How To Make Dark Chocolate Covered Walnuts

You can make dark chocolate covered walnuts at home with just three simple ingredients and a little patience.
 
It’s one of the easiest homemade treats you’ll ever make, and the result tastes like something from a fancy chocolate shop.
 
Whether you’re looking for a healthy-ish snack, a homemade gift, or just a way to use up a bag of walnuts, dark chocolate covered walnuts are a winning choice.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to make dark chocolate covered walnuts, plus tips for getting that glossy, snappy chocolate shell every time.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How to Make Dark Chocolate Covered Walnuts

Making dark chocolate covered walnuts comes down to three basic steps: melt, dip, and chill.
 
But the little details in between are what separate a mediocre batch from a truly delicious one.
 
Here’s how to make dark chocolate covered walnuts the right way.
 

1. Gather Your Ingredients

To make dark chocolate covered walnuts, you only need a few things.
 
You’ll need about two cups of walnut halves, eight ounces of good-quality dark chocolate, and a teaspoon of coconut oil.
 
The coconut oil is optional, but it helps the chocolate melt smoothly and gives it a nice shine once it sets.
 
If you want to get fancy, you can also add a pinch of sea salt or a dash of cinnamon.
 

2. Toast the Walnuts First

This step is easy to skip, but don’t.
 
Toasting the walnuts before you make dark chocolate covered walnuts brings out their natural oils and gives them a deeper, nuttier flavor.
 
Spread the walnut halves on a baking sheet and toast them at 350°F for about six to eight minutes.
 
You’ll know they’re ready when they smell warm and fragrant.
 
Let them cool completely before dipping, because warm walnuts will melt the chocolate and make a mess.
 

3. Melt the Dark Chocolate

Now it’s time for the chocolate.
 
Chop your dark chocolate into small, even pieces so it melts quickly and evenly.
 
You can melt it in a double boiler on the stove or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring every twenty seconds.
 
Once it’s smooth, stir in the coconut oil until it’s fully combined.
 
The chocolate should be glossy and runny, but not hot.
 
If it feels too thick, add a tiny bit more coconut oil.
 

4. Dip the Walnuts

This is the fun part of making dark chocolate covered walnuts.
 
Drop a few walnut halves into the melted chocolate at a time.
 
Use a fork to lift each one out, letting the excess chocolate drip back into the bowl.
 
Then place each chocolate covered walnut on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
 
Leave a little space between them so they don’t stick together.
 

5. Let Them Set

Once all your walnuts are coated, pop the baking sheet in the fridge for about twenty to thirty minutes.
 
The chocolate will harden into a crisp, shiny shell.
 
If you’re in a hurry, you can also freeze them for ten minutes.
 
Just don’t leave them in the freezer too long, or the chocolate may develop a white, chalky coating called bloom.
 
Store your finished dark chocolate covered walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, or in the fridge for about a month.
 

Tips for the Best Dark Chocolate Covered Walnuts

A few small tweaks can take your dark chocolate covered walnuts from good to unforgettable.
 

1. Use High-Quality Chocolate

The chocolate is the star here, so choose a bar you’d enjoy eating on its own.
 
Look for dark chocolate with at least 60% cacao for a rich, balanced flavor.
 
Cheap chocolate chips often contain stabilizers that make them thick and waxy when melted.
 

2. Temper the Chocolate for Shine

If you want that professional snap and gloss, tempering is the way to go.
 
Tempering involves heating and cooling the chocolate to specific temperatures so the cocoa butter sets in a stable form.
 
It takes a little practice, but it’s worth it if you’re making dark chocolate covered walnuts as gifts.
 

3. Add a Topping for Extra Flair

Before the chocolate sets, you can sprinkle your dark chocolate covered walnuts with flaky sea salt, crushed pistachios, or a light dusting of cocoa powder.
 
These little touches make your homemade treat look and taste gourmet.
 

4. Watch Out for Humidity

Chocolate and moisture don’t mix well.
 
If your kitchen is humid, the chocolate may take longer to set or develop a dull finish.
 
Work in a cool, dry spot, and chill your dark chocolate covered walnuts as soon as they’re dipped.
 

So, How Do You Make Dark Chocolate Covered Walnuts?

You make dark chocolate covered walnuts by toasting walnut halves, melting good dark chocolate, dipping each walnut, and letting them set in the fridge until the chocolate is crisp and shiny.
 
It’s a simple process that delivers a treat far fancier than the effort it takes.
 
With quality chocolate and a little patience, your homemade dark chocolate covered walnuts will rival anything you’d buy at a candy shop.
 
So grab a bag of walnuts and a dark chocolate bar, and give this easy recipe a try.
 
Once you master dark chocolate covered walnuts, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.