Chocolatey, festive, and bite-sized, these Christmas Truffles are the ultimate holiday indulgence. Whether you’re prepping for a cookie exchange or looking for something delightful to box up as edible gifts, these little treats deliver rich flavor and charming presentation with very little fuss. They require no baking and can be dressed up with festive sprinkles, coconut, or crushed peppermint.

This recipe is highly customizable too. Use dark, milk, or white chocolate depending on your mood, or spike the mix with a hint of liqueur for an adult twist. Best part? You can make them ahead of time and freeze them, making holiday entertaining a breeze.

What Kind of Chocolate Should I Use for Christmas Truffles?

Use high-quality chocolate for the best texture and flavor. Baking chocolate bars (not chocolate chips) melt the smoothest. Dark chocolate gives a deep, bittersweet flavor, while milk chocolate offers creaminess. White chocolate works wonderfully too but melts faster and requires a bit more attention.

Ingredients for the Christmas Truffles

12 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Optional: 1 tbsp liqueur (like Baileys or Grand Marnier)
Assorted toppings: crushed candy canes, sprinkles, cocoa powder, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts

How To Make the Christmas Truffles

Step 1: Make the Ganache

Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let sit for a minute. Stir until smooth and glossy. Mix in vanilla, salt, and optional liqueur.

Step 2: Chill Until Firm

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the ganache for at least 2 hours or until it’s firm enough to scoop.

Step 3: Shape Into Balls

Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the ganache and roll it into 1-inch balls between your palms. If it’s sticky, lightly dust your hands with cocoa powder.

Step 4: Decorate

Roll the truffles in your chosen toppings: cocoa powder, crushed candy canes, sprinkles, chopped nuts, or coconut. Place each finished truffle on a parchment-lined tray.

Step 5: Store or Serve

Keep the truffles in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.

How to Serve and Store These Holiday Truffles

Serve Christmas Truffles on a festive dessert tray or package them in decorative boxes for gifts. These make great hostess gifts, party favors, or after-dinner treats.

To store, refrigerate the truffles in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chocolate chips instead of chopped chocolate?

You can, but chocolate chips don’t melt as smoothly. Use baking bars for best results.

Can I make these truffles ahead of time?

Absolutely. They freeze beautifully and are great to make in advance for holiday prep.

How can I make these dairy-free?

Use dairy-free chocolate and substitute the cream with full-fat coconut milk.

What toppings work best?

Crushed candy canes, cocoa powder, festive sprinkles, toasted coconut, and chopped nuts all make great choices.

How do I keep them from melting at room temperature?

Keep them chilled until just before serving, especially if your room is warm. You can also roll them in cocoa powder to prevent stickiness.

Want More Holiday Dessert Ideas?

If you’re into festive bites, try these irresistible treats next:

Irresistible Pecan Pie Bites for a mini version of a classic pie.
Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake for a rich, layered showstopper.
Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies with a nostalgic holiday flair.
Peanut Butter Balls with Chocolate Rice Krispies for that sweet-salty crunch.
Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars if you’re feeling bold with cinnamon and sugar.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Follow me on Pinterest @NinaDishes

I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Did you go with crushed candy canes or toasted coconut? Maybe a boozy version for the grown-ups? Share in the comments and let’s make this the most delicious holiday ever!

Christmas Truffles

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 24 truffles
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Christmas Truffles are rich, creamy, no-bake delights perfect for the holidays. Coated in festive toppings and made with a smooth chocolate ganache, they’re ideal for gifting, dessert platters, or a little indulgence at home.