Crafting Christmas Truffles for your holiday table is simpler than you think, with just rich chocolate and crushed peppermints. These festive bites come together after a quick chill in the fridge, offering a joyful homemade touch to cookie platters and gift boxes alike.
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Your New Favorite Holiday Treat
- No Baking Needed – Just mix, chill, and roll for the easiest festive chocolate truffles.
- Simple Ingredients – With just a few pantry staples, you can create decadent homemade truffles for gifting.
- Make-Ahead Magic – These keep beautifully in the fridge, so you can prep them during slow mornings.
- Totally Customizable – Roll them in crushed candy canes, sprinkles, or cocoa powder for your own cozy twist.
What You’ll Need for Christmas Truffles
For the truffles
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – The star of the show! I like using high-quality chips for the best chocolatey flavor.
- Heavy cream – This creates that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth ganache we all love.
- Unsalted butter – Keep it at room temperature for easy blending. It adds a luxurious richness to the truffles.
- Pure vanilla extract – A little goes a long way to enhance the chocolate flavor. Trust me, it’s worth it.
- Fine sea salt – Balances the sweetness and makes the chocolate taste even better.
- Cocoa powder – For rolling the truffles. It gives them that classic, indulgent finish.
Let’s Talk Timing, Friend
Don’t worry—you won’t be stuck in the kitchen all day! I love that these easy no-bake chocolate holiday treats come together with just 25 minutes of hands-on time. The actual cooking is only about 5 minutes—just long enough to warm the cream.
After that, the fridge does the rest of the work. In under 30 minutes (plus chilling), you’ll have a whole batch of creamy vanilla-infused chocolate dessert bites ready to share. It’s the perfect recipe for those busy December days when you still want to make something special. If you’re looking for another no-fuss sweet, try my Christmas Puppy Chow—it’s just as simple and always a hit.
Christmas Truffles
Ingredients
- 16 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 cup cocoa powder for rolling
Equipment
- heatproof mixing bowl
- saucepan
- baking sheet
- shallow bowl
Method
- Place 16 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips in a medium heatproof bowl. Pour 1 cup of heavy cream into a small saucepan and heat over medium until it just begins to simmer.
- Immediately pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips, cover the bowl with a plate, and let it stand for 5 minutes to allow the heat to melt the chocolate.
- Remove the plate and whisk the chocolate and cream together, starting from the center and working outward, until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy.
- Whisk in 2 tablespoons of softened butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt until the butter is fully incorporated and the ganache is uniform.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the mixture is very firm and scoopable.
- Use a small cookie scoop or a teaspoon to portion the chilled ganache, then roll each portion quickly between your palms to form a 1-inch ball. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Place 1 cup of cocoa powder in a shallow bowl. Roll each truffle in the cocoa powder until fully coated, then return it to the baking sheet.
- Refrigerate the finished truffles for at least 30 minutes to set completely before serving. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Keeping Things Sweet & Simple for Everyone
I know many of us are more sugar conscious these days, whether for health or personal preference. The good news is that these festive cocoa-dusted sweet confections can easily be adapted! For a diabetic-friendly version, try using a sugar alternative like stevia-sweetened chocolate chips. You can also roll them in crushed nuts instead of cocoa for a lower glycemic option.
My Best Tips for Truffle-Making Success
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make these Christmas Truffles even easier and more delicious. Here’s what I do every time:
- Use good chocolate – Since it’s the main flavor, splurge on quality chips for that rich chocolate ganache truffle recipe taste.
- Chill your hands – If the ganache gets too soft while rolling, run your hands under cold water and dry them quickly.
- Get creative with coatings – Instead of cocoa, try rolling in crushed Christmas cookies or festive sprinkles.
- Freeze for later – These freeze beautifully for up to 3 months—perfect for getting ahead during the hectic holidays.
A Little Note on Nutrition
While these are certainly a treat, I believe in enjoying real food and real life—especially during the holidays! These holiday dessert truffles are made with simple, whole ingredients rather than processed shortcuts. Dark chocolate offers antioxidants, and using real cream means we avoid artificial stabilizers.
