Christmas Truffles

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Make this easy Christmas truffle recipe for your holiday party this year. This no-bake recipe is the perfect dessert to bring to dinner on Christmas Day with its short ingredient list and easy prep.

A plate of truffles, half coated in cocoa powder and half coated in crushed candy canes.

These homemade truffles are perfect for the chocolate lover in your life. Truffles are made with two basic ingredients: chocolate and cream.

You can change up the flavors a bit, by adding some vanilla extract or making them like my original recipe, with cinnamon, chili powder, and cayenne powder. This version is inspired by my time in Yucatan, Mexico and tasting chocolate there.

You can also garnish these easy Christmas truffles in many different ways. You can roll them in cocoa for a classic look. Try crushed candy canes or Christmas sprinkles for a festive treat. Chocolate sprinkles look really good as a truffle garnish also and add a bit of crunch.

You can also stop this recipe right before chilling and have a ganache. Top your favorite cake with it or layer it on top of my chocolate loaf cake recipe.

Ingredients

See the recipe card for exact amounts.

chocolate: I use semi-sweet chocolate chips for this recipe when I’m coating them in cocoa powder because I think they need a little sweetness. Make sure they are at room temperature so they melt in the hot cream. You can use chocolate bars instead of chips. I like the Lindt 85% chocolate bars for baking.
cream: you’ll need heavy cream for this recipe. In my grocery stores here in Canada this is labelled as whipping cream and is 35% milkfat.
vanilla: I love using my vanilla extract from Mexico, but any vanilla extract is great, and if you don’t have it, just skip it.
cocoa powder: for coating
crushed candy canes: for coating

Substitutions

chocolate chips: you can use dark chocolate instead if you like.
cinnamon: you can skip this if you like. Or try adding 3/4 teaspoons chili powder and 1/8 teaspoon cayenne powder like the original recipe.

Instructions

Prep Tips

The mixture will set in the fridge for about an hour before rolling them into truffles.

To make chocolate truffles, pour the cream into a microwaveable bowl. Heat until very hot.

Alternatively, you can heat the cream in a small pot on the stovetop. Just get it to a simmer, you don’t need to boil it.

Add chocolate chips to a bowl.

Cream is poured on top of a bowl of chocolate chips.

Pour the hot cream on top of the chocolate chips. The chocolate chips will melt.

Let sit for 5 minutes and then stir to combine. The melted chocolate should combine smoothly with the cream, leaving you with a thick chocolate mixture.

Chocolate truffle mixture is stirred in a bowl.

Add the vanilla and whisk to combine. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate the truffle mixture for an hour or two.

A chocolate truffle is scooped into a hand.

Once the mixture is cold and thickened, use a 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop to scoop out truffle balls, laying them on a plate or parchment paper.

Roll each ball in your hands until smooth. If the warmth of your hands melts the chocolate just refrigerate it again.

You can also refrigerate the scoops of truffle mixture and then roll them after they’ve chilled for 15-20 minutes.

A chocolate truffle is rolled in cocoa powder.

Roll each truffle ball in cocoa powder until coated.

A truffle is dipped into crushed candy canes.

Or dip the truffles in crushed candy canes.

Serve immediately or refrigerate until serving. Serve at room temperature for the creamiest bites!

Tips for making chocolate truffles

cool it: allow the truffle mixture to cool enough. Otherwise, you’ll just be coating your hands in chocolate when you try to roll the truffles.
large wide bowl: using a large bowl to chill the truffle mixture means it won’t be as deep. The shallower the mixture, the quicker it’ll chill.
customize: try other toppings like nuts or Christmas sprinkles. Roll the truffles in coconut for a snowball like look.
make ahead: truffles last in the fridge for about two weeks, making them the perfect make-ahead dessert for Christmas parties. No last-minute rushing!

What to serve with truffles

Truffles are great for Christmas parties and will usually fit in on a dessert table with other Christmas desserts. Serve your homemade chocolate truffles with other individual items like trays of Christmas cookies like gingerbread biscotti or Florentine cookies.

Storage

Store truffles in the fridge, covered, for up to two weeks.

Serve truffles at room temperature for the best texture.

FAQs

How long do these truffles last?

These truffles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. They can also be frozen for up to three months.

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