A gentle snowfall, the scent of melted dark chocolate, and the soft clink of cocoa-dusted bites on a platter, that is the feeling of Holiday Chocolate Truffle Bites. These small, glossy ganache spheres carry the comfort of warm fireplaces and the luxury of decadent chocolate, making them perfect for holiday dessert plates, hostess gifts, or a quiet night paired with tea. They come together simply, hold beautifully on a buffet, and always invite a second helping.
If you love chocolate-forward treats, also try this cozy take on cookies with nutty notes, it pairs well whenever you want a baked companion for these truffles, see Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies for inspiration: Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
Why You’ll Love This
These Holiday Chocolate Truffle Bites feel like a gift in every bite, with a silky center and a subtle snap of coating. They hit that sweet spot between rich and refined, where a small portion delivers full satisfaction, and the appearance already feels celebratory. The ganache is smooth and decadent, while the exterior finishes add a festive crunch or a dusting of cocoa for contrast.
Reasons to reach for this recipe
- Ready in under an hour when you include chilling time
- Easy to customize with coatings and flavor extracts
- Great for gifting, plating, or making ahead for holiday parties
The method is forgiving, so even if you have not worked with ganache before, you will find the texture reassuring, the aroma intoxicating, and the final display elegantly simple.
Ingredients and Key Notes
A few simple elements make classic Holiday Chocolate Truffle Bites, each playing a clear role. Chocolate forms the body and flavor, cream gives the ganache its silkiness, butter lends shine and richness, and coatings provide texture and holiday flair. If you like bright notes, a touch of orange or peppermint extract works well, and you can use a mix of bittersweet and milk chocolate to tailor the sweetness.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces high quality dark chocolate, chopped, about 70 percent cocoa is ideal
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature, for sheen
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, for rolling
- 1/2 cup finely chopped toasted nuts, such as hazelnuts or almonds, optional
- 1/2 cup festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes, optional
- Fresh citrus zest, such as orange, finely grated, optional
Ingredient notes, briefly
- Use good quality chocolate, since the ganache is mostly chocolate, its flavor matters. If you prefer a sweeter truffle, swap up to half the dark chocolate for a high-quality milk chocolate.
- Heavy cream must be hot when poured over chocolate, this melts the chips into a glossy ganache.
- For peppermint or orange flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon extract or 1 teaspoon zest to the warm ganache, do not exceed those amounts or they can become overpowering.
If you enjoy rich, brown-butter baked goods alongside your confections, these cookies complement the truffles beautifully, see this brown butter classic for a warm pairing: Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step by Step
- Chop the chocolate finely and place it in a medium heatproof bowl, the small pieces help the chocolate melt quickly and evenly. You will smell the chocolate as it softens, and the pieces should begin to look glossy when the hot cream is added.
- Heat the heavy cream until it just simmers, tiny bubbles forming at the edge, do not boil. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let sit undisturbed for 60 seconds so the heat draws the chocolate into a smooth pool.
- Gently whisk from the center outward until the mixture is shiny and smooth, add the butter, vanilla, and salt, whisking until fully incorporated, the ganache should feel velvet and glossy. If you choose extracts or zest, fold them in now for a consistent flavor.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly on the surface of the ganache to prevent a skin, chill until firm enough to scoop, about 1.5 to 2 hours, the ganache will become firm yet still pliable.
- Prepare rolling stations, placing cocoa powder, chopped nuts, and sprinkles in separate shallow bowls, and line a baking sheet with parchment. Your hands will feel the cool ganache as you shape.
- Using a small cookie scoop or a teaspoon, portion the ganache into 1 inch rounds, quickly roll between your palms into smooth spheres, and immediately roll in your chosen coating, the warmth of your hands will soften the ganache slightly but the centers should remain cool.
- Transfer finished truffles to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a little so coatings do not stick, chill briefly for 15 minutes to set coatings, then move to an airtight container for storage. The finished truffles should have a glossy interior when bitten, and a delicate outer texture.
Prep ~ 20 minutes active, chill ~ 2 hours, Cook ~ 5 minutes heat, Total ~ 2 hours 25 minutes, Servings ~ about 24 truffles, Kcal ~ 120 per truffle
Make-Ahead and Prep Tips
Plan Ahead
These truffles are ideal for making ahead, the ganache actually benefits from a bit of rest. Prepare the ganache up to three days in advance, keep it chilled in the refrigerator, and portion and coat the truffles on the day you plan to serve them for the freshest look. Alternatively, roll the truffles and freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a sealed container for longer storage.
How to finish later
- To prep early, make and chill the ganache, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, form the truffles on a tray, freeze until solid, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- When ready to serve, thaw frozen truffles in the fridge for several hours or overnight, then bring to room temperature for 20 minutes before serving so the texture becomes silky.
If you are assembling cookie platters or gift boxes, these truffles pair well with a variety of cookies, for a cheesecake inspired bite try assembling with Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies, which balance the richness of truffles with a baked tang, see that recipe here: Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies
Storing and Reheating
How to Store Leftovers
Store truffles in a shallow airtight container in a single or double layer separated by parchment, refrigeration keeps them firm. In the refrigerator they will keep well for 2 to 3 weeks, and in the freezer they will remain good for up to 3 months when properly wrapped. For best texture, bring chilled truffles to room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before serving.
Refrigerate
- Keep truffles in the coldest part of the fridge, not the door, to maintain a steady temperature and avoid condensation.
Freeze
- Freeze on a lined tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe container, with parchment between layers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight to avoid sweating that happens with sudden temperature changes.
