Chocolate covered coffee beans are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and the caffeinated kick of coffee. These bite-sized delights are a favorite among coffee lovers and can be enjoyed anytime, whether as a snack or a pick-me-up during the day. While they may seem like a luxurious treat, making chocolate covered coffee beans at home is actually quite simple and straightforward. In this article, I will share a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious chocolate covered coffee beans in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Gather the Ingredients and Equipment
Before you begin making chocolate covered coffee beans, you will need to gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
– Coffee beans: Choose high-quality coffee beans that you enjoy the flavor of. Opt for coffee beans that have been freshly roasted and have a robust flavor profile.
– Chocolate: Use your favorite type of chocolate, whether it’s dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate. Make sure to choose high-quality chocolate for the best taste.
– Optional: Flavorings such as vanilla extract, cinnamon, or sea salt to add an extra layer of depth to the chocolate covered coffee beans.
Equipment:
– Baking sheet or tray: For drying the coffee beans after they have been coated with chocolate.
– Parchment paper or silicone mat: To line the baking sheet and prevent the coffee beans from sticking.
– Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl: To melt the chocolate. If using a microwave, ensure the bowl is microwave-safe and stir the chocolate at regular intervals to prevent burning.
– Fork or chocolate dipping tool: To coat the coffee beans with chocolate and remove them from the chocolate bath.
Prepare the Coffee Beans
Once you have gathered all the ingredients and equipment, it’s time to prepare the coffee beans for the chocolate coating.
1. Start by brewing a fresh pot of coffee using your preferred brewing method. This step is crucial as it ensures that the coffee beans are flavorful and aromatic.
2. Once the coffee is brewed, carefully scoop out the coffee beans using a spoon or strainer. Make sure to choose whole beans and discard any broken or deformed ones.
3. Rinse the coffee beans under cold water to remove any excess coffee grounds and residual oils.
4. Pat the coffee beans dry using a paper towel or a clean kitchen cloth. Make sure they are completely dry before moving on to the next step.
Melt the Chocolate
Now that the coffee beans are ready, it’s time to melt the chocolate. Whether you choose to use a double boiler or a microwave, the key is to melt the chocolate slowly and gently to avoid burning or overheating.
If using a double boiler:
1. Fill the bottom pan of the double boiler with water, making sure it doesn’t touch the top pan.
2. Place the chocolate in the top pan and set it over low heat.
3. Stir the chocolate continuously with a spatula until it melts and becomes smooth and glossy.
If using a microwave:
1. Break the chocolate into small pieces and place them in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Microwave the chocolate in short intervals, usually 30 seconds at a time, stirring well after each interval.
3. Continue microwaving and stirring until the chocolate is completely melted and has a smooth consistency.
Coat the Coffee Beans with Chocolate
With the melted chocolate ready, it’s time to coat the coffee beans and turn them into delicious chocolate covered treats.
1. Place the coffee beans on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Make sure to spread them out evenly, leaving some space between each bean.
2. Using a fork or chocolate dipping tool, drop a few coffee beans into the melted chocolate at a time.
3. Gently toss and stir the beans in the chocolate, making sure they are fully coated.
4. Lift the coated beans out of the chocolate using the fork or dipping tool, allowing any excess chocolate to drip off.
5. Place the coated beans back onto the lined baking sheet, making sure they are not touching each other.
6. Repeat the process until all the coffee beans are coated with chocolate.
Set and Store the Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans
Once all the coffee beans are coated with chocolate, it’s time to let them set and store them properly for optimal taste and texture.
1. Place the baking sheet with the coated coffee beans in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden.
2. Once the chocolate has hardened, remove the baking sheet from the refrigerator and let the chocolate covered coffee beans come to room temperature.
3. Store the chocolate covered coffee beans in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and prevent them from absorbing any odors or flavors from the surroundings.
4. Keep the container of chocolate covered coffee beans in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. They can be stored for up to two weeks.
Experiment with Flavors
While chocolate covered coffee beans are delicious on their own, you can also experiment with different flavors to add variety to your homemade treats.
1. Add a few drops of vanilla extract to the melted chocolate for a subtle vanilla flavor.
2. Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over the coated coffee beans for a warm and spicy twist.
3. Dust the chocolate covered coffee beans with a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the flavors and create a delightful sweet-savory combination.
Remember to start with small quantities of these additional flavors and adjust to your taste preferences.
In conclusion, making delicious chocolate covered coffee beans at home is an easy and enjoyable process. With just a few steps and some simple ingredients, you can create a delectable treat that combines the best of both worlds – chocolate and coffee. So why wait? Gather the ingredients, melt the chocolate, coat the coffee beans, and savor every bite of these homemade delights. Once you try them, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought chocolate covered coffee beans again!