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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Chill ganache: Refrigerate the ganache until it is firm but not fully solid, approximately 1 to 3 hours.
- 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.
- Firm up balls: Refrigerate the shaped ganache balls for an additional 20 minutes to allow them to firm up more.
- 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.
- 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
