I still remember the first time I made peppermint truffles. It was a chilly winter evening, and I wanted to create something festive and comforting for my family. The aroma of melted chocolate combined with a hint of peppermint filled my kitchen, instantly lifting my spirits. From the very first bite, I was hooked. The smooth, creamy texture paired with the refreshing peppermint flavor is simply irresistible. Ever since that day, peppermint truffles have become my go-to treat for holidays, gatherings, or just a cozy night in with a cup of tea.

You will love this recipe because it’s incredibly satisfying to make and even more delightful to share. The combination of rich chocolate and crisp peppermint creates a luxurious taste that melts in your mouth. Despite tasting indulgent, these truffles are surprisingly simple to prepare and don’t require any complicated techniques.

This recipe is versatile. You can roll the truffles in crushed candy canes, cocoa powder, or even dip them in dark or white chocolate for a variety of flavors. They are perfect as gifts, party treats, or a small indulgence for yourself. You can also experiment by adding a touch of vanilla extract or peppermint extract to enhance the flavor to your liking.

The ingredients for this recipe are affordable and easy to find. You don’t need a long list of specialty items. With just chocolate, cream, butter, peppermint extract, and a few optional toppings, you can create a batch of these elegant truffles in no time. This makes it a perfect recipe for both beginners and experienced bakers who want a quick yet impressive treat.

Ingredients:

200g dark chocolate, finely chopped
100ml heavy cream
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp peppermint extract
Crushed candy canes, for rolling (optional)
Cocoa powder or powdered sugar, for rolling (optional)

These peppermint truffles are not only a delightful treat but also a charming way to spread holiday cheer. Every bite brings a perfect balance of sweetness and minty freshness, making them a timeless favorite in my kitchen.

How to Prepare This Recipe

Making peppermint truffles may seem fancy, but it’s surprisingly simple and quick. With a few careful steps, you’ll create rich, creamy truffles that look and taste like they belong in a chocolate boutique.

Chop the Chocolate: Begin by finely chopping 200g of dark chocolate. The smaller the pieces, the faster and more evenly they will melt, which ensures a smooth ganache. Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
Heat the Cream: Pour 100ml of heavy cream into a small saucepan. Heat it over medium heat until it begins to simmer gently. Avoid boiling the cream, as it may alter the texture of your truffles.
Combine Chocolate and Cream: Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for 1–2 minutes without stirring. This allows the chocolate to soften gently, which makes mixing easier.
Stir Until Smooth: After resting, stir the mixture with a spatula in small circular motions. Gradually fold the chocolate into the cream until you achieve a smooth, glossy ganache.
Add Butter and Peppermint: Incorporate 2 tablespoons of softened butter and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Stir until fully combined. The butter adds richness, while the peppermint gives the truffles their refreshing flavor.
Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the ganache is firm enough to scoop. This step is crucial for shaping the truffles properly.
Scoop the Truffles: Using a small spoon or a melon baller, scoop out portions of the chilled ganache. Roll each portion quickly between your palms to form smooth balls. If the ganache becomes too soft while rolling, return it to the fridge for a few minutes.
Coat the Truffles: Roll each truffle in your choice of coating. Crushed candy canes add a festive crunch, while cocoa powder or powdered sugar provides a classic look. Make sure each truffle is evenly coated for a polished finish.
Chill Before Serving: Place the coated truffles on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes. This step ensures the truffles are firm and ready to enjoy.

Quick and Easy

This recipe is remarkably fast. From start to finish, you can create a batch of truffles in about 2–3 hours, most of which is chilling time. The preparation itself is straightforward and suitable for bakers of any skill level.

Customizable

You can easily adjust the flavor and coating. For instance, mix white chocolate with peppermint extract for a sweeter variation, or roll the truffles in finely chopped nuts for added texture. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to personalize your truffles for gifts or special occasions.

Popular with Many People

Peppermint truffles are universally loved. Their rich chocolate flavor combined with a refreshing minty finish appeals to both children and adults. They make perfect holiday gifts, party treats, or simply a delightful indulgence for yourself. The creamy texture and festive presentation guarantee that these truffles will disappear quickly whenever they are served.

Peppermint Truffles

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Peppermint truffles are a classic holiday treat that combines smooth, rich chocolate with a refreshing hint of peppermint. Perfect for gifts, parties, or a cozy evening indulgence, these truffles are simple to make yet elegant in appearance and flavor.

Author: Lura Skye
Prep Time: 20
Cook Time: None
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 25 1x

Ingredients

Scale

200g dark chocolate, finely chopped
100ml heavy cream
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp peppermint extract
Crushed candy canes, for rolling (optional)
Cocoa powder or powdered sugar, for rolling (optional)

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Instructions

Chop the Chocolate: Finely chop the dark chocolate and place it in a heatproof bowl.
Heat the Cream: Pour the cream into a small saucepan and heat over medium heat until it begins to simmer gently. Do not boil.
Combine Chocolate and Cream: Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 1–2 minutes.
Stir Until Smooth: Stir the mixture gradually until it forms a glossy ganache.
Add Butter and Peppermint: Stir in the softened butter and peppermint extract until fully combined.
Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, until firm enough to scoop.
Scoop the Truffles: Using a small spoon or melon baller, scoop portions of ganache and roll into balls. If too soft, return to fridge for a few minutes.
Coat the Truffles: Roll each truffle in crushed candy canes, cocoa powder, or powdered sugar for a finished look.
Chill Before Serving: Place coated truffles on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.

Notes

For smoother rolling, lightly dust your hands with cocoa powder or powdered sugar.

Experiment with different coatings for variety.

Peppermint extract can be adjusted to taste; start with 1 tsp and add more if desired.

FAQs

1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate for dark chocolate. Keep in mind that the truffles will be sweeter and slightly less intense in chocolate flavor. Adjust the amount of peppermint extract to balance the sweetness if needed.

2. How long can I store peppermint truffles?
Peppermint truffles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Allow frozen truffles to thaw in the fridge before serving.

3. Can I make these truffles dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use a dairy-free cream and a non-dairy butter substitute. Ensure the chocolate you choose is also dairy-free. The texture and taste will remain creamy and delicious.

4. What is the best way to coat the truffles?
You can roll truffles in crushed candy canes, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, or finely chopped nuts. For a smoother finish, dip them in melted chocolate. Make sure the coating is applied evenly while the truffles are firm.

5. Can I add other flavors to the truffles?
Yes, peppermint truffles are very customizable. You can add a few drops of vanilla extract, orange extract, or even finely grated citrus zest for a unique twist. Experimenting with flavors can make your truffles more festive and personal.

6. Why is my ganache too soft to roll?
If the ganache is too soft, it likely hasn’t chilled enough. Place it in the refrigerator for an additional 30–60 minutes until it firms up. Avoid handling it for too long, as the warmth of your hands can soften it quickly.

7. Can I make these truffles ahead of time for events or holidays?
Yes, peppermint truffles are ideal for making in advance. Prepare them several days ahead and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh and maintain their shape and flavor.