Description
Delight in the festive charm of these Peppermint Truffles, a creamy and smooth chocolate treat infused with refreshing peppermint and a crunchy touch of crushed candy canes. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a homemade gift, these truffles are elegantly rolled in festive coatings like crushed candy canes, cocoa powder, or red sanding sugar for a colorful finish.
Ingredients
Chocolate Mixture
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 3 candy canes, crushed
Toppings
- Finely crushed candy canes
- Red sanding sugar
- Cocoa powder
Instructions
- Heat cream and butter: In a medium saucepan over low-medium heat, bring the heavy cream and unsalted butter to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Combine with chocolate: Pour the hot cream and butter mixture over the chopped chocolate in a medium bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes to soften the chocolate, then stir in the peppermint extract until the mixture is smooth. Finally, fold in the crushed candy canes for a festive crunch.
- Chill the ganache: Place the chocolate mixture in the refrigerator and chill until firm, approximately 1 to 2 hours, so it's easier to shape.
- Shape the truffles: Using a tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the firm chocolate mixture and roll into balls with your hands. Dusting your hands with cocoa powder or powdered sugar will help prevent sticking.
- Coat the truffles: Roll each chocolate ball in your choice of finely crushed candy canes, cocoa powder, or red sanding sugar to add flavor and texture.
- Final chill: Refrigerate the coated truffles for another 1 to 2 hours until they are fully set and firm, ready to serve or gift.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor and texture.
- Crushed candy canes can be adjusted in quantity according to preference for peppermint intensity.
- Store truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- Allow truffles to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly.
- Optional: dust hands with powdered sugar instead of cocoa powder to reduce stickiness if a sweeter coating is preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
