5 Truffle Recipes Perfect for the Holidays

When it comes to Christmas, no one can deny the importance of a glazed ham or a roasted turkey. But a holiday feast is not complete without a delicious dessert to match it. And yes, cookies, trifles, and the occasional Yule log are what most home cooks go for. But for a dessert that looks extravagant without taking forever to make, look no further than the classic truffle. The bite-sized treat is tasty and super versatile. In fact, you can use any ingredient you want to make your own unique creation. So, if you're ready to sweeten your holiday meals, these five truffle recipes have your name written all over them. Happy Holidays!

P.S.: These treats also work great as a gift. Just pop them in a cute little box, put a festive bow on it, and offer them to your loved ones.

1. Eggnog Truffles

Spiced • Creamy • Holiday Treat
Makes: ~20 truffles
Total Time: ~30 minutes active, plus chilling

These rich, spiced eggnog truffles are the essence of holiday indulgence. Even if traditional eggnog isn’t your thing, the smooth white chocolate, cozy spices, and optional hint of rum will win you over with one bite. They’re perfect for gifting or sneaking straight from the fridge.

Ingredients:

• 1 egg yolk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
• ⅔ teaspoon ground nutmeg, divided
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2⅔ cups white chocolate chips
• 2 teaspoons rum (optional)
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Infuse the Cream:
   In a heatproof bowl, whisk together egg yolk, heavy cream, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ⅓ teaspoon nutmeg, and vanilla extract.

2. Heat Gently:
   Fill a saucepan about one-third full with water and bring to a low simmer.
   Place the bowl over (not touching) the simmering water to form a double boiler.
   Whisk the eggnog base for 2–3 minutes, or until slightly thickened.

3. Melt in Chocolate:
   Add white chocolate chips and rum (if using). Stir until melted and smooth.
   Remove from heat and refrigerate the mixture until firm—about 1–2 hours.

4. Shape and Coat:
   In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with remaining ½ teaspoon cinnamon and ⅓ teaspoon nutmeg.
   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   Scoop out 1½ tablespoon portions of the chilled truffle mixture. Roll into balls and toss in the spiced sugar.
   Place on prepared sheet and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Storage:

• Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freeze for longer storage and thaw in the fridge before serving.

2. Boozy Cherry Truffles

Decadent • Rich • Crowd-Pleasing
Makes: ~12 truffles
Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling)

These indulgent truffles feature amaretto-soaked cherries nestled inside silky chocolate ganache, rolled in chocolate sprinkles for just the right amount of crunch. They’re rich, elegant, and just boozy enough to feel celebratory—ideal for holiday trays or after-dinner treats.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup freeze-dried cherries
• ⅔ cup amaretto liqueur
• ⅔ cup heavy cream
• 1½ cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
• ¼ cup chocolate sprinkles

Instructions:

1. Soak the Cherries:
   Place freeze-dried cherries in a small bowl and cover with amaretto.
   Soak for 20 minutes, then drain using a fine mesh strainer. Set aside.

2. Make the Ganache:
   In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat until just about to simmer.
   Remove from heat, add chocolate chips, and whisk until completely melted and smooth.
   Chill the ganache in the refrigerator for 45–60 minutes, or until firm enough to scoop.

3. Prepare to Roll:
   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   Pour chocolate sprinkles into a shallow bowl.

4. Assemble the Truffles:
   Scoop about 2 tablespoons of ganache and flatten slightly in your palm.
   Press one amaretto-soaked cherry into the center, then roll the ganache around it to form a ball.
   Roll each truffle in chocolate sprinkles to coat and place on the baking sheet.

5. Chill and Serve:
   Refrigerate truffles until firm, at least 30 minutes.
   Store in the fridge and serve chilled or slightly softened.

Storage:

• Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Best enjoyed within 3–4 days for peak flavor.

3. Salted Caramel Banana Truffles

Dairy-Free • Sweet & Salty • No-Bake Treat
Makes: ~12 truffles
Total Time: ~2½ hours (mostly chilling)

Naturally sweet, perfectly salty, and totally indulgent—these dairy-free truffles blend creamy Medjool dates, freeze-dried bananas, and smooth peanut butter for a rich caramel-like center. Coated in melted chocolate, they’re a no-bake snack that satisfies every craving without the cream.

Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup Medjool dates, pitted
• 3 tablespoons freeze-dried banana slices
• ¼ cup smooth peanut butter
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips (dairy-free if needed)

Instructions:

1. Soak and Blend:
   In a bowl, soak dates and bananas in 1 cup warm water for 15 minutes. Drain well.
   Transfer to a food processor and pulse until a thick, sticky dough forms.
   If too dry, add warm water 1 teaspoon at a time; if too wet, add a spoonful of oats or almond meal.

