Dark Chocolate Covered Peanuts | Easy Candy Recipe

Delicious little bundles of guilt-free goodness, these chocolate covered peanuts are so simple and easy to make, with only 3 ingredients!

Dark chocolate is my jam! Or... my chocolate, rather.

Over the past years, I've really tried to reduce the amount of sugar I eat regularly, so whenever I eat chocolate, it's always dark.

Because I've made that change, dark chocolate now tastes the perfect amount of sweetness, milk chocolate is disgustingly sweet and... let's not even talk about white "chocolate".

I truly know that it's possible to train your tastebuds to enjoy foods with less sugar, it just takes some time. I've gotten to the point that I enjoy my soaked oatmeal with blueberries in the morning without any sort of sweetener. You don't have to go that far, but it's possible. (Even my husband thinks I'm crazy!)

Anyways, back to the star of today's show- dark, delicious chocolate.

Melt down the rich chocolate, pour in peanuts, sprinkle with salt, and you've got a simple, guilt-free treat that makes a perfect Christmas gift (or any other time of year, really!) for someone special or a great snack for yourself. 😉

Chocolate lovers everywhere, rejoice!

FAQ

Are Peanuts Nuts?

Peanuts are not actually tree nuts like almonds, walnuts, pecans, etc are. They are a legume!

Why Not Buy Chocolate Covered Peanuts?

As with anything premade, you have no control over the ingredients. Many store-bought chocolate products contain low-quality milk products, chocolate liquor and cocoa butter, soy lecithin (We avoid soy where possible) and lots of added, refined sugar.

So, I like to make chocolate peanuts with good chocolate and my peanuts of choice!

Are Chocolate Covered Peanuts Healthy?

Peanuts are high in protein and healthy fats. They are also a great source of many vitamins and minerals, such as biotin, copper, Vitamin E, folate and niacin, among others.

If you use soaked and dried peanuts (learn how to do this yourself here), you actually increase the amount of nutrients you get from them. An anti-nutrient called phytic acid which naturally occurs in nuts and seeds is neutralized in the process of soaking in saltwater and therefore doesn't block nutrient absorption in your body!

Dark chocolate is the healthiest type of chocolate, as it has the least amount of sugar and is, therefore, higher in cocoa. Cocoa is rich in polyphenols, which are antioxidants also found in some fruits and vegetables! These polyphenols may decrease blood pressure, decrease inflammation in the body, boost heart health and increase blood flow to the brain. It does contain sugar, but what treat doesn't! If it's a small amount, I'm happy.

What Kind of Chocolate to Use

I will always recommend dark chocolate (70% cocoa or more!) because it's the healthiest and best chocolate, in my opinion! I chop up a chocolate bar because it's a much more reasonable price than dark chocolate chips! However, if that's not your forte, or you don't have any dark chocolate on hand, milk, semi-sweet or even white chocolate will work just fine.

What Kind of Peanuts to Use

I use unsalted peanuts that have been soaked and dried (for health and digestive benefits, see my post here all about soaking and drying nuts and seeds!). I add a sprinkle of sea salt on the clusters before they set to add a touch of salty flavor.

Can CHocolate Covered Peanuts Be Frozen?

Chocolate covered peanuts and peanut clusters can be frozen for up to 6 months in a freezer-safe container. Just thaw in the fridge before eating!

Variations of Chocolate Covered Peanuts

• Use any type of chocolate you like, or combine different kinds for a unique blend.
• Use hazelnuts, almonds, pistachios or any combination of nuts, or use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option.
• Mix in some dried fruit, coconut flakes or pretzel pieces to add some interest!

Tools You May Need

Double boiler (or a pot and glass bowl)

Baking sheets

How to Make Chocolate Covered Peanuts

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (8 oz bag) dark chocolate (70% is best, in my opinion!)
• 1½ cups unsalted peanuts
• sea salt (optional)

Instructions:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper.

Heat dark chocolate in a double boiler over medium heat until it's almost fully melted. Remove from heat and stir until chocolate is melted.

Add in peanuts and stir until they are fully coated in chocolate.

Drop chocolate covered peanuts by the spoonful to create clusters. I used a ⅛ measuring cup to scoop the peanuts and it was the perfect size! If you are very patient, you can use a fork to remove one peanut at a time and place it on the sheet to create individual chocolate covered peanuts.

Sprinkle with sea salt, if desired. Place in the fridge for 15-30 minutes until the chocolate coating is fully hardened.

How to Store CHocolate Covered Peanuts

Store chocolate covered peanuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 month or in the freezer for up to 6 months. Because this chocolate is not tempered, it will melt slightly at room temperature, so best to keep it cool. Or you could learn how to temper chocolate! I'll get there one day.

It's almost Christmas and these make the perfect gift! Did you try this recipe? Tag me on Instagram @thehomeintent so I can see your creations.

MORE GUILT-FREE DESSERTS

• CREAMY LEMON BARS
• TOASTED COCONUT COOKIES WITH WHITE BEANS
• KEY LIME PIE
• SPROUTED OATMEAL CHOCOLATE CHUNK COOKIES
• CHERRY POPSICLES

MORE EDIBLE GIFT IDEAS

• CINNAMON AND HONEY ROASTED PUMPKIN SEEDS
• DRIED PEACHES
• CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER EGGS (FOR EASTER)
• HONEY ROASTED CASHEWS