter or on a baking sheet. Using a fork, lift the almonds out one at a time, letting the excess chocolate drip back into the bowl. Place them on the parchment, making sure they’re not touching each other.
While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the almonds with coarse sugar for a little sparkle and crunch.
Let the almonds cool until the chocolate is completely set. If you’re impatient (hi, same), pop them in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes.
How to store chocolate covered almonds
Store your chocolate-covered almonds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, as long as your kitchen isn’t sweltering hot. If your house tends to be on the warm side, keep them in the refrigerator so the chocolate stays nice and snappy.
Can I freeze these?
Yes! These freeze beautifully! Place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. They thaw quickly. Just let them sit on the counter for 15–20 minutes before serving.
Easy Chocolate Covered Almonds with Mint
Ingredients
- 1 6-oz. can Blue Diamond Lightly Salted Almonds
- 3 ounces dark chocolate, chopped (I used 60%)
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoons mint extract, *be VERY careful!
- 1-2 tablespoons coarse sugar
Instructions
- Melt the chocolate in a medium-size microwave safe bowl for 30 seconds, then stir.
- Continue microwaving and stirring in 30 second intervals until the chocolate still has a few unmelted lumps in it. Stir until smooth.
- Carefully add the mint extract and stir. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and go from there. Don’t overdo it!
- Add the almonds to the bowl and stir to coat.
- Lay a large sheet of parchment or wax paper out onto a work surface. (If you plan to refrigerate them to cool faster, place on a baking sheet).
- Use a fork to carefully remove each almond and place on the paper. You want to make sure they are separated so that they don’t cool in clumps.
- While they are still wet, sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- Let dry completely. You can speed this up by putting them in the fridge or freezer.
- Once the chocolate has hardened, you can store them in the almond can that you have leftover, or in a tupperware. Keep in a cool place or the fridge.
These look amazing- almost like all natural mint m&ms :) Pinning!
That is awesome Medha! I should have called them that! Mint M&Ms are totally the best ones. Thanks for pinning!
I LOVE that your MIL wanted a print of yours for Christmas! How wonderful!
These look so good! I love the coarse sugar you’ve sprinkled over them!
I know, isn’t she so sweet? It’s a huge compliment. And yes, the coarse sugar totally makes these almonds! They add amazing crunch!
This is totally happening in my kitchen this weekend! No shame because they are healthy right?! ;)
Yes EXACTLY!! We are so smart.
These look delicious. The photo canvas is such a great idea! Love it.
Thanks Karen, although I can’t take credit! Kris told me she wanted it :)
It’s been pretty cold here in Denver for the last week. I can definitely relate to your freezing face comment! Chocolate covered almonds are one of my favorites and I LOVE that you made these mint chocolate!
Chocolate covered almonds really are just the best! I hope you guys are staying warm over there in Denver!