DIY Chocolate Gift Box with Almonds and Oreo Chunks

Looking for a delicious, homemade gift idea that strikes the perfect balance between elegance and indulgence? A chocolate box with almonds and Oreo pieces is the ultimate DIY gift for any occasion, be it birthdays, anniversaries, festivals, or just to say “I’m thinking of you.” This detailed guide will walk you through how to make your own custom chocolate gift box, which is packed with creamy, crunchy, and nutty goodness. This particular DIY chocolate box features smooth milk and dark chocolate bars studded with roasted almonds and chunky Oreo bits. It’s fun to make, easy to personalize, and far more impressive than anything store bought.

Ingredients:

For the chocolate base:

• 300 g good quality milk chocolate (you can also use dark or white)
• 1 tsp coconut oil or butter (optional, for a glossier finish)

Add-ins:

• ½ cup roasted almonds (whole or chopped)
• ½ cup Oreo cookies (roughly crushed)
• Sea salt flakes (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)

Optional decorative elements:

• Edible gold foil
• Drizzle of melted white chocolate
• Crushed dried rose petals or saffron strands

Methods:

1. If you’re using bar molds, lightly grease them with a touch of coconut oil to ensure easy release. You can also line a baking tray with wax paper for a bark style slab.
2. Roughly crush the Oreo cookies. Don’t turn them into powder, just break them into irregular chunks for texture. Set aside with the roasted almonds.

3. To roast almonds at home, simply bake them in a preheated oven at 170°C or 340°F for 10 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Let them cool completely before using.

4. Melt the chocolate. There are two ways you can do this.

• Double boiler method: Fill a saucepan with an inch of water and bring it to a simmer. Place a heat proof bowl over the top, making sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Add the chocolate pieces and coconut oil if using to the bowl. Stir gently until fully melted and smooth.
• Microwave method: Place the chopped chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave safe bowl. Heat in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and glossy.

5. Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract if using. Add a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, or instant coffee to the melted chocolate for an extra depth of flavor.
6. Pour a thin layer of melted chocolate into the base of your molds or tray. Tap gently to remove air bubbles. Then sprinkle in half of your roasted almonds and Oreo chunks. Pour the remaining melted chocolate over this layer, and again tap the mold to level it. Sprinkle the rest of the almonds and Oreos evenly across the top. Press them in gently with the back of a spoon so they stick well. Optionally, add a pinch of sea salt flakes, a drizzle of white chocolate, or edible gold for that extra visual appeal.
7. Transfer the molds or tray to the refrigerator and let the chocolate set for at least 2 hours, or until firm. Avoid freezing as it can create condensation and affect the
8. Once set, carefully remove the chocolate from the molds or cut the slab into pieces using a warm knife.
9. Lay a piece of wax or parchment paper inside your gift box or tin. Arrange the chocolate bars or pieces attractively. If you’ve made a bark style slab, you can wrap pieces individually in food safe foil or colorful wax paper. Add a handwritten tag or a printed label for a personal touch, something like “Handmade Chocolate with Almonds & Oreos” or “Crafted with Love.”

10. Your chocolate box should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Avoid keeping it in direct sunlight or near heat sources. The chocolates will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks at room temperature, or a month if refrigerated. Just bring them to room temperature before serving to avoid condensation on the surface.

Tips:

• Try using different cookies like Biscoff, digestive biscuits, or chocolate chip cookies if Oreo isn’t your thing.
• Mix and match chocolate types. Do a swirl of milk and dark chocolate, or create marbled effects with white chocolate.
• For holidays, decorate with crushed candy canes, sprinkles, or edible flowers.