Chocolate Candy Cane Truffles Recipe
Decadent and festive Chocolate Candy Cane Truffles featuring rich dark chocolate ganache infused with peppermint extract and coated in crushed candy canes. These bite-sized treats are perfect for holiday celebrations or gifting, offering a smooth, creamy texture with a refreshing peppermint crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: About 24 truffles 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Ganache
- 8 ounces high-quality dark chocolate (at least 60% cacao), chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Coating
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Chop and melt chocolate: Chop the dark chocolate into small, uniform pieces and place in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 15-20 second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is nearly melted with a few small chunks remaining.
- Heat cream with peppermint: Bring the heavy cream to a gentle simmer in a small saucepan, then stir in the peppermint extract for flavor infusion.
- Make ganache: Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate. Using a gentle, consistent stirring motion in one direction, stir the mixture until it becomes smooth and shiny, forming a luscious ganache.
- Chill ganache: Cover and refrigerate the ganache for 1 to 3 hours until it is firm but not fully solid, making it easier to scoop and shape.
- Scoop ganache balls: Line a cutting board or sheet pan with parchment paper. Use a teaspoon to scoop out uniform portions of ganache (about 1 1/2 teaspoons each) and place them onto the parchment. Use your hands to gently shape them into rough balls.
- Further chill: Refrigerate the shaped ganache balls for an additional 20 minutes to firm them up more, preparing them for coating.
- Coat with candy canes: Using your hands, roll each ganache ball into a smooth round shape and then coat with crushed candy canes. Press the candy cane pieces gently into the surface to adhere well. This step works best with two people to keep the process efficient and tidy.
- Final refrigeration and serving: Store the finished truffles in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before serving, bring them to room temperature to enjoy their optimal melt-in-your-mouth texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use high-quality dark chocolate bars rather than chips for a richer, smoother ganache.
- Crushing candy canes into small pieces helps them stick better and ensures a pleasant crunchy texture.
- Allow truffles to reach room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture experience.
- These truffles can be stored refrigerated for up to one week in an airtight container.
- Use gloves or wash hands frequently during coating to manage sticky and messy candy cane pieces.
Keywords: chocolate truffles, peppermint truffles, holiday desserts, candy cane treats, Christmas sweets, ganache truffles
