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Close-up of three decadent chocolate truffles, dusted with cocoa powder, with one truffle cut open to reveal its rich interior.

Easy Chocolate Truffles: 100 Delicious Bites

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Written by Carla Davis

November 10, 2025

You know, there’s just something magical about the holidays, isn’t there? The twinkling lights, the cozy nights, and of course, all the delicious treats! For me, it always comes back to genuine, homemade goodness, especially when it involves chocolate. And let me tell you, if you’re looking for a way to add a truly special touch to your festive season, without a whole lot of fuss, you absolutely have to make chocolate truffles. Seriously, these homemade chocolate truffles disappear faster than you can say “Happy Holidays!” They’re so wonderfully rich and decadent, but shockingly simple to whip up right in your own kitchen. It reminds me of my Grandma’s kitchen, where love was poured into every single thing she made, and these little bites of bliss are no different. Easy, impressive, and made with love – that’s what these chocolate truffles are all about.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chocolate Truffles Recipe

You know, I created this recipe because sometimes you just want something that tastes incredibly special without spending hours in the kitchen. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore making these:

  • Super Simple to Make: Seriously, it takes just minutes of active prep time. Most of the magic happens while they chill!
  • Oh-So-Decadent: They taste like they came from a fancy chocolatier, but they’re made with simple ingredients you probably already have.
  • Perfect for Gifting: Pop them in a cute little box or bag, and you’ve got the most thoughtful, delicious holiday gifts. Everyone loves them!
  • Versatile Little Wonders: Want to try different coatings? Go for it! These truffles are a blank canvas for your creativity.

Gather Your Ingredients for Perfect Chocolate Truffles

Okay, getting ready to make these little bites of heaven? It’s super straightforward. You really just need a few quality ingredients to make these chocolate truffles sing. Trust me, using good chocolate makes all the difference in the world!

  • 1 pound semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped: Make sure it’s chopped really small so it melts beautifully.
  • 1 cup heavy cream: This is what makes them so rich and smooth.
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s soft enough to mix in easily.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Just a touch to bring out all those chocolatey notes.
  • Cocoa powder, for dusting: This is the classic coating, and it’s so good!

How to Make Chocolate Truffles: Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, let’s get down to the fun part – making these incredible chocolate truffles yourself! It really is as easy as it sounds, I promise. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up these little gems right at home. Seriously, it’s such a satisfying process, and the result? Pure chocolate bliss. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of homemade chocolate goodness ready to wow everyone! You can find lots more dessert ideas on my site too!

Preparing the Chocolate Ganache Base

First things first, let’s get that rich ganache going. You’ll grab a small saucepan and heat up your heavy cream over medium heat. Keep an eye on it – you just want it to barely start simmering around the edges. No boiling! Pour that warm cream right over your finely chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit there for about 5 minutes. Resist the urge to stir! This waiting game lets the hot cream work its magic and soften all that chocolate beautifully.

Achieving the Perfect Truffle Consistency

Now for the magic touch! Gently whisk the chocolate and cream together until it’s super smooth and glossy. It’s like watching a chocolate river form! Then, stir in that softened butter and the vanilla extract until the butter totally melts in. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, making sure the wrap actually touches the surface of the chocolate. This little trick prevents a crust from forming. Pop the whole thing in the fridge for at least 2 hours. You want it firm enough to scoop, but not rock hard. If it gets too firm later when you’re rolling, just let it warm up for a few minutes at room temp. Easy peasy!

Shaping and Dusting Your Chocolate Truffles

Time to get your hands (or a small spoon/melon baller) in there! Scoop out portions of the chilled chocolate mixture. Roll each one gently between your palms to form little balls. Don’t stress about them being perfectly round; a slightly rustic look is charming! Place these lovely spheres on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Then, grab your cocoa powder and give them a good dusting. Roll them around until they’re nicely coated. They’ll look like little mounds of chocolate perfection!

Tips for Success with Your Chocolate Truffles

Making these is honestly pretty forgiving, but a few little tricks can make your chocolate truffles recipe easy turn into pure chocolate magic! First off, don’t skimp on the chocolate quality. I find that semi-sweet or dark chocolate that you chop yourself really gives the best flavor and texture. Those pre-chopped chips can sometimes have stabilizers that mess with the melt. Also, remember that chilling time is your friend! If your mixture feels too soft to roll, don’t be tempted to skip that extra 10-15 minutes in the fridge. It makes all the difference between a perfectly shaped truffle and a melty mess. You can explore even more dessert recipes on my site that are just as satisfying!

