Chocolate Candy Cane Truffles Recipe

Introduction

Chocolate Candy Cane Truffles are a festive and indulgent treat perfect for the holiday season. These rich, peppermint-infused ganache balls coated in crushed candy canes bring together smooth chocolate and refreshing mint in every bite.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces high-quality chocolate (at least 60% cacao, bars preferred over chips)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes

Instructions

1. Step 1: Chop the chocolate into small pieces and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 15-20 second intervals, stirring each time, until the chocolate is nearly melted with small chunks remaining.
2. Step 2: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it reaches a simmer, then stir in the peppermint extract.
3. Step 3: Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate. Stir gently in one consistent direction until the mixture becomes smooth and shiny, forming the ganache.
4. Step 4: Refrigerate the ganache for 1 to 3 hours until it is firm but not completely solid.
5. Step 5: Line a cutting board or sheet pan with parchment paper. Use a teaspoon to scoop even portions (about 1 1/2 teaspoons) of ganache onto the parchment. Gently shape them into balls with your hands.
6. Step 6: Refrigerate the ganache balls for an additional 20 minutes to help them firm up.
7. Step 7: Roll each ganache ball in the crushed candy canes, pressing gently to adhere. It can be helpful to have one person rolling the balls and another coating them in candy canes.
8. Step 8: Refrigerate the finished truffles for up to a week. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• Use high-quality chocolate for the richest flavor and smoothest texture.
• For extra peppermint punch, add a little more peppermint extract, but be careful not to overpower the chocolate.
• Replace candy canes with crushed peppermint cookies or sprinkles for a different crunch and appearance.
• Wear disposable gloves while shaping the ganache to avoid melting from warm hands.

Storage

Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before serving, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly, enhancing their creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chocolate chips instead of chocolate bars?

It’s best to use high-quality chocolate bars with at least 60% cacao. Chocolate chips often contain stabilizers that prevent smooth melting, which can affect the texture of the ganache.

How do I crush the candy canes easily?

Place candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or heavy object. This keeps the pieces contained and prevents mess.

Chocolate Candy Cane Truffles Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 58 reviews

• Author: Thomas
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 20 truffles 1x

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Description

These decadent Chocolate Candy Cane Truffles combine rich, high-quality dark chocolate ganache with refreshing peppermint and a crunchy coating of crushed candy canes. Perfect for holiday celebrations or gifting, these truffles offer a delightful balance of creamy texture and festive peppermint flavor.

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Ingredients

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Ganache

• 8 ounces high-quality dark chocolate (at least 60% cacao), chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

Topping

• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes

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Instructions

1. Chop and melt chocolate: Chop the chocolate into small pieces. Place the chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 15-20 second intervals, stirring each time, until the chocolate is nearly melted but still has some small chunks remaining.
2. Prepare peppermint cream: Bring the heavy cream to a simmer over medium heat in a small saucepan. Remove from heat and stir in the peppermint extract.
3. Make ganache: Pour the hot peppermint cream over the chopped chocolate. Gently stir in one consistent direction until the mixture becomes smooth and shiny, forming a ganache.
4. Chill ganache: Refrigerate the ganache until it is firm but not fully solid, approximately 1 to 3 hours.
5. Shape truffles: Cover a small cutting board or sheet pan with parchment paper. Use a teaspoon to scoop equal portions (about 1 1/2 teaspoons) of ganache onto the parchment. Using your hands, gently shape each scoop into balls. They don’t need to be perfect at this stage.
6. Firm up balls: Refrigerate the shaped ganache balls for an additional 20 minutes to allow them to firm up more.
7. Coat with candy canes: Roll each firm ganache ball in the crushed candy canes, pressing the candy pieces gently into the surface to coat evenly. This step is easier with two people—one forming balls and the other coating them.
8. Store and serve: Store the finished truffles in the refrigerator for up to one week. For the best flavor and texture, bring the truffles to room temperature before serving.

Notes

• Use high-quality chocolate bars with at least 60% cacao for the best flavor and texture—avoid chocolate chips as they often contain stabilizers that affect melting.
• Crush candy canes using a rolling pin or food processor, ensuring small to medium-sized pieces for optimal coating.
• For a smoother rolling experience, lightly oil your hands or use gloves when shaping the ganache balls.
• Truffles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• To make the peppermint flavor more subtle, reduce the peppermint extract to 1/4 teaspoon.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Chocolate truffles, peppermint truffles, candy cane truffles, holiday dessert, chocolate ganache, festive treats