Mendiants (French Chocolate Rounds)

Nov 3, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Dessert Candy confections Easy

Small dark chocolate discs topped with almonds, hazelnuts, raisins and figs, one for each friar color. It is simple to make and a good holiday gift. Makes 24 rounds in about 1 hr 5 min.

Prep 25 min

Cook 10 min

Cooling 30 min

Total 1 hr 5 min

Servings 24

Diet Gluten free

Ingredients

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servings

9 oz (250 g)dark chocolate (60 to 70 percent), chopped
¼ cup (30 g)whole almonds, lightly toasted, split
¼ cup (30 g)hazelnuts, toasted, halved
3 ½ tbsp (30 g)raisins
¼ cup (30 g)dried figs, finely chopped

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Instructions

Line two trays with parchment. Prepare the toppings in four small bowls.
Melt two thirds of the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over barely simmering water, stirring, until it reaches 115 to 120 F (46 to 49 C).
Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining chocolate in small handfuls until the temperature falls to about 88 to 90 F (31 to 32 C) and it is smooth.
Spoon 24 dollops of chocolate about 1 1/2 inches (4 cm) wide onto the parchment, spaced apart.
Within a minute, press an almond, a few hazelnut pieces, raisins and fig pieces onto each, so each round has a mix of the four.
Let set at cool room temperature or in the refrigerator 20 to 30 minutes, until firm and glossy.
Peel off the parchment and serve.

Tips

Do not let water or steam touch the chocolate, or it seizes.
Chop the fruit finely so it sits securely in the chocolate.
Working in a cool room helps the chocolate set with a snap.
Good with espresso.

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Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make mendiants (french chocolate rounds)?

Plan on 25 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking, plus 30 minutes to chill. The recipe makes 24 rounds (24 servings).

How should I store mendiants (french chocolate rounds)?

Store airtight in a cool place up to 2 weeks.

Can I make mendiants (french chocolate rounds) ahead?

It is at its best the day it is made; prepare it a few hours before serving.

Serve it with espresso.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 24 servings this recipe makes.

24 Calories / serving

1.4g Fat

2.8g Carbs

0.5g Protein

2.2g Sugar

Whole recipe (24 servings): ~576 cal · 34g fat · 67g carbs · 12g protein · 53g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.