Creative Variations for Your Homemade Chocolate Truffles

While these classic cocoa-dusted chocolate truffles are absolutely divine on their own, don’t you just love a recipe that lets you play around a bit? I sure do! Once you’ve mastered the basic chocolate truffles recipe, the creative possibilities are endless. Think of them as your blank canvas for chocolatey goodness! I’ve used this base for so many fun treats, kind of like how I adapt my chocolate chip cookie recipe for different flavors.

Before you roll them in cocoa, why not dunk them in something else? Chopped toasted nuts – like almonds, pistachios, or pecans – add a wonderful crunch. Or maybe some colorful sprinkles for a festive flair? Shredded coconut is another fantastic option for a tropical twist. And don’t forget about adding a splash of flavor to the ganache itself! A tiny bit of peppermint extract makes them perfect for Christmas, reminiscent of my peppermint bark. Or a hint of orange extract is divine. Honestly, you can’t go wrong!

Serving and Storing Your Delicious Chocolate Truffles

These little chocolate truffles are showstoppers at any holiday party gathering! For the best texture and flavor, it’s a good idea to take them out of the fridge about 10-15 minutes before you plan to serve them. This lets them soften just a touch. If you’re gifting them, pack them in a cute tin or box. They’ll stay lovely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about a week. They’re so easy to stash away and bring out whenever a chocolate craving strikes! You can find more appetizer and snack ideas, too, right here: Carla’s Cooking Snacks!

Frequently Asked Questions about Chocolate Truffles

Got questions about these little chocolate wonders? I totally get it! Making homemade treats is so rewarding, but sometimes a little clarification goes a long way. Here are a few things people often ask:

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet for these truffles?

You absolutely can! If you prefer a sweeter, milder chocolate flavor, milk chocolate works wonderfully. Just keep in mind that milk chocolate has more sugar and milk solids, so your truffles might be a bit softer and have a slightly different flavor profile. It’s still delicious!

How do I get really smooth chocolate truffles?

The key to smooth truffles is all about that ganache! Make sure your cream is heated just to a simmer (not boiling!) and let it sit on the chopped chocolate for a good 5 minutes before stirring. Gentle whisking until completely smooth is crucial. Also, using good quality chocolate that you chop finely yourself makes a big difference. Don’t rush the process!

Can these chocolate truffles be made ahead of time?

Oh yes, absolutely! These are perfect for making ahead. In fact, they *need* to chill before you can form them, so making them ahead is a must. You can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, which is fantastic for busy holiday schedules or when you want to be prepared for unexpected guests.

My chocolate mixture is too firm to scoop. What should I do?

Don’t panic! If your ganache gets too firm after chilling, it just means it needs a little gentle warming. Let the bowl sit on the counter for 5-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s softened just enough to scoop easily. You don’t want it melting, just pliable enough to roll.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Just a little heads-up, the nutrition info for these chocolate truffles is an estimate, you know? It’ll tweak a bit depending on exactly what chocolate you use and all that. But roughly, you’re looking at about 100 calories per truffle, with around 8 grams of fat, 7 grams of carbs, and 1 gram of sugar. Perfect for a little sweet treat!

Share Your Homemade Chocolate Truffles!

Okay, I’d absolutely LOVE to hear how your homemade chocolate truffles turned out! Did you try any fun coatings? Snap a pic and tag me on social media – I can’t wait to see your creations! And if you really, really loved them (which I bet you will!), consider leaving a quick rating. Your feedback means the world to me! You can always reach out via my contact page too!

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Easy Chocolate Truffles

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A simple recipe for homemade chocolate truffles, perfect for holiday gifting and festive snacking.

  • Author: Carla Davis
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 5 min
  • Total Time: 2 hr 25 min
  • Yield: 30 truffles 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 pound semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Cocoa powder, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Heat heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not boil.
  2. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes without stirring.
  3. Gently whisk the chocolate and cream mixture until smooth and fully combined.
  4. Stir in the softened butter and vanilla extract until the butter is melted and the mixture is glossy.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the chocolate to prevent a skin from forming.
  6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm enough to scoop.
  7. Use a small spoon or melon baller to scoop portions of the chocolate mixture. Roll each portion into a ball between your palms.
  8. Place the rolled truffles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  9. Dust generously with cocoa powder.
  10. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet.
  • You can roll the truffles in other toppings like chopped nuts, sprinkles, or shredded coconut.
  • If the chocolate mixture becomes too firm to scoop, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 truffle
  • Calories: 100
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 5mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

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Hi, I'm Carla Davis! As a lifelong home cook and busy mom, I believe that making delicious food for the people you love shouldn't be complicated. Here at Carla's Cooking, I share simple, reliable, and family-approved recipes that I make in my own kitchen. My goal is to help you feel confident and joyful when you cook. Welcome!

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