The best homemade Christmas truffle recipe is here to make your holiday season extra special! Perfect for any chocolate lover, this no-bake recipe is a great idea when you want something festive and easy. They’re the perfect Christmas dessert for Christmas Day or any holiday gathering.

Whether you’re hosting Christmas parties or looking for a fun holiday project, these truffles won’t disappoint. They’re creamy, rich, and full of that chocolatey goodness everyone craves this time of year. Give them a try and make your festivities even sweeter!

Ingredients you’ll need for these homemade Chocolate Truffles

This recipe calls for simple ingredients, found in any of your local grocery stores:

• Semi-sweet chocolate (60% or more): This is the base of the truffles, giving them a rich, smooth chocolate flavor. Using chocolate with at least 60% cocoa ensures a perfect balance of sweetness and intensity.
• Heavy cream: The cream creates the ganache by melting into the chocolate, making the center of the truffles creamy and luscious. It’s essential for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Peppermint extract: This adds a festive touch, giving the truffles a cool and refreshing minty flavor. It pairs beautifully with the chocolate for a classic holiday combo.
• Crushed candy cane and Christmas sprinkles: These toppings add crunch, color, and a festive look. The candy cane also reinforces the peppermint flavor, while the sprinkles make them extra fun for holiday celebrations.

Take a look at the bottom of this post for the full recipe and a printable recipe card.

Add-ons and Substitutions for this Christmas Truffles Recipe

Here are some add-ons and substitutions to customize your Christmas truffles:

Add-Ons

• Flavored Extracts: Swap or mix peppermint with orange, almond, or vanilla extract for a different twist.
• Coatings: Roll truffles in cocoa powder, powdered sugar, or finely chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.
• Fillings: Add a surprise inside by placing a toasted almond, hazelnut, or mini marshmallow in the center.
• Drizzle: Decorate with melted white chocolate or dark chocolate drizzle for an elegant look.

Substitutions

• Chocolate: Use dark chocolate (70% or more) for a richer taste, or milk chocolate for a sweeter option.
• White Chocolate: cover with white chocolate instead for white chocolate truffles.
• Peppermint: Replace with cinnamon or espresso powder for a different holiday vibe.
• Toppings: Swap candy canes with crushed sugar cookies, shredded coconut, freeze-dried fruit or any of your favorite flavors for unique textures. You can also use a mix of all of them for different flavors.

These ideas make it easy to adapt the recipe to your taste!

How to make these Homemade Christmas Truffles

Start by finely chopping 8 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate, and lining a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

In a small pan, combine the chopped chocolate and heavy cream. Melt the chocolate over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth and creamy. Be sure to keep the heat low and avoid letting it boil.

Remove from heat, stir in the peppermint extract, and mix well to distribute the flavor evenly.

Cover the chocolate mixture and refrigerate it for at least 1.5 hours, or until it’s firm enough to handle.

Once chilled, use a spoon or small cookie scoop (I used 1.5 Tablespoon cookie scoop) to portion the truffle mixture and roll it into 1-inch balls with cold hands to prevent melting. Place the truffles on a parchment-lined tray. If they feel too soft, pop them back in the fridge while you melt the remaining chocolate.

Melt 4 ounces of chocolate in a small, deep dish using a double boiler. You can also place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between. (Here are some tips for melting chocolate perfectly!)

Using a fork, dip each truffle into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess chocolate drip off on the rim of the dish, then place the truffle on the prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Immediately top with sprinkles and crushed candy cane for that festive touch.

Refrigerate the truffles for about 30 minutes to set. Keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.

Expert Tips for the best homemade truffles

• Choose Quality Chocolate: Use high-quality semi-sweet chocolate with at least 60% cocoa for the best flavor and texture. Do not use candy melts!
• Keep the Heat Low: When melting chocolate with cream, use low heat and stir constantly to prevent scorching or seizing.
• Chill for Easy Rolling: Ensure the mixture is fully chilled and firm before rolling to avoid sticky hands. Refrigerate longer if needed.
• Cold Hands for Rolling: Warm hands can melt the truffles, so rinse your hands with cold water and dry them before shaping.
• Double Dip for Coating: If you want an extra-thick chocolate shell, let the first coating set and dip the truffles again.
• Work Quickly: When dipping truffles in melted chocolate, work fast before the coating sets to ensure sprinkles or crushed candy cane stick well.
• Use a Fork for Dipping: A fork or dipping tool helps coat the truffles evenly while letting excess chocolate drip off.
• Refrigerate Between Steps: If truffles soften while working, refrigerate them briefly to firm them up again.

These tips will ensure your truffles are smooth, perfectly shaped, and absolutely delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do homemade truffles last?

Homemade truffles can last up to 2 weeks if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best flavor and texture, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Can you freeze Christmas truffles?

Yes, you can freeze truffles! Place them in a single layer on a tray to freeze first, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.

Can you dip frozen truffles in chocolate?

It’s not ideal to dip fully frozen truffles in chocolate. The cold truffles can cause the melted chocolate to harden too quickly, leading to a lumpy coating. Instead, let the truffles chill in the fridge, not the freezer, before dipping for a smoother finish.

Why are my truffles too soft to roll?

If the mixture is too soft, it may need more chilling time. Refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes or until firm enough to handle.

Can I make truffles without peppermint extract?

Absolutely! You can leave it out or substitute it with other extracts like vanilla, orange, or almond for a new flavor twist.

Why does my melted chocolate seize up?

Chocolate seizes when it comes into contact with water or overheats. Always use dry tools and melt it slowly over low heat or in short intervals in the microwave.

Can I make these truffles ahead of time?

Yes! Truffles are perfect for making ahead. Prepare them up to a week in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve or gift them.

Follow this link if you’re looking for more Christmas dessert recipes, or click the links below for truffle recipes you might like:

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