Refreshing peppermint and velvety ganache are the perfect match in this deep, rich truffle recipe that will cure every chocolate craving.
This recipe is in partnership with McCormick
Homemade Chocolate Truffles Recipe
It was one of those always sunny-because-we-live-in-LA morningswhere we were chit chatting in ouroffice, trying to shed off a bitof ourholiday spirit and get into work mode. Looking at the stack of manuscripts she had yet to edit, my bff Laura pulled out a white candy box and asked me if I wanted a truffle.
A truffle? Why would I want to eat a pungent, Italian mushroom all by itself? Where’s the pasta???
“No silly. They’re chocolates,” she giggled. “David (her ex) makes them every year for Christmas. You need to try one.”
Of course I did. And that, my friends, is where my choco-holic cravings were cured and my chocolate truffle obsession began.
Because Laura had a very defined palate and ate only the best dark chocolate from a little boutique chocolate store down the street from our office EVERY AFTERNOON (!), Iimmediately had the impression that truffleswere far tooelegant and complicated fora novice like me to make.
I mean, David had been making them FOR YEARS. There must be some secret technique to master.
Hardly.
This chocolate truffle recipe is probably the easiest no-bake dessert you’ll make all holiday long, and with its pure peppermint flavor, it’s sure to brighten it too.
What’s in This Truffle Recipe?
This is likely the easiest peppermint dessert you’ll ever make. Here’s what I used in this easy truffle recipe:
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Heavy cream
- McCormick Pure Peppermint Extract
- Dark chocolate melting wafers
- White chocolate melting wafers
- Crushed peppermint candies
How to Make Truffles
Truffles are essentially just a mix of good quality chocolate melted with heavy cream to form the most succulent, gooey center you’ll ever bite your teeth into. I meltthe combination in the easiest way possible, with short bursts in the microwave.
That’s what creates the ganache. So panache, that ganache, and with a name like that just another reason you’d think these homemade truffles are harder to make than they are. Whichthey so are not.
Oncethe chocolate hadmelted and the mixture stirred smooth, I addeda splash of McCormick Pure Peppermint Extract to the ganacheto lendthe iconic peppermint holiday flavor to these chocolate nuggets. McCormick’s Pure Peppermint Extract is made with 100% premium ingredients, in non-GMO, gluten-free and pure with flavor.
Because the extractdoes have such a pure taste, you only need a small splash tostill taste the deep chocolate flavor, along withthe cool undertones of the mint smoothly deliveredin each chocolatey bite.
After the chocolate ganache has chilled to a solid, I use a 1-inch scoop to make the balls, then roll them round in the palms of my hand. A perfect opportunity for taste testing.
The most challenging part of making truffles is dipping these babies into another layer of chocolate to create the hardened chocolate shell. There are lots of methods out there, but I found one from my fellow blogger Something Swanky that was the easiest trick ever. She even has a video to show you how.
Simply stick a toothpick in the top of each truffle after forming the chocolate truffles and then refrigerate. Melt your chocolate wafers in a coffee cup or glass cup,hold the ball by the toothpick and swirl the balls in the chocolate. Shake the excess chocolate from the balls, then set aside to harden.
Once the exterior has hardened, gently remove the toothpicks and drizzle with a little more chocolate for decoration, being sure to cover the hole left by the toothpick.
Or, if you’re not adding an extra decoration on top, remove the toothpick before the chocolate has hardened and use the tip to cover the hole with the chocolate.
I added a sprinkling of peppermint candies to the tops of my white chocolate drizzle. That way, everyone knows right away the peppermint flavor that’s about to blossomfrom the inside with each and every bite.
And THAT is how you show off your panache, with ganache, and truffle on.
Can I Omit the Peppermint Extract?
If you’d prefer to make plain chocolate truffles, then you can certainly omit the peppermint extract. But I highly recommend using it since the pure peppermint flavor pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate truffles.
How to Store Homemade Truffles
These homemade chocolate truffles will last up to 3 days in the fridge. You can also freeze them for up to a month and enjoy later. Just set the frozen truffles in the fridge to thaw when you’re ready to eat them.
Tips for Making This Peppermint Truffle Recipe
Like I said, you only need a little peppermint extract in these chocolate truffles. If you add more than the truffle recipe calls for, your chocolate truffles may wind up tasting like toothpaste.
I drizzled white chocolate on top of these homemade truffles because I like how the white pops on top of the dark chocolate coating. However, you’re welcome to use dark or milk chocolate instead of white if desired.
If you don’t have a microwave, you can just as easily melt the various chocolates on the stove in a double boiler over low heat. You can also create a DIY double boiler by placing a metal bowl over a saucepan of simmering water.
More Easy Christmas Desserts to Gift
- White Chocolate Macadamia Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies
- Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies
- Milk Bar’s Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chocolate-Dipped Coconut Macaroons
- Chocolate-Dipped Almond Cookies
If you make this recipe, please let me know! Bookmark this recipe and leave a comment below, or take a photo andtag me on Instagramwith #foodiecrusheats.
4.90 from 19 votes
Peppermint Truffles Recipe
Refreshing peppermint and velvety ganache are the perfect match in this deep, rich truffle recipe that will cure every chocolate craving.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword truffles
Prep Time 30 minutes minutes
Cook Time 8 hours hours
Total Time 8 hours hours 30 minutes minutes
Servings 24
Calories 171kcal
Ingredients
- 16 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ teaspoons McCormick Pure Peppermint Extract
- 6 ounces good quality dark chocolate melting wafters
- 1 ounce good quality white chocolate melting wafers
- 2 tablespoons crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
In a medium-sized glass bowl, combine the chocolate chips with the heavy cream. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir. Microwave for an additional minute if needed, until chocolate is completely smooth when stirred.
Stir in the peppermint extract.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
When ready to mold, let sit on the counter for about 5 minutes. Prepare a tray, cutting board or plate by lining it with parchment paper.
Use a 1-inch scoop to make the balls. Gently roll them in the palms of your hand until round. Place a toothpick in the top of each ball and freeze for at least 30 minutes and up to overnight.
In a coffee cup or deep jar, melt the chocolate wafers in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring each time, until the wafers are completely melted.
Holding the toothpick, dip the truffle into the chocolate, swirling until it is completely covered. Shake the truffle into the cup of the extra chocolate on the truffle and gently scrape the bottom of the truffle on the side of the jar then place back on the parchment paper.
Once the chocolate has hardened (about 5 minutes), gently remove all of the toothpicks from the truffles.
Add the white chocolate wafers to a small plastic baggie and microwave in 30-second increments until the chocolate has melted. Twist the baggie so all of the chocolate moves to one corner of the bag, then make a very small snip with scissors to that corner. Drizzle the white chocolate on the top of the truffle, covering the hole the toothpick left.
Immediately sprinkle the white chocolate with a pinch of the crushed peppermint pieces.
Notes
- Homemade truffles should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
Calories: 171kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 118mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 155IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg
More No-Bake Desserts You’ll Love
- The Best No-Bake Cookies with Coconut
- Mom’s Homemade Chocolate Fudge
- Classic Tiramisu
- No-Bake Cookie Bars
- 4-Ingredient Pretzel Turtle Treats
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This post is sponsored by McCormick.As always, thank you for reading and supporting companies I partner with, which allows me to create more unique content and recipes for you. There are affiliate links in this post of which I receive a small commission. All opinions are always my own.
