Looking for a festive and delicious treat to make for your holiday party? Look no further than these Holiday Truffles with a Boozy Twist!
With a few simple tweaks, plus a secret tip from a chef and restaurant owner, you can turn this classic chocolate dessert into something extra special that will wow your guests at your next holiday party.
What Makes these So Great
- With brightly colored holiday sprinkles, these truffles look gorgeous on your dessert table.
- They taste divine, with a combination of rich dark chocolate and just a touch of citrus.
- Thanks to this special technique, the inside is silky smooth.
- They can be made a couple days in advance, making them the perfect holiday gift or party treat.
What You’ll Need:
Ingredients:
- High quality dark chocolate chips
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Toppings, such as holiday sprinkles or cocoa powder
- Liquor of your choice, (see FAQ below)
- Orange zest, if using a citrus liquor
Supplies:
- Stand mixer with a heat safe bowl and whisk attachment
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Small scoop (we used a melon baller)
- Small bowls to hold toppings
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
How to Make Easy Holiday Truffles (Step-by-Step Directions)
To make things even easier for you, I created a simple photo guide below. For all measurements and a more detailed guide, check out the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
Step 1 – Place chocolate chips in the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with the whisk attachment. Set aside
Step 2 – In a small saucepan, combine heavy cream and butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until butter melts and the mixture just starts to boil.
Step 3 – Immediately pour over chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes until the chocolate has softened.
Step 4 – Using the stand mixer fitted with a balloon whisk, whisk the chocolate on low until it starts to melt. Gradually increase the speed as the chocolate melts.
Step 5 – When the chocolate is completely melted and fluffy, add citrus zest (if using) and liquor of your choice.
Step 6 – Place the chocolate mixture in a refrigerator and chill until firm, approximately 3 hours or overnight.
Step 7 – Using a small scoop, scoop out chocolate mixture and roll into balls.
Step 8 – Immediately roll truffles in the topping of your choice.
Step 9 – Place on a parchment lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 5-10 minutes to firm back up.
Essential Tips:
Don’t skip these tips – read them before baking to avoid any potential mistakes.
- Don’t use cheap chocolate chips. When the chocolate is the star, you want to use the highest quality ingredient you can find.
- Although sprinkles are optional, they definitely add a fun and easy twist to your truffles.
- Hands down the best zester I’ve ever used is a microplane. It creates the perfect tiny pieces that aren’t too big for truffles. (Seriously, no one wants truffles that are ruined with giant chunks of zest.)
- Rolling truffles is messy business. Make sure you have an apron on, and plenty of damp paper towels nearby.
FAQs:
How many does this recipe make?
The number of truffles you end up with will vary depending on the size of each truffle.
When we used a melon baller, we end up with about 48 truffles. But if you use a cookie scoop, then you might end up with fewer truffles.
Why do you use a mixer for the holiday truffles?
Several years ago, I made some homemade truffles that just didn’t turn out quite right. Not long after that, my stepmother (who used to be a caterer) introduced me to a chef that makes incredibly silky and delicious chocolate truffles.
He was kind enough to share his secret with me: Using a stand mixer to whip the ganache.
You don’t want to whip it enough to create a ganache frosting, but whipping up the cream and chocolate in the mixer adds air to the ganache, making it melt-in-your-mouth smooth and light.
Want to avoid spending hours on end preparing food for your party? Click here to download 10 Fast and Easy Party Recipes that don’t take more than 20 minutes of your time to prepare.
Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
I prefer to use a stand mixer because it has a deep bowl and I can step away from the hot liquid as it mixes.
You may be able to use a hand mixer, but please be extremely cautious as the hot liquid may splash.
Do these have a strong liquor flavor?
No, the quantity of alcohol is kept to a minimum so it only adds a touch of flavor. That said, when you open up a container of the Boozy Holiday Truffles, you can definitely smell the alcohol.
Which liquor goes best with truffles?
If you want minimal flavor, you can use a clear liquor like vodka. But I recommend using something with a little bit of flavor, such as:
- Frangelico
- Cointreau
- Grand Marnier
- Bailey’s Irish Cream
- Citrus or holiday flavored vodka
Do I have to use liquor in the truffles?
