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Peppermint Truffles

These holiday truffles combine rich chocolate with peppermint extract and crushed candy canes for a festive treat. Easy to make and perfect for gifting.

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Goods.

Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 05 Jan 2025 01:27:28 GMT
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A plate of chocolate truffles coated with red and white peppermint sprinkles, with one truffle cut in half to reveal a creamy center. Pin it
A plate of chocolate truffles coated with red and white peppermint sprinkles, with one truffle cut in half to reveal a creamy center. | zestplate.com

Every holiday season I make these Peppermint Truffles and watch people's eyes light up when they take that first bite. The combination of silky chocolate and cool peppermint creates pure magic in your mouth. They're so pretty with their sparkly crushed candy cane coating perfect for holiday parties or tucking into gift boxes for someone special.

Holiday Cheer in Every Bite

I love how these truffles bring together two Christmas favorites chocolate and peppermint. The best part? They're surprisingly simple to make but look totally fancy. Whether they're sitting pretty on a cookie platter or packed into a festive tin they never fail to make people smile. That mix of rich chocolate and cool mint just tastes like the holidays.

Ingredients You'll Need

  • Chocolate: Grab the good stuff here I use 70% dark chocolate. Those bargain chips just won't give you that smooth silky texture we're after.
  • Heavy Cream: Full fat all the way it makes your truffles extra creamy and helps them set beautifully.
  • Butter: This little addition makes everything richer and smoother trust me it's worth it.
  • Peppermint Extract: Just a touch gives that perfect holiday flavor don't go overboard.
  • Crushed Candy Canes: These add such a lovely crunch and festive look.
  • Optional Coatings: Play around with crushed candy canes cocoa powder or red sprinkles to make them extra special.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Make the Ganache
Warm up your cream and butter until it's nice and hot then pour it over your chopped chocolate. Let it sit for a bit then stir until it's smooth as silk.
Add Peppermint
Now's the time for that peppermint magic. Mix in your extract and crushed candy canes then pop it in the fridge until it firms up.
Form the Truffles
Scoop out little portions and roll them into balls. This is where it gets fun coating them in crushed candy canes cocoa or sprinkles.
Chill and Serve
Line them up on some parchment paper and let them hang out in the fridge until they're firm. They're amazing cold or at room temp.

Tips for Success

I've learned over the years that good chocolate makes all the difference. Give your ganache enough time to melt properly no rushing this step. When you're crushing those candy canes leave some bigger pieces mixed in with the fine bits it makes the texture more interesting. And move quickly when you're rolling your truffles they get soft fast.

Festive Presentation

These little beauties dress up any holiday spread. I love arranging them with other Christmas treats on a pretty platter. For gifting I tuck them into festive tins lined with parchment paper. Sometimes I'll coordinate the coatings with my holiday theme red and white for classic Christmas vibes.

Perfect for Sharing

These truffles have become my go to holiday treat. You can make big batches ahead of time and they keep beautifully. Whether I'm bringing them to a party or giving them as gifts they always bring smiles and holiday joy. There's something special about sharing homemade treats during the holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why heat cream and butter together?

Creates smoother ganache with better texture.

→ What chocolate works best?

Semi-sweet or bittersweet for best flavor balance with peppermint.

→ Why use cocoa on hands?

Prevents chocolate from sticking while rolling truffles.

→ Can I freeze these?

Yes, freeze up to 3 months in airtight container.

→ What toppings work best?

Crushed candy canes, cocoa powder, or colored sugar for festive look.

Peppermint Truffles

Rich chocolate truffles infused with peppermint and rolled in crushed candy canes or festive toppings.

Prep Time
40 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (24)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 3/4 cup heavy cream.
02 2 tablespoons unsalted butter.
03 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped.
04 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract.
05 3 candy canes, crushed.
06 Toppings: Crushed candy canes.
07 Red sanding sugar.
08 Cocoa powder.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat heavy cream and butter in medium saucepan over low-medium heat until gentle boil begins.

Step 02

Place chopped chocolate in medium bowl and pour hot cream mixture over top.

Step 03

Let chocolate and cream mixture stand undisturbed for exactly 5 minutes.

Step 04

Stir mixture until chocolate is completely melted and smooth.

Step 05

Add peppermint extract and stir until fully incorporated.

Step 06

Fold crushed candy canes into chocolate mixture until evenly distributed.

Step 07

Refrigerate ganache mixture 1-2 hours until firm enough to shape.

Step 08

Dust hands with cocoa powder to prevent sticking while rolling.

Step 09

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of chilled mixture.

Step 10

Roll each portion between palms to form smooth balls.

Step 11

Place chosen toppings in shallow bowls for coating.

Step 12

Roll formed truffles in desired toppings until well coated.

Step 13

Place coated truffles on parchment-lined sheet.

Step 14

Refrigerate 1-2 hours until completely set.

Step 15

Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

Notes

  1. Perfect holiday treat.
  2. Make ahead friendly.
  3. Multiple topping options.
  4. Great for gifting.

Tools You'll Need

  • Medium saucepan.
  • Mixing bowls.
  • Cookie scoop.
  • Parchment paper.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cream, butter).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 95
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: 1 g