These Christmas Truffles are a sweet treat that will make your holiday extra special! Composed of rich chocolate and festive flavors, they are easy to make and even better to eat.
Whenever I make these, the smell of chocolate fills the house, and I can’t resist sneaking a few! They’re great for sharing or hiding for later—no judgment here! 🎄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Semi-sweet or Bittersweet Chocolate: This is the star of your truffles! I love semi-sweet for that perfect balance of sweetness and richness. If you want a darker taste, go for bittersweet. You can use dark chocolate if that’s your preference.
Heavy Cream: This adds creaminess. If you’re watching calories, you can swap it with half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free version. Just keep in mind it may slightly alter the texture.
Dried Cranberries: They give a fruity punch! You can replace them with dried cherries or even finely chopped nuts if you prefer a nutty flavor. Raisins or currants work too, depending on what you like best.
White Chocolate: This coats the truffles and adds a sweet crunch. If you’re not a fan of white chocolate, try melted milk chocolate instead. Just be cautious with the sweetness!
How Do I Get My Truffles to Stay Nice and Round?
Shaping truffles might seem tricky, but here’s how to keep them perfect! Here are some tips:
- Ensure your chocolate mixture is firm enough before scooping. Chill it for at least 2 hours.
- When scooping, use a cookie scoop for even sizes, and don’t roll them too tightly; a gentle touch keeps them smooth.
- Before dipping, pop them back in the fridge if they feel too soft; this helps maintain shape and makes coating easier.
With these tips, you’ll create truffles that look as good as they taste!
How to Make Christmas Truffles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (225g) semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp butter, softened
- 8 oz (225g) white chocolate, for coating
- Colored holiday sprinkles (red, green, gold)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Optional: 2 tbsp crushed nuts or other festive decorations
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of active prep time, plus 2 hours to chill the chocolate mixture. After that, you’ll need another 30 minutes for the truffles to set in the fridge. So, in total, you’re looking at around 2 hours and 45 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Chocolate Base:
Start by placing the finely chopped semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. This will be the base for your delicious truffles!
2. Heat the Cream:
In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Be careful not to boil it! Once it’s ready, pour it over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for about 2 minutes. This step allows the chocolate to melt perfectly!
3. Mix Until Smooth:
After 2 minutes, stir gently until the mixture is smooth and shiny. This is going to be so good!
4. Add Flavorings:
Stir in the vanilla extract, softened butter, and chopped dried cranberries. This is where the magic happens! Mix until everything is fully combined.
5. Chill the Mixture:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for about 2 hours. This lets the mixture firm up so you can easily scoop it into balls.
6. Shape the Truffles:
Once the mixture is firm, use a small cookie scoop or spoon to form the chocolate mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined tray. After forming all the balls, refrigerate for another 30 minutes to set.
7. Melt the White Chocolate:
While your truffles are setting, melt the white chocolate using a double boiler or in a microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently until you have a smooth coating.
8. Coat the Truffles:
Dip each truffle ball into the melted white chocolate. Allow any excess to drip off before placing the coated truffles back on the parchment paper.
9. Decorate:
Before the coating sets, quickly sprinkle the holiday sprinkles on top. This adds a delightful festive touch!
10. Finish and Refrigerate:
If you like, you can dust the truffles with powdered sugar for a snowy effect! Once decorated, refrigerate the truffles for at least 30 minutes until the coating is firm.
11. Store and Serve:
Once set, store your Christmas Truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
Enjoy your festive Christmas Truffles, bursting with rich chocolate flavor and holiday cheer! Happy holidays! 🎄🍫
Can I Use Dark Chocolate Instead of Semi-Sweet?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate can add a richer flavor to your truffles. Just keep in mind that it may require a touch more cream depending on how dark the chocolate is.
Can I Substitute the Dried Cranberries?
Yes! Dried cherries, raisins, or even finely chopped nuts can be great alternatives. Choose whatever you enjoy most or have on hand!
How Do I Store Leftover Truffles?
Store any leftover truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Just make sure they’re well chilled before storing to keep their shape!
What Should I Do If My Chocolate Coating is Too Thick?
If your white chocolate is too thick to dip, try adding a little bit of vegetable oil or coconut oil to thin it out. This will create a smoother coating for your truffles!