Homemade chocolate truffles are simple to make with just a few ingredients. Change the extracts or coatings for a customizable, creamy chocolate treat that’s perfect for gifting.
These chocolate truffles are a quick, gourmet-style candy you can make at home. The base is a smooth ganache made from good-quality chopped chocolate and hot heavy cream. From there you can add vanilla, liqueurs, or oils to flavor the ganache, and roll the truffles in cocoa, nuts, coconut, sprinkles, or melted chocolate for a polished finish.
Because they’re easy to make ahead and store, truffles make thoughtful edible gifts for Valentine’s Day, holidays, or any special occasion. They hold up well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks and are best served at room temperature for a creamy texture.
How to Make Chocolate Truffles:
Start by making a ganache: finely chop the chocolate and place it in a heat-proof bowl. Heat heavy cream until steaming and just starting to simmer, then pour it over the chopped chocolate. Cover briefly so the heat melts the chocolate evenly, then whisk until smooth. Stir in vanilla or another flavoring if desired.
After the ganache is smooth, chill it in the refrigerator for about an hour or until firm enough to scoop. Chilling makes the ganache easy to portion and shape into neat balls.
When the ganache is chilled, portion it using a small scoop (about 2 teaspoons) or a teaspoon measure and place the portions on a parchment-lined tray. Roll each portion quickly between your palms to form a smooth ball—this step can be messy but the result is worth it.
After forming the truffle centers, roll them in your chosen coatings or dip them in melted chocolate for a firmer shell. If you dip them in melted chocolate, return the coated truffles to the fridge to set fully.
Once coated, arrange the truffles on a tray and chill briefly if needed. Store finished truffles in the refrigerator for up to two weeks and bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Tools that make the job easier include a small cookie scoop, a parchment-lined sheet pan, and small bowls for toppings. A square or shallow dish works well for melting and whisking the ganache so the heat is distributed evenly.
Toppings for Chocolate Truffles
Coatings can be as simple or creative as you like. Popular options include:
- Cocoa powder
- Chopped nuts (pistachios, toasted pecans, walnuts, almonds)
- Sprinkles or nonpareils
- Toasted or regular shredded coconut
- Powdered sugar
- Freeze-dried fruit powder (strawberries or raspberries)
- Melted chocolate (milk, semi-sweet, or white)
Note: dipping truffles in melted chocolate requires extra chill time afterward so the exterior firms properly.
Chocolate truffles are best enjoyed at room temperature but keep well in the fridge for up to two weeks. Prepare them ahead for celebrations, package them in small boxes or tins, and they make a thoughtful homemade gift.
Chocolate Truffles
Ingredients
- 8 oz (227 g) dark chocolate (60%), chopped
- ½ cup (118 ml) heavy whipping cream
- ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- toppings for rolling, (cocoa powder, toasted chopped pecans, sprinkles, etc.)
Equipment
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Small cookie scoop (#60) or teaspoon
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Parchment-lined sheet tray
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Heat-proof bowl or shallow dish for melting ganache
Instructions
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Chop chocolate into small pieces and place in a heat-safe bowl or shallow dish.
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Heat the cream until steaming and just simmering—watch carefully so it doesn’t boil over.
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Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate, cover and let sit for 2 minutes. Whisk until smooth, stir in vanilla, then refrigerate the ganache about 1 hour or until firm enough to scoop.
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Place coatings in separate bowls for rolling.
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Portion the chilled ganache with a small scoop or teaspoon onto a parchment-lined tray. Roll each portion between your hands to form a ball, then roll in the desired topping. Return to the tray and repeat.
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If dipping in melted chocolate, allow additional chill time after shaping so the exterior sets firm. Store finished truffles in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks and serve at room temperature.
Notes
- Allow extra chill time if coating truffles in melted chocolate so the shell firms properly before serving.
- Choose a good-quality baking chocolate or chocolate bar for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimations provided for reference only.
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