Christmas Truffles Recipe

Introduction

These Christmas Truffles are a rich and festive treat that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. With a smooth blend of dark chocolate and a hint of orange zest, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting.

Ingredients

• 90 ml (around 1/3 cup plus 2 teaspoons) heavy cream
• 200 g (7 oz) dark cooking chocolate (40% cocoa), finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon finely grated orange peel
• 1/3 cup chocolate sprinkles

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line a small, flat dish (about 13 x 18 cm) with non-stick baking paper. Place the chocolate sprinkles in a small bowl and line a baking tray with non-stick baking paper for later use.
2. Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream and orange zest. Heat gently over low heat until just below boiling, then remove from heat. Add the chopped chocolate and stir until fully melted and smooth.
3. Step 3: Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared dish, smoothing it evenly. Refrigerate for about 2 hours, or until firm enough to shape.
4. Step 4: Using a small scoop or teaspoon, portion about 3 level teaspoons of the chilled mixture. Roll each portion into a compact ball. If the mixture is too firm, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. Keep your hands cool with an ice pack or frozen peas and dry them with paper towels as needed.
5. Step 5: Roll each chocolate ball in the chocolate sprinkles until evenly coated. Place the coated truffles on the prepared baking tray.
6. Step 6: Refrigerate the truffles for at least 30 minutes until firm. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, separating layers with baking paper if stacking.

Tips & Variations

• For a different flavor twist, try using finely grated lemon or lime peel instead of orange.
• Use cocoa powder or crushed nuts in place of chocolate sprinkles for an alternative coating.
• Keep your hands cool and dry when rolling to prevent the chocolate from melting too quickly.

Storage

Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. When stacking, separate layers with non-stick baking paper to prevent sticking. To serve, you can let them sit briefly at room temperature for a softer texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of chocolate for these truffles?

Yes, you can use milk or semi-sweet chocolate if you prefer a sweeter truffle. Adjust the cream amount slightly if the chocolate has a different cocoa content to maintain smoothness.

How long do the truffles keep outside the refrigerator?

These truffles should be kept refrigerated and are best enjoyed within one week. At room temperature, they may soften or melt, especially in warm environments.

Christmas Truffles Recipe

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Indulge in these delicious homemade Christmas Truffles featuring rich dark chocolate infused with zesty orange peel and coated in festive chocolate sprinkles. Perfect as a holiday treat or gift, these creamy, bite-sized confections are easy to make and require no baking.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 20 truffles 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: European

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chocolate Mixture

• 90 ml (around 1/3 cup plus 2 teaspoons) heavy cream
• 200 g (7 oz) dark cooking chocolate (40% cocoa), finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon finely grated orange peel

Coating

• 1/3 cup chocolate sprinkles

Instructions

1. Prepare the Equipment and Ingredients: Line a small, flat dish (about 13 x 18 cm or 7 x 5 inches) with non-stick baking paper. Pour the chocolate sprinkles into a small bowl and set aside. Also, line a baking tray with non-stick baking paper and keep aside for later use.
2. Heat the Cream and Melt the Chocolate: In a small saucepan, add the heavy cream and grated orange peel. Heat over low heat gradually until the cream is just below boiling point. Remove from heat and stir in the finely chopped dark chocolate until fully melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
3. Chill the Chocolate Mixture: Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared dish, smoothing it out into an even layer. Place the dish in the refrigerator and chill for about 2 hours or until the mixture is firm enough to shape.
4. Shape the Chocolate Balls: Using a small ice cream scoop or teaspoon, scoop approximately 3 level teaspoons of the chilled mixture and quickly roll it into compact balls. If too firm to roll, let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. Use an ice pack or frozen peas to cool your hands as you roll and keep paper towels handy to dry your hands as needed.
5. Coat in Chocolate Sprinkles: Toss each chocolate ball in the bowl of chocolate sprinkles, turning the bowl to ensure an even coating. Place each coated truffle on the lined baking tray.
6. Refrigerate and Store the Truffles: Refrigerate the coated truffles on the tray for at least 30 minutes or until firm. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, using non-stick baking paper to separate layers if stacking.

Notes

• Ensure the cream is not boiling to prevent the chocolate from seizing when melted.
• Use fresh orange peel for the best flavor; avoid the bitter white pith.
• Work quickly when rolling the truffles to prevent melting from the warmth of your hands.
• If you prefer, dust the truffles with cocoa powder or crushed nuts instead of sprinkles for a different coating.
• Allow truffles to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Keywords: Christmas truffles, chocolate truffles, holiday sweets, orange chocolate truffles, no-bake dessert, festive treats