Nope. Not at all! You could simply make regular truffles and coat them with sprinkles. That way everyone can enjoy them.
Giving your truffles away as gifts?
Don’t forget to add a cute printable tag to your holiday tin so everyone will know that you made these amazing treats.
Storage Tips:
While these are best eaten in the first day or two, you can store your holiday truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
When you’re ready to enjoy a truffle, simply remove it from the fridge and let it come to room temperature. The flavor and texture is best when they’re not cold.
If you liked my holiday truffles, you’re going to love these candied cranberries, and Ritz cracker toffee. Or you can check out my other Christmas desserts recipes here.
Holiday Truffles with a Boozy Twist
Melt-in-your-mouth chocolate holiday truffles start with this boozy recipe and a secret tip shared by a professional chef.
Ingredients
- 10 ounce bag of good quality dark chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoon butter, sliced into small pieces
- 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- Sprinkles for topping
- 3 tablespoons liquor of your choice, I made one batch each of Frangelico and Cointreau
- 1 tablespoon orange zest, if using a citrus liquor such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier
Instructions
- Place 10 ounces chocolate chips in the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with the whisk attachment.
- Combine 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon heavy cream and 2 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until butter melts and mixture comes to a boil. Immediately pour over chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes until the chocolate has softened.
- Whisk chocolate on low until it starts to melt, increasing speed as the chocolate melts further. When the chocolate is completely melted and fluffy, add 1 tablespoon orange zest ( if using) and 3 tablespoons liquor of your choice.
- Place chocolate mixture in refrigerator and chill until firm (approximately 3 hours)
- Using a melon ball scoop, scoop out chocolate mixture and roll into balls. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Finish with topping of your choice. I used sprinkles for the holiday season. You could always dip them into chocolate for a candy shell, or cocoa powder or even scented sugar.
Notes
Remember, the step-by-step photos and FAQ in the recipe post are there to help you if you feel stuck at any point.
- Use the highest quality chocolate you can find.
- A microplane is the best zester I've used for these truffles. It creates the perfect tiny pieces that aren’t too big.
- Rolling truffles is messy business. Make sure you have an apron on, and plenty of damp paper towels nearby.
- The number of truffles you get will vary depending on how big you make them. We like to keep ours small, about 3/4 of an inch in diameter.
- Our favorite liquors to use in these truffles are Cointreau, Grand Marnier, and Frangelico (skip the zest with Frangelico). But we've also used citrus infused vodka and other liquors too.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
48Serving Size:
1 truffleAmount Per Serving: Calories: 47Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 5mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 0gSugar: 3gProtein: 0g
__________________________________ The nutrition information provided above is estimated using an automated calculation system. Actual nutrition will vary depending on brand and measurements used in your recipe. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutrition information for any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information using the actual ingredients you used in your recipe.
This post was originally published on December 14, 2015. It has been updated with step-by-step photos, FAQs and additional details.
Millie says
nom nom! the perfect gift to take to the office party or give to the boss (then ask for a raise!)! Thanks for sharing at the Christmas in July party!
Jackie Gorski says
Approx how many does one recipe make?
Amy-The Speedy Spatula says
Love these festive truffles!
Julie says
Ooo, these look lovely and sound so simple to make too. Pinning.
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
Yum – pinned!! Thanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner party. Hope your week as fantastic! These would be great at our Great Cookie Exchange too!
Karren Haller says
Ooooo I bet these taste delicious with the boozy flare!!
I found your blog on Be There 2 Day and I would love to have you visit and share on #omhgww this week
Hope you have a great week
Molly says
Looks so yummy
Mollyx
jacqui Bellefontaine says
i’ve not used a stand mixer to make truffles before and I have made a lot of truffles in my time. Its always great to learn new tips from experts
Julie @ Back To My Southern Roots says
These look so festive, fun, and delicious!
Roseann Hampton says
Can’t wait to try these! Thanks for sharing with us at The Blogger’s Pit Stop!
Rita says
Such lovely colors and yummy. Really good. Thanks for this Fiesta Friday treat. Happy Holiday!