How to Make Truffles

For years I never cared about learning how to make truffles. This was because the ones I was talked into trying never appealed to my taste buds. They all were rich dark chocolate, all the way through; I am talking about bitter chocolate. These were certainly not worth my time to make them.


After many years passed, I started to see more varieties appear in specialty shops. Many countries learned how to make truffles using their own special ingredients in truffle candy. Many which drew my attention. Although I always thought of Belgium chocolate as rich dark chocolate, I found they are also know for their delicious milk chocolate. Our friends from Belgium brought back some wonderful tasting truffles made with creamy milk chocolate with butter cream and nut filling.

How to Make TrufflesHow to Make Truffles

Since my first discovery of these small unique candies, I have learned how to make truffles using many fillings and coatings. I still prefer the milder sweeter coating but when it includes a really sweet filling, the bitter chocolate really adds to it. The strange thing which I discovered is that these “truffles” are no different from the boxes of mixed candy which we had at the holidays. 


Mrs. Price’s Candy Store in Dayton, Ohio learned how to make truffles which I simply knew as mixed candy. The candy came in various shapes with very few “balls” so I never thought of them as truffles. Each bite size piece of candy is so delicious with so many different fillings. I would guess that Mrs. Price’s candy was the number one Christmas gift when I was younger (Maybe still is). Sometimes we would receive several boxes each year when I was still living there.


This is one of the oldest and most popular candies in many European countries. People who loved these (mostly) chocolates would learn how to make truffles at home. Although truffles are considered a decadent treat, they are also considered to be an extravagant luxury item. I have been told that in most of these countries, candy is only for a special treat like a holiday and only for kids. Most of the time truffles are also sold in individual pieces, not boxes. I found in Ecuador also that candy is not an everyday treat like here in the United States. 


As I learned how to make truffles I found most recipes to be the easiest candy you can make. Many centers require no cooking; only mixing. The outside covering usually requires no cooking; for the most only melting chocolate or less. Probably dipping the balls is the most work, or should I say “time consuming” requirement to make these little bite size goodies. I like to keep some of these on hand to use in other desserts like trifles or to decorate tops of cakes and cheesecakes.


As I have learned how to make truffles with more recipes, I am finding centers of caramel, fruits, nuts and cream as well as ganache. The exterior surrounding can be as simple as sifted cocoa powder, sugar or candy sprinkles. It can also be as elaborate as a combination of specially blended delicious melted chocolates. After dipping in chocolate, these can then be rolled in nuts, cocoanut or your favorite ingredients. Titles of these candies also might be recognized as bon bons or balls.

COFFEE CREAM CHEESE TRUFFLES

Coffee Cream Cheese TrufflesCoffee Cream Cheese Truffles

Learn how to make truffles with a creamy coffee flavor.

  • 12 Ounces chocolate chips melted
  • 12 Ounces butterscotch chips melted
  • 8 Ounces cream cheese
  • 3 Rounded tablespoons instant coffee
  • 1 Teaspoon hot water
  • ¼ Cup powdered sugar

Dissolve coffee in the hot water; stir until blended.

Combine coffee, cream cheese and powdered sugar; blend well (I use my hands).

Shape into little balls; refrigerate balls several hours or overnight.

Combine melted chocolate and melted butterscotch.

Dips balls into melted chocolate mixture; place balls on wax paper lined tray.

Place in refrigerator to set and store. 

Dipping Truffle in ChocolateDipping Truffle in Chocolate
Place on Wax Covered TrayPlace on Wax Covered Tray

CHOCOLATE CRANBERRY TRUFFLES RECIPE

Learn how to make truffles which are perfect for Christmas gift giving,

  • 3 Ounces dried cranberries
  • 2 Tablespoons rum
  • ½ Cup heavy cream
  • 12 Ounces semi sweet chocolate chips
  • Pinch salt
  • ½ Cup sifted cocoa powder

Combine dried cranberries, rum and heavy cream in top of double boiler with lid.

