The festive season is around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with delightful Christmas Peppermint Truffles? These velvety treats blend the rich, creamy texture of cream cheese with the refreshing crunch of peppermint candies and the indulgence of chocolate. Perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, peppermint truffles bring warmth and cheer to any occasion with just a few simple ingredients. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that will surely impress family and friends alike!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 24 truffles
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 120
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 25mg
Why Make This Christmas Peppermint Truffles
Christmas Peppermint Truffles are a delightful combination of flavors and textures, offering a creamy center that melts in your mouth and a crisp chocolate coating with a hint of peppermint crunch. These treats are not only easy to make but also provide a touch of holiday spirit that’s hard to resist. Their beautiful, festive appearance makes them a perfect centerpiece for your holiday dessert table, while their rich taste appeals to both kids and adults. Plus, making truffles at home means you can adjust the sweetness or peppermint intensity to your liking—creating a custom holiday treat that’s bound to become a family favorite.
How to Make Christmas Peppermint Truffles
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (for rolling)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. This creates a creamy base for your truffles, ensuring they turn out rich and fluffy.
Step 2: Mixing
Stir in the crushed peppermint candies and vanilla extract until well combined. This step adds the festive peppermint flavor that makes these truffles unique.
Step 3: Shaping
Shape the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking while the truffles firm up.
Step 4: Cooling
Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up. This cooling period helps the truffles hold their shape when you coat them in chocolate.
Step 5: Melting
Meanwhile, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler. Stir until completely smooth for an even coating.
Step 6: Coating
Dip each truffle into the melted chocolate, allowing excess chocolate to drip off, and then roll in cocoa powder if desired. This adds another layer of flavor and an elegant finish.
Step 7: Setting
Place back on the baking sheet and let the chocolate set. You can speed this process by refrigerating them for another 10-15 minutes if needed.
Step 8: Storing
Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve, keeping them fresh and delicious for your holiday festivities.
How to Serve Christmas Peppermint Truffles
These truffles make an excellent addition to any holiday dessert platter. Serve them on a decorative plate, garnished with a sprinkle of crushed peppermint or cocoa powder for added flair. They also make lovely gifts when packed in a festive box or jar. Enjoy them with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee after dinner for a delightful treat.
How to Store Christmas Peppermint Truffles
Store your truffles in the refrigerator in an airtight container, where they will keep fresh for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Peppermint Truffles
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened for easy mixing. Leave it at room temperature for about an hour before use.
- For a richer chocolate flavor, consider using dark chocolate instead of semisweet.
- Crush the peppermint candies finely for a more uniform texture in the truffles.
- Feel free to substitute crushed nuts or holiday sprinkles for rolling if peppermint isn’t your preference.
- Experiment with flavored extracts—like almond or peppermint—to add a unique twist.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate-Dipped Truffles: For added flair, blend different types of chocolate, like white chocolate or dark chocolate, for coating.
- Nutty Truffles: Roll the truffles in finely chopped nuts, like almonds or hazelnuts, instead of cocoa powder for a crunchy texture.
- Vegan Version: Replace cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative and use vegan chocolate chips for a delicious dairy-free option.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these truffles ahead of time?
Yes! They can be made up to two weeks in advance and kept refrigerated. - How do I know if I melted the chocolate correctly?
The chocolate should be smooth and glossy without any lumps. Stir it frequently to avoid overheating. - Can I use different candy for the coating?
Absolutely! Feel free to roll in crushed cookies, nuts, or other festive ingredients. - What can I do if my mixture is too soft?
If the mixture is too soft to shape, try chilling it longer in the refrigerator until it firms up. - Are peppermint extract and crushed candies interchangeable?
While they both provide peppermint flavor, they cannot be used interchangeably in terms of texture; crushed candies add crunch, while extract adds liquid flavor.
Conclusion
Christmas Peppermint Truffles are the perfect sweet treat to brighten up your holiday gatherings. With their creamy interior, chocolate coating, and refreshing peppermint crunch, they are sure to become a staple in your festive dessert lineup. Their simplicity and adaptability make them a winner for any occasion, and they are bound to impress anyone who tries them. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy making—and sharing—these delightful treats this holiday season!
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Christmas Peppermint Truffles
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 24 truffles 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful Christmas Peppermint Truffles blend cream cheese, peppermint candies, and chocolate, making them perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (for rolling)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Stir in the crushed peppermint candies and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up.
- Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler until completely smooth.
- Dip each truffle into the melted chocolate, allowing excess chocolate to drip off, and then roll in cocoa powder if desired.
- Place back on the baking sheet and let the chocolate set.
- Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
Truffles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or frozen for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling, Melting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
