Dark Chocolate Truffles

A foolproof recipe for homemade chocolate truffles! Made from a silky smooth dark chocolate ganache, we also infuse our truffles with a bit for red wine. You can skip the addition, but we think it makes for an elegant chocolate treat! Then roll the truffles in your desired coating—cocoa, sprinkles, and crushed nuts are just the begining!

2-Ingredient Truffles

To make homemade truffles you only need two ingredients—chocolate and cream. And you can make this recipe with just those two ingredients! But to make the best chocolate truffles, we recommend adding in a few other flavorings

• Chocolate: We’re fans of dark chocolate truffles so we recommend using a dark chocolate that’s at least 72% cocao. If you love dark chocolate, use darker! If you prefer milk chocolate, use semi-sweet chocolate bars. Seek out pure chocolate bars sold in the baking aisle (usually sold as 4-ounce bars). Do not use chocolate chips or chunks for this. We don’t recommend using milk chocolate for this recipe, but if you must, decrease the cream to ½ cup.
• Heavy Cream: The second essential ingredient for truffles is heavy cream! Do not use half-and-half or milk for this recipe. If you’re looking for a vegan or dairy-free option, check out these Vegan Truffles.
• Butter: Just a tablespoon of unsalted butter makes these truffles absolutely silky smooth! You can skip it if you want, but we recommend adding it.
• Red Wine: Here is where things get interesting! We reduce down a half cup of wine to 2 tablespoons and mix it into the chocolate ganache. You can skip this altogether, but we love the elegance it adds! Use a fruity red wine just as a Pinto Noir.
• Vanilla: A splash of pure vanilla extract adds a nice undertone of flavor.
• Salt: The key to balancing any sweet treat is adding a pinch of salt!

How to Make Chocolate Truffles

1. Finely chop the chocolate and add it to a glass or metal bowl.
2. If using the wine, reduce the wine on the stove top until it measures 2 tablespoons.
3. Heat the cream, butter, vanilla and salt in a saucepan until butter has melted.
4. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate.
5. Let the chocolate mixture rest for 5 minutes (do not stir it before the 5 minutes are up!)
6. Stir to combine then chill for 1 hour at room temperature followed by about 45 minutes in the refrigerator.
7. Scoop and roll the chocolate into balls. Then coat in desired toppings.

How to Store Chocolate Truffles

• Room temperature: Chocolate truffles can be stored at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• Refrigerator: Store chocolate truffles in a glass container with a tight fitting lid for up to 2 weeks. We do not recommend freezing chocolate truffles.

What are Chocolate Truffles Anyway?

At their most basic, chocolate truffles are essentially small balls of chocolate ganache made from chocolate and cream. They are a decadent chocolate treat usually coated in cocoa, sprinkles and nuts.

How to Serve Chocolate Truffles

Chocolate truffles are a rich and decadent treat that can be served in a variety of ways. We recommend eating them at room temperature, so be sure to pull them out of the fridge a few minutes before enjoying.

Here are a few suggestions on how to serve chocolate truffles:

1. As a Dessert: Serve truffles on their own as a decadent after-dinner treat. Place them on a platter or in a bowl for guests to choose from.
2. As a Gift: Wrap truffles in decorative packaging, such as cellophane bags tied with ribbon, and give as a gift to friends and family.
3. At a Party: Offer truffles on a dessert table at a party or event. Display them in a decorative dish or on a tiered stand.
4. As a Coffee Companion: Serve truffles alongside coffee or espresso drinks for a delicious pick-me-up.
5. As a Cocktail Pairing: Pair truffles with a port wine or a whiskey-based cocktail.

Regardless of how you choose to serve them, chocolate truffles are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Coating Ideas

Keep it traditional by rolling the truffles in cocoa powder. Or make it a bit more fancy with sprinkles, pearl sugar, toasted and chopped nuts, crushed peppermint candies and more.

Flavorings for Chocolate Truffles

• Boozy: Instead of red wine add a tablespoon of liqueur such as peppermint Schnapps, Kahlúa, Baileys, Orange liqueur or Frangelico liqueur.
• Mint: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the truffle mixture before rolling into balls. Roll the finished truffles in crushed peppermint candy or cocoa powder.
• Orange: use orange extract instead of vanilla then roll the finished truffles in cocoa powder or grated orange-flavored dark chocolate.
• Raspberry: Add a tablespoon or raspberry liqueur or a splash of raspberry extract to the truffle mixture. Roll the finished truffles in freeze-dried raspberry powder or cocoa powder.
• Peanut Butter: Stir creamy peanut butter into the truffle mixture before rolling into balls. Roll the finished truffles in chopped peanuts.
• Coffee: Stir in espresso powder or coffee liqueur into the truffle mixture before rolling into balls. Roll the finished truffles in cocoa powder or grated coffee-flavored dark chocolate.
• Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or chili powder to the chocolate mixture. Roll the finished truffles in cocoa powder or grated chile-flavored chocolate.

These are just a few of the many flavor options for chocolate truffles. Experiment with different flavors and combinations to find your favorite!

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