7 Ways To Use Cocoa Nibs

Lovechocolate? Well then say hello to cocoa nibs, crushed bits of the cocoa bean that have been fermented, dried, and roasted. Nicknamed "nature's natural chocolate chips," cocoa nibs can add that chocolatey flavor to so many dishes—without all the sugar that usually comes with it.

Most cocoa nibs are ground, processed, and transformed into chocolate, but it's becoming more and more common—thanks to enthusiastic pastry chefs and health nuts alike—to find them as is. The nibs have a very firm, crunchy texture; a roasted, bitter chocolate flavor; andprovide many nutrients and antioxidantsincluding magnesium, iron, and fiber. And while you can certainly snack on plain cocoa nibs, they're also great tossed into everything from your cereal and salad bowl to trail mix and cookies. So pick up a bag—you can find them at specialty stores, quality grocers, andonline—and start sprinkling them on anything and everything. Need more cocoa nib inspiration? Here are our seven favorite ways to cook with cocoa nibs:

Stir a spoonful of cocoa nibs into homemade (or softened store-bought) ice cream or gelato for a boost of rich, dark chocolately flavor, and the iconic speckled look ofstracciatella.

Give cookies a chocolatey crunch by swapping cocoa nibs for nuts (or adding them in addition to nuts). Or give a pretty finishing touch to glazed andchocolate-dipped cookiesby sprinkling crushed cocoa nibs on top before the glaze or chocolate sets.

The great thing about using cocoa nibs instead of chocolate is that it provides both chocolate flavorandcrunch to a cake. When I'm making pound andbundt cakes, I love to stir in a spoonful of cocoa nibs into the batter before baking.

Cocoa nibs can add a touch of sweetness without adding extra sugar. Sprinkle them on top of yogurt for a little sweet crunch in your breakfast bowl or on top of a creamy dip to give it a sweeter bite. Or add them into the blender for a chocolate twist onyour morning smoothie.

For a pop of chocolate flavor and crunch in your granola, swap cocoa nibs in for a portion of the nuts in yourfavorite granola mix. And for even more chocolate flavor, add in a spoonful of cocoa powder.

Making caramelized nuts or praline to sprinkle on top of your dessert? This is the perfect place to add some cocoa nibs. Their deep dark color can pop against a light caramel and they add a rich, roasted bitterness that helps balance out sweetness. Cocoa nibs are also great mixed into roasted nut combos; try them mixed into thisupdated pecan piethat combines plenty of nuts and seeds.

Love caramelized nuts in your salad?This savory granolacombines spices and seeds to add perfectly seasoned crunch to hearty greens and roasted veggies. Try sprinkling a few cocoa nibs into the mix for instant sweet-savory flavor.