Easy Homemade Christmas Truffle Recipe + Truffle Tree Idea

This holiday season, why not try something a little different in the kitchen? Instead of (or in addition to) your usual cut-out sugar cookies, why not try this festive Christmas truffle recipe?

Take it a step further and create a festive chocolate truffle Christmas tree! This is a fun and decadent project that tastes amazing and makes a great centerpiece for your holiday party Christmas table!

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Chocolate Truffles Under Glass

Don’t you just love a chocolate shop?

We visit our favorite chocolate shops in Estes Park, Colorado each summer on our family vacation.

Imagine my family with eyes glazed over as we try to decide which chocolate truffle we want today. (or even just this hour!)

I started to make this Christmas chocolate truffle recipe years ago in an attempt to bring some of this chocolate joy into the house. And it worked!

Creating a chocolate truffle Christmas tree was an expansion of the recipe and soon became a tradition.

Every once in a while, there would be a year when I did not get truffles or a Christmas truffle tree made.

Uh oh…did I hear about it!

I’m back into the annual chocolate truffle tree mode and am excited to share it with you!

Christmas is just around the corner and I am thrilled to join a talented group of bloggers who are sharing all sorts of holiday inspiration. Perhaps you are coming from Carol at Blue Sky at Home and her adorable Christmas garland project! I can think of so many places to hang this during the holidays! Welcome to Sonata Home Design!

What is a Chocolate Truffle?

A chocolate truffle is a chocolate confection that usually consists of a chocolate ganache center coated in chocolate powder, cocoa powder, or nuts. The truffle was first created in France in the early 20th century and has since become a popular dessert around the world.

Chocolate truffles are typically made with a dark chocolate ganache, but can also be made with milk chocolate or white chocolate. The ganache is then rolled into balls and coated in the desired coating. Chocolate truffles are often served as an after-dinner dessert or given as a gift.

This is the perfect Christmas dessert for any chocolate lover and is a great idea for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or Christmas parties!

Here is my version of this decadent treat!

An Easy Christmas Truffle Recipe

Let me tell you a little secret…

These candy balls are a piece of cake to make – and they taste like heaven! 

There are a few steps, but they are easy steps!

​Ingredient List for Homemade Chocolate Truffles

• 16 oz. cream cheese
• 12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips or almond bark, melted
• 1 1/2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs (about 42 cookies)
• 1/2 cup strawberry or raspberry preserves
• 24 ounces chocolate almond bark 
• 4 ounces vanilla almond bark

Making Easy Christmas Truffles

The first step is to make the truffle mixture for the balls that will eventually be dipped in chocolate.

First, in a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s fluffy with an electric mixer, and then add the melted chocolate chips, beating it until smooth. 

Next, chop the vanilla cookies in a food processor.  Add the cookie crumbs and the fruit preserves to the cream cheese and mix thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. 

Once the mixture is chilled, start to form the cream cheese mixture into 1-inch balls. 

I try to work quickly as the dough rolls better when it is chilled. As you work and the dough comes to room temperature, just stick the bowl back into the refrigerator for a bit to re-chill.

Once rolled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pop them into the freezer while you prep the chocolate.

Dipping the Chocolate Balls

I have tried various forms of chocolate coating over the years (chocolate chips, chocolate bars, etc.) and I like using chocolate almond bark to cover the balls. It tastes wonderful and gives each truffle a smooth finish.

Now, I’ll be honest…I make a huge mess when I dip the chocolate balls into melted almond bark. (part of the fun!)

After some years of trying different dipping methods, this is the easiest way that works for me.

Plop a chilled chocolate ball into a bowl of melted almond bark and swirl around with a fork till it is completely covered.

Lift from the bowl with your fork and let the excess chocolate drip off.

Then, take a spatula and wipe any excess dripping chocolate from the bottom of the fork.

Place the chocolate-covered ball on a parchment-lined cookie sheet and let it cool.

To decorate these sweet treats, melt some white candy melts or white almond bark. Using a piping bag, sweep thin strands decoratively across the top of the truffles.

By this point, I am usually in a hurry to eat one so go with the “Jackson Pollack” look!

Other decorative ideas are to cover the layer of chocolate with crushed candy canes for added peppermint flavor or even red or green sprinkles for a whimsical touch.

Don’t have an actual piping bag?  Me neither! I used a plastic freezer bag. Simply fill the bag with the melted almond bark and snip a tiny hole in a corner of the bag. Gather the top of the bag together and squeeze. Instant piping bag!

How to Make a Chocolate Truffle Christmas Tree

Anyone would love a beautiful tray of holiday truffles. But how about taking it a step further and creating a Christmas chocolate truffle tree!

This is a fun way to serve your truffles and is the perfect edible centerpiece for your holiday table!

Truffle Tree Supply List

Here is what you need:

• 12 inch styrofoam cone
• 4 oz. chocolate almond bark
• Pastry brush
• Wood toothpicks
• Holiday wired ribbon
• Florist ribbon
• Optional: fresh cranberries

Building a Chocolate Truffle Tree

Step #1 – Melt the chocolate almond bark in the microwave or on your stovetop. Brush the melted chocolate in an even layer onto your styrofoam cone so it is completely covered. 