Gentle finishing tip
- If the coatings dull slightly from refrigeration, let truffles sit at room temperature for a short while to regain sheen and softness, a freshness cue is a silky interior and no metallic or off odors.
Perfect Pairings
What Goes Well with Holiday Chocolate Truffle Bites
- A platter of assorted cookies for texture contrast and variety.
- Fresh berries or candied citrus slices to cut the richness.
- A nut and cheese plate for savory balance.
- Lightweight whipped cream desserts or mousse, for an extra chocolate nod.
- Hot chocolate or robust coffee to balance the deep chocolate flavors.
Pair these truffles with simple buttery cookies or a bright tart to create a dessert board that invites grazing and conversation.
Make It Your Own
Flavor Twists and Substitutions
- Peppermint sparkle, swap 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract into the warm ganache and roll truffles in crushed candy canes for a classic holiday finish.
- Orange infusion, add 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest to the ganache, this brightens the dark chocolate without adding liquid.
- Nutty crunch, roll the truffles in toasted, finely chopped hazelnuts or pistachios, the toasty aroma pairs beautifully with dark chocolate.
- Salted caramel center, prior to chilling, deposit a small dollop of caramel in the center while using a slightly firmer ganache to encase it, ensure caramel is cooled.
- White chocolate drizzle, melt white chocolate and drizzle over the chilled truffles for visual contrast, this adds sweetness and a festive look.
- Spice blend, fold in a pinch of ground cinnamon or a tiny pinch of cayenne for warming heat, add sparingly to preserve the chocolate balance.
- Dairy-free version, use full fat coconut cream in place of heavy cream and a dairy-free butter substitute, choose high quality vegan chocolate to match.
Always avoid adding alcohol or wine, those flavors do not belong in this set of holiday truffles, and keep the technique simple for the best texture.
Pro Tips for Best Results
Tips for Success
- Chop the chocolate finely and evenly, smaller pieces ensure smooth melting and prevent graininess.
- Heat cream to just below boiling, look for tiny bubbles at the edge, boiling can separate the fat and create a less stable ganache.
- Cover the ganache surface with plastic wrap while it chills to prevent a skin, this keeps the texture consistent throughout.
- Work with slightly chilled ganache when shaping, if it becomes too soft, chill briefly to firm up rather than continuing to handle it.
- Use a warm, dry spoon or scoop to portion ganache cleanly, this gives uniform truffles and reduces sticky hands.
- Keep tools and coating bowls cool, warm metal or bowls can soften the ganache too quickly and make coatings messy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Holiday Chocolate Truffle Bites FAQs
What type of chocolate is best for truffles?
Use a high quality chocolate with a cocoa percentage that matches your preference, 60 to 70 percent works well for a balanced bittersweet profile. Avoid chocolate chips formulated for baking only, they can contain stabilizers that affect melt and gloss.
Can I make the ganache without heavy cream?
You can substitute full fat coconut cream for a dairy-free option, it yields a slightly different mouthfeel but still creates a rich ganache. Avoid low fat creams, they will not give the same silky texture.
How do I prevent the truffles from being grainy?
Ensure the cream is hot enough to melt the chocolate, and whisk gently until smooth. If the ganache splits or looks grainy, gently warm it over a water bath while whisking, do not overheat.
What is the best way to get a smooth round shape?
Use a small cookie scoop or teaspoon to portion the ganache, then roll quickly between slightly cupped palms to form spheres. If hands are too warm, chill the scoop on ice, or rest the ganache in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes before shaping.
Can I freeze these truffles and how should I thaw them?
Yes, freeze truffles on a tray until solid, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature before serving to avoid condensation on the coatings.
How do I add a surprise center, like caramel or nut butter?
Place a small spoonful of set caramel or thick nut butter in the center of each round after portioning the ganache, then quickly cover and shape so the ganache seals the filling. Use a firmer ganache to ensure the center stays contained.
Final Thoughts
Holiday Chocolate Truffle Bites are a timeless, elegant treat that bring warmth to any holiday gathering with their glossy, melt-in-your-mouth ganache and festive coatings. They are simple to make, easy to customize, and keep well for gifting or serving across several days. Try a batch this season, experiment with a few coatings, and share them with friends and family for a memorable sweet moment.
Print
Holiday Chocolate Truffle Bites
- Total Time: 145 minutes
- Yield: 24 truffles 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously rich and festive chocolate truffles, perfect for holiday gatherings or as gifts.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces high quality dark chocolate, chopped (about 70% cocoa)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, for rolling
- 1/2 cup finely chopped toasted nuts (such as hazelnuts or almonds, optional)
- 1/2 cup festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes (optional)
- Fresh citrus zest (such as orange, finely grated, optional)
Instructions
- Chop the chocolate finely and place it in a medium heatproof bowl.
- Heat the heavy cream until it just simmers; pour over the chopped chocolate and let sit for 60 seconds.
- Gently whisk from the center outward until shiny and smooth. Add butter, vanilla, and salt; mix until incorporated.
- Cover with plastic wrap and chill until firm (1.5 to 2 hours).
- Set up rolling stations with cocoa powder, chopped nuts, and sprinkles.
- Using a small scoop, portion the ganache into 1-inch rounds and roll into spheres.
- Roll truffles in chosen coatings and transfer to a lined baking sheet.
- Chill briefly to set coatings (15 minutes) before transferring to an airtight container for storage.
Notes
Truffles can be made ahead and keep well in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: chocolate, truffles, holiday, dessert, gift