Cook over simmering water until cranberries are very soft and have absorbed most of the liquid about 1 hour.

DO NOT LET mixture boil; keep water in bottom just simmering.

Cool mixture slightly; puree in processor until smooth paste and set aside.

Melt chocolate and cool slightly; combine with cranberry puree and pinch of salt.

Drop mixture by small teaspoonfuls on waxed paper lined tray; chill until dry to touch.

Roll each spoonful (A few at a time) into an irregular ball; roll each ball in sifted cocoa powder.

Place in mini muffin paper liners; keep refrigerator.

Makes about 24.

“TIPSIES” RECIPE for adults

how-to-make-truffles-tipsies-january-2024Tipsies Truffles

Learn how to make truffles for “adults only”.

  • 1 Package (12 ounces) semi sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 ½ Cups vanilla wafers crushed
  • 1 Cup chopped nuts
  • ½ Cup powdered sugar
  • 3 Tablespoons light corn syrup
  • ½ Cup whiskey

Melt chocolate chips in top of double boiler over hot water.

Add vanilla wafers, nuts and powdered sugar to chocolate.

Mix corn syrup with whiskey; pour over wafer mixture and mix well.

Let stand 30 minutes; roll into balls about the size of walnuts.

OPTIONAL: I rolled the picture above in chocolate sprinkles for the holidays.

Place balls on wax paper covered tray; cool in refrigerator.

CHRISTMAS BALLS RECIPE

If you learn how to make truffles with this hearty recipe you will want them all through the year.

  • 1 Cup oatmeal
  • 1 Cup raisins
  • 1 Cup butter
  • 1 Pound powdered sugar
  • ½ Cup peanut butter
  • 1 Cup coconut
  • 1 Cup chopped nuts
  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 Package (12 ounces) semi sweet chocolate chips

Melt butter; add peanut butter and mix well.

Add remaining ingredients and blend well; shape into balls.

Melt chocolate chips in top of double boiler over hot water.

Dip balls in melted chocolate; place on wax paper lined tray.

CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE RECIPE

This is one of the first recipes I used when I learned how to make truffles.

  • 3 Packages (6 ounces each) semi sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 Can (14 ounces) SWEETENED condensed milk
  • 1 Tablespoon vanilla
  • Coatings: Finely chopped nuts, coconut, candy sprinkles, colored sugar or unsweetened cocoa powder
  • See OPTIONS below

In heavy saucepan over low heat melt chocolate chips with milk.

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla; chill 2 hours or until firm.

Shape into balls and roll into one of the coatings.

Chill balls until firm; store in covered container at room temperature.

Makes 6 dozen.


OPTIONS:

Amaretto: Omit vanilla and add 3 tablespoons amaretto and ½ teaspoon almond extract. Roll balls in finely chopped toasted almonds.

Orange: Omit vanilla and add 3 tablespoons orange flavored liqueur. Roll balls in a mixture of finely chopped toasted almonds with finely grated orange peel.

Rum: Omit vanilla and add ¼ cup dark rum. Roll balls in finely chopped coconut.

Bourbon: Omit vanilla and add 3 tablespoons bourbon; Roll in finely chopped toasted nuts.

HOW TO MAKE TRUFFLES with CHOCOLATE

Learn how to make truffles with a great coffee flavor.

  • ¾ Cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 Bag (Small) milk chocolate chips
  • 1 Cup semi sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 Tablespoons instant coffee
  • 1 Bag (12 ounces) semi sweet chocolate chips
  • ¾ Block paraffin

Bring milk almost to a boil in a heavy saucepan; add coffee and let it dissolve.

Place milk chocolate and 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips in small bowl.

Pour hot milk mixture over the chocolate; stir until smooth.

NOTE: If chocolate is still lumpy you can place in microwave briefly to finish melting.

Pour mixture in shallow dish; refrigerate until hardened.

Cut into squares and roll into small balls; refrigerate until dipping.

Melt bag of chocolate chips with paraffin; dip balls and place on wax paper.

