If there’s one thing that makes the world go round, it’s Homemade Chocolates. And today, we’ve got the secret to the simplest yet most decadent batch of chocolates you’ll ever make. This recipe provides a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth dark chocolate with crunchy hazelnuts tucked inside.
As for the method? Think melt, mix, and mold, easy peasy right? You won’t need to be a pastry chef to whip these chocolates up. Whether you're craving a sweet treat after dinner, something to impress friends, or just indulging in some me-time, this chocolate recipe will become your go-to favorite.
Let’s start with chocolate, a true marvel of the culinary world. Chocolate, in various forms, has been around for centuries, dating back to the Mayan and Aztec civilizations. While ancient people used it as a drink (often mixed with spices), it’s evolved into the sweet, creamy bars and truffles we know and love today.
As for hazelnuts, they’ve been a popular nut for centuries, particularly in Europe. Even the ancient Greeks used hazelnuts in medicinal remedies. The delightful nut has long been paired with chocolate, making this combo a classic for good reason. If you’ve ever had Nutella (who hasn’t?), you know how magic happens when these two ingredients meet.
For the best results, use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60-70% cocoa content. A good couverture chocolate, which has a higher cocoa butter content, will melt smoothly and create a glossy, snappy texture. Avoid chocolate chips, as they contain stabilizers that prevent proper melting. Opt for chocolate bars or professional baking chocolate for the best consistency and flavor.
Make sure you’re using high-quality silicone molds to ensure the best results. Fill each mold evenly and tap it gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles. You’ll get those perfectly formed little chocolate gems.
Yes, you can! You can swap the hazelnuts for other nuts like almonds or walnuts, or even try dried fruit like cranberries. The possibilities are endless.
If stored properly, these chocolates can last for up to two weeks in an airtight container. Just keep them in a cool, dry place to prevent melting.
For an extra indulgent treat, try adding a drizzle of caramel or a layer of peanut butter inside the chocolate before sealing it up. It’ll take your homemade chocolates to the next level.
Start by placing your dark chocolate in a saucepan
Start by placing your dark chocolate in a saucepan
Place the pan over low heat, stirring it gently with a spoon until it melts completely.
Place the pan over low heat, stirring it gently with a spoon until it melts completely.
Once the chocolate is fully melted, pour the hot chocolate into a large bowl. Then, add the butter and keep stirring until it blends in and makes a smooth, glossy mixture.
Once the chocolate is fully melted, pour the hot chocolate into a large bowl. Then, add the butter and keep stirring until it blends in and makes a smooth, glossy mixture.
Pour the melted chocolate into a piping bag and cut a small tip off the end of the bag.
Pour the melted chocolate into a piping bag and cut a small tip off the end of the bag.
Pipe the chocolate halfway into the silicone molds.
Pipe the chocolate halfway into the silicone molds.
Drop a toasted hazelnut right in the center of each mold.
Drop a toasted hazelnut right in the center of each mold.
Pipe more chocolate over the hazelnuts to fill the molds to the top.
Pipe more chocolate over the hazelnuts to fill the molds to the top.
Use a flat spatula to level the chocolate and remove any excess.
Use a flat spatula to level the chocolate and remove any excess.
Place the molds in the fridge and let the chocolates set for at least four hours. Once they’re ready, pop them out of the molds and enjoy your homemade chocolates.
Place the molds in the fridge and let the chocolates set for at least four hours. Once they’re ready, pop them out of the molds and enjoy your homemade chocolates.