Slow Cooker Sea Salt Chocolate Almond Clusters
43 CommentsUpdated Jun 25, 2025
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Slow Cooker Sea Salt Chocolate Almond Clusters combine rich chocolate with crunchy almonds and a hint of sea salt for a simple, holiday treat that is great for holiday cookie trays.
Other candy recipes we love to make are Slow Cooker Butterscotch Haystacks and Crockpot Christmas Candy.
Even though they’re not technically cookies, these Sea Salt Chocolate Almond Clusters belong on every cookie tray and at every holiday gathering this year. They’re so simple to make but taste like a treat from a chocolate shop.
Key Ingredients
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – rich and smooth when melted
- Roasted almonds – give a hearty crunch and nutty flavor
- Vanilla – adds a warm, bakery-style note
- Coarse sea salt – the perfect finishing touch for balance
Variations
- For nut variations, you can substitute the almonds with cashews, peanuts, walnuts, or macadamia nuts to experiment with different textures and flavors.
- For chocolate alternatives, try white, dark, or milk chocolate chips to adjust the richness and sweetness of the clusters.
- Adding dried fruit, such as cherries or cranberries, introduces a sweet-tart contrast that pairs beautifully with the chocolate and sea salt.
How long to store and package:
- To store Sea Salt Chocolate Almond Clusters, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to two weeks to maintain freshness.
- For extended storage, freeze the clusters for up to two months, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Note that the appearance of the chocolate may change slightly after freezing.
- For gifting, present the clusters in decorative tins or clear bags tied with a festive ribbon.
Featured Comment
“I make these every Christmas and give batches for gifts. They are a fan favorite. Low & slow on the chocolate and they turn out perfectly. I put them in the freezer for a few minutes to set. It’s the salt that makes them as well as roasting them appropriately.”
– Jen
Slow Cooker Sea Salt Chocolate Almond Clusters
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 oz Ghiradelli semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 1/2 cups almonds, roasted, unsalted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- coarse sea salt
Instructions
- Add everything to a 3-quart or larger slow cooker; stir.
- Set the slow cooker to LOW and cover.
- Set a timer for 10 minutes and stir; REPEAT two more times for a total of 30 minutes cooking time. (see notes)
- After the chocolate has melted and is smooth, scoop the chocolate-almonds onto wax paper lined trays (see notes).
- Conservatively sprinkle with the sea salt. (see notes).
- Chill to allow the clusters set up.
- Serve at your holiday party or pack onto your cookie trays!
Sarah’s Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
Other holiday candies to try:
Slow Cooker Candied Pecans and Cinnamon Almonds are sweet, crunchy, and perfect for gifting or snacking.
Try Slow Cooker Turtles, Slow Cooker Peanut Clusters, Crockpot Almond Joys, or Easter Peanut Clusters for a fun homemade candy assortment.
No-bake treats like Avalanche Cookies and Ritz Cracker Thin Mints are easy to make and always a hit.
Have you made these without vanilla extract?? Is it a must??
I have not, but I’m sure it would be fine if you are out.
Okay – thanks!!
Hi Sarah, what about regular almonds, not roasted and not salted?
If that is what you are used to, then that will be fine. I think it would be a little chewy though.
I’m having a hard time finding roasted, unsalted almonds. Would just plain salted be okay?
I found mine in the bulk section. I think that plain salted would be ok, I would omit, or put very little salt on top though 🙂
Do these need to stay refrigerated or can they be stored on the counter? 🙂
I think once they are set, they are fine on the counter.
How long would these keep for if I make them to give out on Christmas?
I think about a week.
They’d never last that long in our house!!!! Nom nom nom…
haha, I agree!
Could you use dark chocolate chips?
I’m unsure if dark chocolate is less sweet than semi sweet? But if that is what you like, it should do fine!
Do the cookies have to stay in the fridge during a party or how long can they stay out. I have made chocolate covered almonds but as soon as I pulled them out of the freezer to eat they begin to melt fast. I think I am doing something wrong:)
These hardened back up fine for me. As long as your house isn’t too warm, I think they should be fine.
Could you use sugar free chocolate chips?
Can you substitute peanuts for almonds?
Yes that would work good!
This seems cool, and since 2 of my family can’t eat nuts anymore, I think I’ll try making them with oatmeal and raisins and choc chips too. Tx for a nice recipe!
That sounds equally good!