HONOLULU (KHON2) — Chocolate truffles are a delicious and indulgent treat that anyone can make at home, and they’re especially yummy as a holiday treat.
With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you can create rich, melt-in-your-mouth truffles that are perfect for gifts for friends and family or as a personal treat for yourself.
The basic concept behind a chocolate truffle is a ganache center which is made by combining chocolate and cream, then chilling it to form a firm, creamy filling.
From there, you can get creative by rolling your truffles in cocoa powder, chopped nuts or even coating them with a hard shell of chocolate.
Basic chocolate truffle recipe
To get started, you’ll need:
- 8 ounces of chocolate (dark, milk or white depending on your preference).
- 1/2 cup heavy cream.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional).
Instructions:
- Chop the chocolate: Chop your chocolate into small, uniform pieces so it melts evenly.
- Heat the cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it’s just simmering, not boiling.
- Combine the cream and chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for about 2 minutes. Then, stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Add flavor: Stir in vanilla extract or any other flavoring you like, such as liqueur or spices (e.g., cinnamon or chili powder).
- Chill the mixture: Let the ganache cool to room temperature, then cover it and refrigerate for about 1-2 hours until firm enough to scoop.
- Shape the truffles: Once chilled, scoop the ganache with a spoon or melon baller and roll it into small balls.
- Coat the truffles: Roll the truffles in cocoa powder, chopped nuts, or melted chocolate. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
5 easy truffle recipes to try
- Classic dark chocolate truffles
- 8 ounces dark chocolate (70% cocoa is ideal).
- 1/2 cup heavy cream.
- Cocoa powder for coating.
- Instructions: Follow the basic recipe above, using dark chocolate for a rich flavor. Roll the truffles in cocoa powder for a classic finish.
- Milk chocolate truffles with hazelnuts
- 8 ounces milk chocolate.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream.
- 1/2 cup finely chopped hazelnuts (for rolling).
- Instructions: Prepare the ganache as usual with milk chocolate. Once chilled, roll each truffle in chopped hazelnuts for a delicious crunch.
- White chocolate raspberry truffles
- 8 ounces white chocolate.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream.
- 1/4 cup raspberry puree.
- Freeze-dried raspberries (for coating).
- Instructions: Heat the cream and pour it over white chocolate. Once the ganache is smooth, fold in raspberry puree. After chilling, roll the truffles in crushed freeze-dried raspberries for a tart, fruity contrast.
- Peanut butter chocolate truffles
- 8 ounces dark or milk chocolate.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream.
- 1/4 cup peanut butter.
- Chopped peanuts (for rolling).
- Instructions: Make the ganache with your chocolate and cream. After the ganache has cooled, mix in peanut butter for a rich, nutty flavor. Roll in chopped peanuts for an extra crunch.
- Mint chocolate truffles
- 8 ounces dark chocolate.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream.
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract.
- Crushed candy canes (for coating).
- Instructions: Follow the basic truffle recipe but add peppermint extract to the ganache. Once chilled, roll the truffles in crushed candy canes for a refreshing minty flavor.
Tips for perfect truffles:
- Use high-quality chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better the truffles will taste.
- Be patient while chilling: Allow the ganache to fully chill before scooping and rolling; it makes the process much easier.
- Experiment with flavors: Try adding citrus zest, espresso powder or spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to the ganache for a fun twist.
- Storage: Keep truffles in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about a week, or you can freeze them for longer storage.
Making chocolate truffles is simple, fun and customizable. Whether you stick to classic flavors or get creative, these indulgent treats are sure to impress everyone at your next holiday party.