These homemade chocolate truffles are the epitome of luxurious simplicity. Made with just a few high-quality ingredients, they offer a rich, decadent chocolate flavor that melts in your mouth. They’re perfect for gifting or indulging your sweet tooth, and can be easily customized with different flavorings and coatings.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped (60-70% cacao recommended)
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Coating Options (choose one or experiment with a variety!):
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed for darker color)
- Finely chopped nuts (almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts)
- Desiccated coconut
- Powdered sugar
- Crushed candy canes (for a festive touch)
- Edible glitter (for a touch of sparkle)
Instructions:
- Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy whipping cream over medium heat until it simmers. Do not let it boil.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a separate heat-resistant bowl, place the chopped chocolate. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 5 minutes, undisturbed.
- Emulsify the Mixture: Using a whisk or rubber spatula, gently stir the mixture until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. If using butter, add it now and continue stirring until incorporated. Avoid over-mixing as this can make the truffles greasy.
- Season and Chill: Add a pinch of salt (optional) to enhance the chocolate flavor. Pour the truffle mixture into a shallow dish or small baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until firm enough to scoop.
- Shape the Truffles: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, portion the chilled truffle mixture into bite-sized pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball between your palms.
- Coat the Truffles: Place your chosen coating in a shallow dish or bowl. Gently roll each truffle ball in the coating, ensuring it’s evenly covered. Place the coated truffles back onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Chill and Store: Refrigerate the truffles for at least 30 minutes to allow the coating to set. Store truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Enjoy them chilled for the perfect textural contrast.
Tips:
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best results.
- If the truffle mixture becomes too soft during shaping, simply return it to the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up again.
- Get creative with your coatings! You can even combine different options for a unique presentation.
- These truffles make wonderful homemade gifts. Package them beautifully in a decorative box or tin.