Almond Coconut Chocolate Clusters
These Almond Coconut Chocolate Clusters are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of chocolate, the richness of coconut, and a crunchy bite of salted almonds. They’re quick to make, require only a handful of ingredients, and are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Whether you’re craving a snack or preparing holiday treats, these clusters will surely be a hit!
Ingredients:
- 1 (14 oz) bag of shredded, sweetened coconut
- 1 (12 oz) bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 (14 oz) can of sweetened condensed milk
- 3/4 cup lightly salted almonds, roughly chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the clusters from sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare the Cookie Scoop:
- Grab a cookie scoop to help form the clusters. This will ensure each cluster is the same size and packs tightly.
- Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded coconut, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir everything together until well mixed. The condensed milk will help bind the ingredients together and give the clusters their rich sweetness.
- Add the Almonds:
- Gently fold in the roughly chopped salted almonds. The saltiness of the almonds complements the sweetness of the coconut and chocolate, giving the clusters a perfect balance of flavors.
- Form the Clusters:
- Using the cookie scoop, measure out portions of the coconut-chocolate mixture. Make sure to pack each scoop tightly so the clusters hold together well as they bake. Place each cluster onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1-2 inches apart.
- Bake the Clusters:
- Bake the clusters in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until they’re golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them, as the chocolate will melt and the coconut will toast quickly.
- Cool:
- Let the clusters cool completely on the baking sheet. This will allow the chocolate to harden and the clusters to set properly.
- Store:
- Once the clusters have cooled and firmed up, transfer them to an airtight container for storage. They will stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature or in the refrigerator for even longer.
Why These Almond Coconut Chocolate Clusters are a Must-Try:
- Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, these clusters are simple to make and perfect for last-minute treat-making.
- Sweet and Salty Perfection: The combination of sweetened coconut, chocolate, and salty almonds creates a mouthwatering flavor contrast that’s irresistible.
- Versatile: You can easily adjust the recipe by swapping almonds for other nuts like pecans or cashews, or adding dried fruit like cranberries for a twist.
Pro Tips:
- Pack the Scoop: Make sure to pack each cookie scoop tightly to help the clusters hold together when baking. This also ensures that the chocolate melts evenly through the coconut mixture.
- Customization: If you prefer a less sweet version, you can use unsweetened coconut or dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
- Storage: These clusters store well in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. They make great gifts during the holidays or as a treat to share with friends and family!
Perfect for Any Occasion:
These Almond Coconut Chocolate Clusters are ideal for holiday cookie trays, a quick snack, or even a homemade gift. The best part? They’re just so simple to make, but the end result is a treat that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Enjoy!