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–+ servings
christmas truffles

Easy Christmas Chocolate Truffles

The Crispy Chef
These decadent Christmas truffles are rich ganache balls made from just chocolate and cream — no baking required. They look like gourmet gifts but are shockingly easy to make, even with kids.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dessert, Edible Gift
Cuisine American, Holiday
Servings 30 truffles
Calories 85 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • heatproof bowl for melting chocolate
  • Whisk or spatula
  • 9x9 baking pan for chilling ganache
  • melon baller or small scoop for shaping
  • Parchment paper
  • shallow bowls for coatings
  • boxes or containers for gifting

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz dark chocolate (60–70% cacao), chopped
  • 0.75 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt
  • optional flavorings (peppermint extract, espresso powder, orange zest, bourbon, etc.)
  • coatings: cocoa powder, crushed candy canes, sprinkles, powdered sugar, chopped nuts, coconut, etc.

Instructions
 

  • Chop the chocolate and place in a heatproof bowl. Heat cream and butter in saucepan until just simmering, then pour over chocolate. Let sit 2 minutes.
  • Whisk gently from the center outward until smooth and glossy. Stir in vanilla, salt, and any optional flavorings. Mix well.
  • Pour ganache into a parchment-lined 9x9 pan. Cover surface with plastic wrap. Chill at least 3 hours or until firm enough to scoop.
  • Use a small scoop or spoon to portion ganache. Roll into balls with your hands. Place on parchment-lined sheet. Chill briefly if needed.
  • Roll each ball in your chosen coating (cocoa, sprinkles, crushed candy, etc.). Press lightly so coating sticks. For chocolate coating, dip and decorate quickly before it sets.
  • Place coated truffles on tray and refrigerate 15 minutes to set. Store in fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

Use high-quality chocolate bars (not chips) for best texture and flavor. Try different flavorings like peppermint or espresso. Make multiple coatings for visual variety. Chill ganache fully before scooping. Store in fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 85kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 8mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 120IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 1.2mg
Keyword chocolate ganache balls, christmas truffles, holiday gift idea, No-Bake Dessert
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