Give it a nice thick coat of chocolate and, when cool, it actually looks like bark!

Step #2 – Press a wooden toothpick into the base of the cone and place a candy ball onto the toothpick.

Continue adding toothpicks and truffles along the base of the cone.

I positioned the first row of chocolates about 3/4″ up from the base and 1 1/2″ apart from each other. However, the actual placement of your toothpicks will depend on how wide your truffles are.

Continue adding toothpicks and candy balls until you reach the top!

Step #3 – Add a festive wired ribbon bow to the top of the tree! 

As an additional element, I like to use toothpicks to add fresh cranberries into the gaps between the chocolate balls.

They look like ornaments on a Christmas tree!

Garnish with more fresh cranberries at the base and admire the tree you made from this Christmas truffle recipe!

Chocolate Christmas Truffle Recipe

The truffle was first created in France in the early 20th century and has since become a popular dessert around the world. This version of these decadent chocolate bites are the hit of any celebration or get-together!

5 from 6 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr

2 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 3 dozen

Calories 75 kcal

Ingredients

  

Truffle Candy Balls

• 16 ounces cream cheese
• 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
• 1 1/2 cup vanilla wafer crumbs (about 42 cookies)
• 1/2 cup strawberry or raspberry preserves
• 24 ounces chocolate almond bark
• 4 ounces vanilla almond bark

Chocolate Truffle Christmas Tree

• 12 inch styrofoam cone
• 1 box wooden toothpicks
• 4 ounces chocolate almond bark
• 2 dozen Truffle Candy Balls
• 1 yard wired ribbon
• 6 inches florist wire
• 2 cups fresh cranberries

Instructions

 

• Beat the cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until incoporated and fluffy. Add the melted chocolate and beat until smooth. Stir in the vanilla cookie crumbs and the preserves. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours or until firm
• Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
• Melt the almond bark in the microwave by heating for 3 to 4 minutes stirring at 1-minute intervals.
• Submerge each ball into the chocolate coating with a fork and let the excess coating drip off. Place the balls on a wax paper-lined bake sheet. Chill for 10 minutes or until the coating hardens.
• Microwave the vanilla almond bark in the microwave on high for 2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute. Spoon the coating into a heavy-duty zip-top plastic bag and seal. Snip a tiny hole in one corner of the bag and gently squeeze to drizzle the melted almond bark over the balls.
• Keep balls refrigerated.

Chocolate Truffle Christmas Tree

• Melt the almond bark in the microwave stirring at 1-minute intervals.
• Brush the melted almond bark on the cone evenly.
• Let dry at room temperature.
• Place the covered cone on a serving plate or platter. Starting 1/2 inch from the base of the cone, insert wood toothpicks in a row around the cone bout 1 1/2" apart. Leave about 1/2" of the toothpick sticking out.
• Press the chocolate candy balls onto the wood picks. Continue adding toothpicks and candy balls until you reach the top of the tree. Place toothpicks in bare spots between candy balls and press on fresh cranberries.
• Create a festive bow and attach to the top of the cone with florist wire.
• Watch your guests go crazy with chocolate truffle joy!

Keyword chocolate truffle

FAQS

What Flavors Can I Add to Homemade Christmas Truffles?

When it comes to making chocolate truffles, there are lots of possibilities, allowing you to get creative and tailor them to your taste. Here are some popular flavors you can add without adding bulk to your chocolate truffles.

1. Coffee or Espresso: Espresso powder or brewed coffee can infuse your truffles with a rich coffee flavor.
2. Spices: Ground spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or chili powder can give your truffles a warm and exotic twist.
3. Liqueur Infusions: Liquors such as brandy, amaretto, or Grand Marnier can be added for delicious, boozy Christmas chocolate truffles.
4. Extracts: Peppermint or vanilla extract are fantastic flavors to add to chocolate balls. 
5. Sea Salt: A pinch of sea salt on top or mixed into the ganache can provide a sweet and salty contrast.

How many calories are in a chocolate truffle?

Yes, this is a decadent chocolate treat! But you might be surprised to find out that, depending on the size, one chocolate truffle has only 60-75 calories. Not bad for a sweet treat.

The hard part is stopping at just one!

How long do Christmas truffles last in the fridge?

Chocolate Christmas truffles can be stored in the refrigerator for quite some time, making them a great make-ahead treat for the holiday season. When kept in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, these delectable truffles can last for up to two to three weeks in the refrigerator.

The cold temperature of the fridge helps to preserve the freshness and texture of the truffles. Just be sure to store them away from strong-smelling foods, as chocolate tends to absorb odors. 

It’s that holiday time of year, and we all know what that means: time to indulge in treats! These little truffles are the perfect recipe for an extra special tray of Christmas goodies. 

I hope you give this Christmas truffles recipe a try! Gather up your friends and family and get ready to have some fun – the holidays wouldn’t be complete without a little bit of DIY chocolate-making!

Next, be sure to visit Renae at Peacock Ridge Farm! Her holiday gift-wrapping ideas are gorgeous and are sure to inspire you!

Cheers!

Check Out All Things Holiday!

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