Chocolate Truffles {Easy Ganache Recipe}
As an Amazon Affilate, I earn commission on qualifying purchases.
Chocolate truffles are easy to make at home, so they are a fantastic edible gift for any holiday, but especially Christmas! This post was originally posted on December 8th, 2011, making it one of my earliest recipes!
If I were a scent, I would probably be almond extract. Just a dab behind each ear, or on a fresh face…not too much, just enough. And when you’d turn your head, you might catch just a whiff of me, tickling your nose. (this post contains affiliate links at no addition cost to you.)
I am a hopeless, helpless fool for almond flavored anything. One of the quick and easy holiday gifts I make are chocolate truffles. They’re a snap to make and you can add whatever flavorings you like to them. Package them in some shiny candy cups, in a cute little box, and you’ve got a sweet treat for the neighbors or co-workers. Not a fan of almond? Grand Marnier or cognac are delicious too! Roll them in cocoa or chopped nuts.
What is ganache?
Ganache is just chocolate and cream. The cream is heated just to boiling, then chopped chocolate is mixed in. If you chose, you can add any flavor of liqueur at this point. The ganache is then chilled for a few hours or overnight if you’ll be using it for truffles. Ganache is the base for these truffles, but can also be used as a filling for cookies or poured over cakes.
How do you make truffles?
For these truffles, I like to make a few flavors and then top each with chopped nuts or a dusting of cocoa powder. Once the chocolate ganache is chilled, make an assembly line of sorts. I usually work with just one flavor at a time so the liqueurs and nuts don’t mix with one another. Form the ganache into bite-sized balls and then roll them in nuts or cocoa. I like to chill them once again if the kitchen is warm. After they’re chilled you can place them in candy cups.
Why are they called “truffles”?
The cocoa dusted chocolate truffles are meant to resemble real truffles, which is how they got their name.
Some of the items used in this post are available here for your convenience, at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
Basic Chocolate Ganache
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsweetened butter
- 1 pound dark chocolate or bittersweet, chopped
- 1/4 cup liqueur Amaretto, Grand Marnier, Cognac or brandy
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
Instructions
- Heat cream and butter just to boiling.
- Remove from heat and add chopped chocolate.
- Stir until all the chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth.
- Add liqueur and stir.
- Refrigerate until cold and firm, a couple of hours or over-night.
- Using a teaspoon measure out and roll into balls. Roll in cocoa or nuts.
- Refrigerate until ready to package or serve.
Notes
- Amaretto with chopped toasted almonds
- Frangelico with chopped toasted hazelnuts
- Grand Marnier with cocoa powder
- Brandy with chopped walnuts
I’m such a fan of these. They are super simple and with a quality chocolate like Callebaut, it’s hard to go wrong.
good quality chocolate is key!
These look soooo amazing! And I am like you with the almond extract lol. I love it in almost everything!
lol! it’s my perfume!
I used make truffles every year as gifts at Christmastime, but got out of the habit! They are absolutely perfect little treats to give to so many people. Yours look lovely!
such a quick and easy holiday treat!
YUM! These chocolate truffles look so delicious and easy to make! Perfect as a quick snack to make for my Christmas party this Saturday 🙂
they make a nice holiday hostess gift too!
These look incredible. I love making truffles, something so decadent and luxurious about them isn’t there?
I agree! the perfect holiday treat!
I love truffles around Christmas time! These look so simple and so tasty!
so easy and delicious!
What a wonderful and easy recipe. Will make a great gifts for holidays. Thanks for sharing. Also check out my new baking website https://greedyeats.com/ if you get a chance.
I love chocolate ganache in truffles. But, I have never had a go at making my own, this would be a fun festive activity
I love a good chocolate truffle! I always purchase them this time of year, but this year I think I will try your recipe and see about making my own.
Thank you for this. Our boys are asking again and again for some chocolate treats and this looks like that perfect treat. Will definitely save and try this.
I never thought it would be easy to make truffles at home!!! I can’t wait to make it, so so good!!!!
so easy!
Truffles are so rich. Perfect for the holiday season.
yes they are! Perfect for a holiday indulgence!
I’ve never tried making my own truffles before. But this recipe looks reasonably easy so maybe I should, they do look super tasty x
yes they are so easy!
These look great! We always make truffles during the holidays so I’ll be sure to add these to our list this year.