For those curious about portions, one truffle is usually enough to satisfy that sweet craving. If you’re looking for other balanced treats, check out my Almond Caramel Crunch Cookies for another option. I also love this easy decadent truffles guide for more inspiration on mindful indulgence.
Cozy Lighter Variations
If you’d like to lighten things up just a bit, I’ve got you covered! For a slightly less rich version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream—though the texture will be a bit firmer. Another option is to roll your truffles in unsweetened coconut flakes or finely chopped almonds instead of cocoa powder.
I sometimes make a batch with dark chocolate chips for a deeper flavor that feels a little more sophisticated. For another festive but lighter option, try my Chocolate Crinkle Cookies—they’re equally magical but baked instead of no-bake.
How to Serve Christmas Truffles the Cozy Way
I love serving these truffles on a vintage cake stand with a dusting of powdered sugar—it feels so special yet simple. They’re perfect with a cup of hot coffee after dinner or tucked into holiday gift boxes for friends and neighbors.
One of my favorite holiday memories is making these with my niece last year. We had Christmas music playing, and she carefully placed each truffle in little paper cups, so proud of her creations. It’s those slow, connected moments that make this time of year so magical.
For a beautiful dessert spread, pair them with Christmas Snickerdoodles or some chocolate bark. The variety makes everyone feel extra welcome.
Common Mistakes (So You Don’t Make Them)
We’ve all had kitchen mishaps—here’s how to avoid them with these no-bake Christmas Truffles:
- Don’t rush the chilling – If the ganache isn’t firm enough, the truffles will be messy to roll. Patience is key!
- Don’t overheat the cream – It should be hot but not boiling, or it can make the chocolate grainy.
- Use a cookie scoop – For evenly sized truffles, a small scoop is your best friend. It also keeps your hands cleaner.
I remember one year I was in a hurry and didn’t let the ganache chill long enough. Let’s just say we had more of a chocolate sauce than truffles! Now I always set a timer and use that time to tidy up or enjoy a quiet moment. For more troubleshooting tips, this classic chocolate truffle method offers great advice. And if you love peanut butter flavors, my Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie has its own set of simple tricks.
Keeping Your Truffles Fresh & Festive
These truffles store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. I like to layer them between parchment paper so they don’t stick together. They also freeze perfectly—just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
One of my favorite things to do is make a double batch in early December and freeze half. Then, when unexpected guests drop by or I need a last-minute gift, I’m ready with something homemade and heartfelt. For other make-ahead treats, try my Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles or these Chocolate Pretzel Clusters—they all freeze wonderfully.
I Hope You’ll Try These Cozy Truffles
There’s something so comforting about making homemade candies, especially during the holidays. These Christmas Truffles are my little way of spreading warmth without stress. I hope they become part of your family’s traditions, just like they’ve become part of mine.
If you’re looking for more easy, festive recipes, I think you’ll love my Cookies & Cream Cookies, Candy Bar Blondies, or classic Amish Sugar Cookies. Each one is made with the same love for simple, real ingredients.
Wishing you a holiday season filled with warmth, laughter, and plenty of cozy kitchen moments.
More Festive Treats You’ll Love
If you enjoyed these truffles, here are a few other cozy recipes that might spark joy in your kitchen:
- Christmas Truffles – The same recipe as above, because sometimes you just need more truffles.
- Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars – A playful, crunchy treat that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Classic Chocolate Truffles – For when you want that pure, rich chocolate experience.
Questions You Might Have
Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate will make sweeter, creamier truffles. Just keep in mind they might be a bit softer when rolling, so chill the ganache thoroughly.
How far in advance can I make these?
You can make these up to two weeks ahead and keep them refrigerated. They also freeze beautifully for up to three months—perfect for getting ahead during the busy season.
What’s the best way to coat truffles if I don’t like cocoa powder?
I love using crushed peppermints, festive sprinkles, or even finely chopped nuts. For a pretty finish, you can also drizzle melted white chocolate over them once they’re set.
Why did my ganache turn out grainy?
This usually happens if the cream is too hot or if you stir too soon. Let the hot cream sit on the chocolate for a full five minutes without stirring—it makes all the difference.
