Chocolate Covered Roasted Pecans

Chocolate Covered Roasted Pecans are an easy homemade candy made with just three ingredients: butter, pecan halves, and dark chocolate. The pecans are roasted in butter until fragrant, then dipped in melted chocolate for a rich, crunchy treat that's perfect for holiday gifting, snack boards, or nibbling straight from the container.

If you love roasted pecans and chocolate, this recipe was made for you. I started with the South's favorite nut, gave it a quick butter roast in the oven, and then dipped every single half in smooth, melted dark chocolate. The result was a tray of glossy, bite-size candies that disappeared almost as fast as I could make them.

This updated version keeps the simple method from my original Chocolate Covered Roasted Pecans while adding more step-by-step details, helpful tips, and ideas for packaging these little gems as edible gifts.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients - Here's All You Need:
• Step-by-Step: How to Make Chocolate Covered Roasted Pecans
• Serving and Gifting Ideas
• Chula's Test Kitchen Tips
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Other Delicious Pecan-based Edible Gifts
• Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Only 3 ingredients. Butter, pecan halves, and chocolate candy coating. No corn syrup, cream, or candy thermometer required.

• Big flavor, minimal effort. Butter roasting brings out the pecans' rich, nutty flavor before they ever meet the chocolate.

• Perfect for gifting. These candies look and taste as if they came from a gourmet chocolate shop, but they're budget-friendly and easy to package.

• Make-ahead friendly. They keep well in an airtight container, so you can make them days before a party or holiday.

Ingredients - Here's All You Need:

Step-by-Step: How to Make Chocolate Covered Roasted Pecans

1. Prep the pan and oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

2. Roast the pecans in butter: Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan or the microwave. In a medium bowl, toss the pecan halves with the melted butter until evenly coated. Spread the pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until the pecans are fragrant and a shade darker.

3. Drain roasted pecans: Transfer the roasted pecans to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain and cool completely. (If you like a sweet-salt contrast, lightly sprinkle the warm pecans with fine salt.)

4. Melt the chocolate: Place the chocolate candy coating or melting wafers in the top of a double boiler set over simmering, not boiling water. Stir frequently until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Make sure the bottom of the top pan does not touch the water-this helps prevent scorching or seizing. (If you prefer the microwave, use 50% power in short bursts, stirring between each one, until smooth.)

5. Dip the roasted pecans: Drop a few cooled roasted pecan halves into the melted chocolate. Use a fork to turn and coat each pecan, then lift it out, tapping the fork gently against the side of the pan to let excess chocolate drip off. Place each pecan on a parchment- or wax-paper-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining pecans, working in small batches to keep the chocolate smooth.

6. Let the chocolate set: Allow the chocolate-covered roasted pecans to sit at room temperature until completely set, or transfer the tray to the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to speed up the process. Once firm, transfer the candies to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place.

These Chocolate Covered Roasted Pecans prove that you don't need a long ingredient list or fancy candy equipment to make something truly special. Butter-roasted pecan halves coated in rich chocolate make a bite-sized treat that feels both nostalgic and a little indulgent.

Whether you serve them on a dessert tray, tuck them into holiday gift baskets, or keep a hidden stash in the pantry, this simple recipe is one you'll want to revisit every year. Yum!

Serving and Gifting Ideas

• Holiday candy trays: Add them to cookie platters, charcuterie boards, or dessert buffets for a pop of chocolate and crunch.

• Edible gifts: Package in small tins, Mason jars, or clear cellophane bags tied with seasonal ribbon. Add a gift tag with serving suggestions and storage tips.

• Snack bowls: Set out a small dish during game day, movie night, or coffee hour-they pair beautifully with both coffee and wine.

Chula's Test Kitchen Tips

• Use good-quality pecans. Fresh, plump pecan halves make all the difference. If your pecans smell stale, toss them. Rancid nuts will ruin the candy.

• Don't skip the stir. Stirring the pecans every 10 minutes while roasting helps them brown evenly and prevents scorching at 325°F.

• Cool completely. If the pecans are even slightly warm when dipped, they can thin the chocolate or cause it to seize.

• Moisture is the enemy of chocolate. Even a drop of water can cause melted chocolate to clump. Make sure your utensils and bowls are dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Delicious Pecan-based Edible Gifts

Recipe