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If you’re craving a snack that’s both indulgent and wholesome, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite treat — the Chocolate Covered Roasted Chickpeas Recipe. This delightful little snack pairs the satisfying crunch of perfectly roasted chickpeas with a luscious, smooth chocolate coating infused with warm cinnamon, vanilla, and the natural sweetness of maple syrup. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a plant-based, gluten-free snack that feels like a little moment of joy with every bite, whether you’re munching solo or sharing with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the creamy chickpeas to the rich chocolate and aromatic spices, every element elevates the dish.
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed: The crunchy, nutty base that holds this snack together beautifully after roasting.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the chickpeas roast to a crisp golden perfection while adding a subtle richness.
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup: Adds a natural sweetness that complements the chocolate and spices flawlessly.
- 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips: The star ingredient for the decadent coating, making this treat irresistibly chocolaty.
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder: Boosts the depth and intensity of the chocolate flavor for an extra chocolaty kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Wakes up your taste buds with a warm, spicy hug that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor profile with its sweet, floral notes.
- Pinch of sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors, creating harmony in every bite.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Roasted Chickpeas Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Chickpeas
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms, prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to ensure your chickpeas won’t stick and clean-up is a breeze. Rinse and drain your chickpeas well, then place them on a clean kitchen towel and pat dry. Removing excess moisture is key for achieving that perfect crunch once roasted.
Step 2: Roast the Chickpeas
Toss the dried chickpeas with olive oil and a pinch of sea salt, coating them evenly. Spread them out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they aren’t crowded. Roast for about 25 to 30 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through roasting to promote even browning and crispiness. The chickpeas should turn golden and crunchy, transforming into the ideal base for your chocolate coating.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Coating
While your chickpeas roast, melt your chocolate chips gently in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler, stirring often to avoid burning. Once melted, stir in the maple syrup, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and cinnamon to create a smooth and aromatic chocolate mixture that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Coat the Chickpeas
Transfer the warm roasted chickpeas into the chocolate mixture and stir well to ensure every single chickpea is luxuriously coated. Then spread them evenly back onto the lined baking sheet so they can set and firm up. This step guarantees a satisfying crunch with every bite wrapped in that meltingly good chocolate.
How to Serve Chocolate Covered Roasted Chickpeas Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the chickpeas once the chocolate starts setting to add a wonderful contrast, or toss in some crushed toasted nuts for extra texture and flavor harmony. A light dusting of extra cinnamon can also add warmth and spice to the finished snack.
Side Dishes
This Chocolate Covered Roasted Chickpeas Recipe pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or creamy plant-based milk, turning an ordinary snack time into a cozy treat moment. They also complement fresh fruit nicely, balancing sweet, crunchy, and juicy textures together.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gift-giving, pack these treats in small mason jars layered with colorful parchment paper or tiny snack bags tied with ribbon. They also make an eye-catching topping for dairy-free ice cream or a creative homemade trail mix that surprises with its mix of sweet, salty, and crunchy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover chocolate covered roasted chickpeas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them crisp and fresh, perfect for nibbling anytime you want a quick, satisfying snack.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these longer, you can freeze the cooked and coated chickpeas in a sealed freezer bag for up to a month. Just be sure to thaw them to room temperature and allow to crisp up for a few minutes before enjoying again.
Reheating
To refresh the crunch after storage or freezing, pop the chickpeas into a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This quick heat-up brings back that lovely roasted texture without melting the chocolate too much.
FAQs
Can I use canned chickpeas for this Chocolate Covered Roasted Chickpeas Recipe?
Absolutely! Using canned chickpeas is convenient and works perfectly. Just be sure to rinse and pat them dry thoroughly to achieve the best crispiness when roasting.
Is it possible to use dark chocolate instead of dairy-free chocolate chips?
Yes, dark chocolate works wonderfully in this recipe and adds a richer, slightly more intense chocolate flavor. Just choose a variety you love that suits your dietary preferences.
How do I make sure the chickpeas get crunchy?
Drying the chickpeas well before roasting and roasting them evenly on a single layer are key steps. Also, shaking the pan halfway through helps them cook uniformly and crisp up beautifully.
Can I substitute maple syrup with another sweetener?
Definitely! Agave nectar, honey, or even brown rice syrup can be used as alternatives. Each will give a slightly different flavor, but all provide the sweetness needed to balance the chocolate and spices.
Are these chickpeas suitable for sharing during parties or gatherings?
They’re perfect! Their combination of crunchy texture and rich chocolatey flavor always impresses guests and are a healthy yet indulgent snack option.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Chocolate Covered Roasted Chickpeas Recipe a try because it’s one of those magical snacks that feels like a personal treat without any guilt. Whether you’re craving something sweet, crunchy, or both, this recipe delivers it all. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for sharing—so happy roasting and don’t forget to savor every delicious bite!
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Chocolate Covered Roasted Chickpeas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Description
Crunchy roasted chickpeas coated in a smooth dairy-free chocolate mixture, flavored with cinnamon and vanilla for a deliciously healthy snack that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while keeping it plant-based and gluten-free.
Ingredients
Chickpeas
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Pinch of sea salt
Chocolate Coating
- 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for roasting.
- Dry Chickpeas: Spread the rinsed chickpeas on a clean towel and pat them thoroughly dry to remove any excess moisture which helps achieve crispiness.
- Toss Chickpeas: Place the dried chickpeas in a bowl, toss them with olive oil and a pinch of sea salt to season evenly.
- Roast Chickpeas: Spread the chickpeas evenly on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through to ensure they roast evenly and become golden and crunchy.
- Melt Chocolate: While chickpeas roast, melt the dairy-free chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler; then stir in maple syrup, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth and well combined.
- Coat Chickpeas: Add the roasted chickpeas to the chocolate mixture and toss to coat them evenly with the chocolate blend.
- Set and Serve: Spread the chocolate-coated chickpeas back onto the baking sheet and allow them to set before enjoying as a crunchy, sweet snack.
Notes
- Patting the chickpeas dry is key to getting them crunchy during roasting.
- Use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep this recipe vegan-friendly.
- You can store the chocolate covered chickpeas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to adjust cinnamon and vanilla extract to taste.
- Flip or shake the baking sheet halfway through roasting to avoid burning and ensure a uniform roast.