2. Flavor the Dough:
   Add peanut butter and salt. Pulse again until smooth and well combined.

3. Shape the Truffles:
   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   Scoop 1 tablespoon of the dough, roll into a ball, and place on the tray. Repeat until all dough is used.
   Chill in the fridge for 2 hours, or until firm.

4. Melt the Chocolate:
   Place chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.

5. Dip and Finish:
   Dip each truffle in melted chocolate using a fork or spoon.
   Return to the parchment-lined tray and refrigerate until set—about 15–20 minutes.

Optional Toppings:

• Sprinkle sea salt over the chocolate coating before it sets
• Add crushed peanuts or banana chips for texture

Storage:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week
• Freeze for up to 1 month—thaw slightly before enjoying

4. Gingerbread Pineapple Truffles

Tropical • Spiced • Holiday-Ready
Makes: ~18 truffles
Total Time: ~2½ hours (including chilling)

These festive truffles combine the warmth of gingersnap cookies with the bright sweetness of pineapple for a modern holiday twist. Dipped in white chocolate and finished with finely chopped pecans, they strike the perfect balance between nostalgic and unexpected.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups gingersnap cookies, crushed
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• ⅓ cup freeze-dried pineapple
• 2 cups white chocolate chips
• 1 cup pecans, finely chopped

Instructions:

1. Rehydrate the Pineapple:
   In a small bowl, soak freeze-dried pineapple in 1 cup warm water for 15 minutes.
   Drain and gently squeeze out excess liquid.

2. Make the Filling:
   In a food processor, combine pineapple, cream cheese, and gingersnap crumbs.
   Pulse until the mixture is evenly blended and holds together like a thick dough.

3. Shape the Truffles:
   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   Scoop out 2 tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Repeat with remaining mixture.
   Refrigerate for 2 hours, or until firm.

4. Melt and Coat:
   Place white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
   Stir in chopped pecans.

5. Dip and Finish:
   Dip each truffle into the melted chocolate mixture, coating evenly.
   Return to the baking sheet and chill until set—about 15–20 minutes.

Optional Touches:

• Add a sprinkle of extra crushed cookies or chopped candied ginger on top
• Use dark chocolate instead of white for a spicier contrast

Storage:

• Store in the fridge for up to 5 days
• Freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month

5. Strawberry Cappuccino Truffles

Sweet • Bold • Berry-Infused
Makes: ~18 truffles
Total Time: ~2½ hours (including chilling)

These creamy, dreamy truffles combine the richness of espresso and white chocolate with the bright tang of freeze-dried strawberries. Ground into a fine powder and folded into a velvety ganache, the berries elevate every bite with a subtle, fruity edge. Dusted in chocolate sprinkles, they’re perfect for gifting, entertaining, or late-night indulgence.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups white chocolate chips
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder
• ¼ cup freeze-dried strawberries (sliced)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups chocolate sprinkles

Instructions:

1. Make Strawberry Powder:
   Place freeze-dried strawberries in a blender or spice grinder. Pulse until finely powdered. Set aside.

2. Melt the Chocolate:
   Place white chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.
   Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted. Set aside.

3. Infuse the Cream:
   In a small saucepan, combine heavy cream, vanilla extract, espresso powder, and strawberry powder.
   Heat gently over medium until it just begins to simmer—do not boil.

4. Make the Ganache:
   Pour the hot cream mixture over the melted white chocolate. Stir until smooth.
   Add butter and whisk until fully incorporated.
   Cover with plastic wrap and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 2 hours, or until firm.

5. Shape the Truffles:
   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   Scoop out 2 tablespoons of ganache and roll into a ball. Repeat with remaining mixture.

6. Coat in Sprinkles:
   Roll each truffle in chocolate sprinkles and return to the baking sheet.
   Refrigerate until set—about 15–20 minutes.

Storage:

• Store in the fridge for up to 1 week
• Serve chilled or at room temperature for a softer center

Which truffle recipes would you like to try this year? Let us know in the comments down below!

References:

1. https://www.shugarysweets.com/eggnog-truffles/#mv-creation-754-jtr
2. https://www.verybestbaking.com/toll-house/recipes/artisan-cherry-truffles/
3. https://minimalistbaker.com/5-ingredient-salted-caramel-peanut-butter-truffles/
4. https://www.sixsistersstuff.com/recipe/gingerbread-truffles/
5. https://www.landolakes.com/recipe/17065/cappuccino-truffles/

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