Wanna know one of my biggest indulgences?
Chocolate Truffles. Red wine. “Julie & Julia”.
All at once.
Yep.
Kids in bed.
Computer put away.
Lights turned low.
No distractions to interfere with the movie…
except having to reach for another truffle.
If only this could be a weekly occurrence!
Many people think that making your own truffles is too much work. Or they find the process intimidating. But really, you just need a recipe you can rely on. I’ve tried a number of recipes over the years, and this is what I’ve come up with. This is my recipe for no-fail Chocolate Truffles. And they are easy to make. I promise.
My thoughts on flavor: Truffles can be easily tweaked to your own tastebuds by altering the liqueur. I prefer Grand Marnier (orange), but Kahlua (coffee) and Chambord (raspberry) are also excellent. These truffles can also be made completely without the liqueur and are still luxury in chocolate.
My thoughts on size: I like an ample 2-bite sized truffle. So that while the inside of my mouth is enjoying that first bite, my eyes can be taking in the beautiful creamy chocolatey innards of the remaining bite.
My thoughts on coating: For me, the simpler the better here. I prefer a classic coating of cocoa powder. Did you know there are different types of cocoa powder? Natural and Dutch Process. And I find that Dutch Process cocoa powder has a richer, smoother flavor. It guarantees truffle enjoyment.
What is one of your biggest indulgences?
Chocolate Truffles
Ingredients
- 8 ounces high quality bittersweet chocolate The better your chocolate, the better your truffles!
- 8 ounces high quality semisweet chocolate
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon prepared coffee
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Dutch Process cocoa powder, for coating
Instructions
- Line a baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Chop both chocolates into small pieces, about 1/4″ or so. Place chocolates in a medium heat-proof bowl.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the cream just until it boils. Remove saucepan from heat and let sit for about 30 seconds. Slowly pour hot cream over the chocolate. Whisk mixture gently until combined and completely melted. Add coffee and vanilla and whisk to combine. Set bowl in refrigerator for 25 minutes, then let it sit at room temperature for another 30 minutes.
- Use a small spring-loaded scoop (or a teaspoon) to form mounds of truffle mixture, about 1¼″ in diameter, and place them on prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all the truffle mixture is used up and you have a full pan of roughly shaped balls. Set pan in refrigerator for 15 minutes.
- Place cocoa powder in a small bowl. After the mounds have chilled, quickly roll each one in your hands to form a “rough roundness”, not perfect balls. I will gently dent mine here and there if they are looking too perfectly round, to mimic classic truffles. Roll in cocoa powder. I don’t like to eat a mouthful of cocoa powder, so I try to get any excess off by giving the truffles a small gentle toss between my two hands, over the bowl of cocoa powder.
- These store very well for about a week in the refrigerator and can be frozen for about a month. Either way, always bring them to room temperature before serving. If the cocoa powder is absorbed into the truffle, simply roll the truffles in cocoa powder again.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Ah, truffles. One of our absolute favorite treats. Well done!
(PS. Welcome to the Gaggle!! Hope to catch you at the watercooler soon.)
Thanks, Aimee. I’m looking forward to getting to know you better!
So beautiful! Love that you used Penzey’s. I haven’t ever made my own truffles, but I think I should do so!
Thanks, Amber. There is something so satisfying about making your own. Definitely give it a try!
Oh that sounds like a perfect treat! I’m so with ya. Gorgeous photos.
Thanks, Robyn!
Mmmm these look great! If I wanted to not use alcohol in them should I substitute it for another liquid? Or will it be fine without it?
Thanks, Harriet. If you want to omit the alcohol, please do so. I’ve done it before, with no other adjustments. It works great.
Brilliant I will! One of my housemates doesn’t drink for religious reasons and I wouldn’t want them not to be able to share in eating them!
Excellent! :)
Oh my are you my kinda gal. Truffles + red wine + movie = *bliss*.
And these look absolutely beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, bliss. Thank you, Wendy!
These are just lovely and I do love your thoughts on the truffle size ;)
Hi Paula – thank you!
I love truffles! I need to get my hands on some of those truffles!
Thanks for stopping by, Jamie – great to hear from you!
Oh, I LOOOOOOOOVE truffles! You have me craving chocolate BIG TIME right now!
Great to hear from you, Bridget – thanks!
Gorgeous!
Thank you, Shaina. :)
These are adorable… and I bet taste fantastic!!!
Thank you, Amanda!
What a lovely indulgence… and yes… your idea of indulging is very similar to mine! Love it!
I think I might be able to pull off one of these evenings of indulgence tonight. (Yay!) Great to hear from you, Kristen!
How funny, I just got a bag of the Penzey’s cocoa powder and haven’t tried it yet. What perfect timing, I guess I was meant to make truffles with it!
Perfect timing, indeed! Enjoy!
Gorgeous truffles! Yum!
Thank you, Tracy!
These look amazing! I hope you’ll stop by and link up with Sweet Tooth Friday again.
Hi Allison – thanks for stopping by – I linked up!
Your truffles look just gorgeous!! And so yummy :)
Julie and Julia is one of my favorite movies, too!!
Hi Kristan – thank you!
Thank you for showing the simplicity of this wonderful treat. Wow!!
Hi Kelly – they really ARE simple! Great to hear from you! xoxo