NOTE: You can also roll in cocoa powder, powdered sugar, coconut or chocolate sprinkles.

CANDY FRUIT BALLS

Learn how to make truffles using Jell-o for a delicious fruit flavor.

  • 8 Ounces cream cheese
  • 1 Pound powdered sugar
  • 1 Small can shredded coconut
  • 1 Cup finely chopped pecans
  • 1 Box strawberry Jell-o

Combine and mix all ingredients EXCEPT Jell-o.

Shape into balls and roll in dry strawberry Jell-o.

Place balls on wax paper tray; refrigerate to set.

HAZELNUT TRUFFLE RECIPE

When I learned how to make truffles I found this delicious hazelnut recipe.

  • 3 Dozen hazelnuts
  • 1 Cup semi sweet chocolate chips
  • 3 Tablespoons whipping cream
  • 1 Teaspoon hazelnut liqueur
  • 6 Ounces white chocolate baking squares
  • 2 (2 ounce) chocolate candy coating squares

Bake hazelnuts in shallow pan at 350F degrees; stir occasionally for 5 to 10 minutes.

Combine whipping cream and chocolate chips in top of double boiler over hot water until melted.

Pour into wax paper lined jelly roll pan; freeze 2 hours until firm.

Shape ½ teaspoon chocolate around each hazelnut coating completely; place on wax paper.

Melt white chocolate; brush little plastic candy molds thinly using a small brush.

Let stand 1 hour or until firm; place coated hazelnuts in molds.

Brush with remaining white chocolate sealing hazelnuts to the edges.

Let stand at room temperature for 1 ½ hours or until chocolate is firm.

Invert molds, tap firmly on cutting board and remove candy.

CRISP CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

When you learn how to make truffles you will love this crispy flavorful recipe.

  • 1 Jar (7 ounces) marshmallow cream
  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • 1 Cup semi sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 Cups crisp rice cereal
  • 1 Package (14 ounces) bittersweet chocolate
  • 2 Tablespoons vegetable shortening
  • White chocolate coating chips OPTIONAL

Combine butter, marshmallow cream and chocolate chips in a heavy saucepan.

Cook and stir over low heat until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth; remove from heat.

Stir in cereal until blended; drop mixture by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper lined tray; refrigerate about 1 hour until firm.

In top of double boiler melt semi sweet chocolate with vegetable shortening.

Dip each chocolate ball into melted chocolate; place on wax paper lined tray.

Drizzle tops of balls with melted white chocolate if desired.

Refrigerate balls until firm; place in mini candy cups to serve.

CHERRY DATE HOLIDAY BALLS

For the holidays learn how to make truffles with this great cherry recipe.

  • 2 Eggs well beaten
  • 1 Cup sugar
  • ½ Teaspoon almond extract
  • ½ Teaspoon vanilla
  • ½ Cup flaked coconut
  • 1/8 Teaspoon salt
  • 1 Cup chopped nuts
  • 1 Cup chopped dates
  • 36 Whole candied cherries
  • Powdered sugar

Combine eggs, sugar and extracts; add coconut, salt, nuts and dates.

Pour into buttered 8 inch square pan; BAKE at 350F degrees for 30 minutes.

Stir mixture every 10 minutes while baking; remove from oven and blend well.

Cool mixture until able to handle with hands; shape mixture around candied cherries (Totally cover)

Roll balls in sifted powdered sugar; makes 36.

RED VELVET BON BONS

Everyone seems to love “red velvet cake”; learn how to make these red velvet bon bons.

  • 1 Red velvet cake mix PLUS ingredient to make
  • 1 Container (16 ounces) cream cheese icing
  • 1 Pound white almond bark

Bake cake according to directions; bake in 9X13 inch cake pan.

Crumble cooled cake in bowl; mix in icing and shape mixture into 1 inch balls.

Place balls on wax paper lined cookie sheet; refrigerate until firm.

In top of double boiler melt almond bark until smooth; dip bon bons and place on wax paper.