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Peppermint Truffles

Name: Peppermint Truffles
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 8 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped; ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract; 3 candy canes, crushed; Finely crushed candy canes (for topping); Red sanding sugar (for topping); Cocoa powder (for topping)

If you’re looking to elevate your dessert game this holiday season, these peppermint truffles are a must-try. With their rich chocolatey goodness, cool peppermint essence, and delightful crunch from crushed candy canes, these treats are a feast for the senses. Perfect for sharing or indulging on your own, these truffles bring a festive touch that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Make This Recipe

These truffles are incredibly easy to prepare, making them ideal for both novice and experienced bakers.
The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint creates a one-of-a-kind flavor that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
They make for a thoughtful homemade gift, ideal to share with friends and family during the festive season.

Simple Way to Prepare Peppermint Truffles

Let’s dive into the detailed process of making these delicious peppermint truffles. Following these simple steps will ensure that you create a delectable batch of truffles that will impress both yourself and everyone who gets to taste them!

Ingredients

¾ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
8 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
3 candy canes, crushed
Finely crushed candy canes (for topping)
Red sanding sugar (for topping)
Cocoa powder (for topping)

Directions

Prepare Chocolate & Cream
Finely chop the chocolate and place it in a heat-proof bowl. In a small saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream and unsalted butter until it just begins to simmer, stirring occasionally. Do not boil.
Infuse Flavor & Combine
Remove cream from heat, then stir in the peppermint extract. Immediately pour the hot cream mixture over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit undisturbed for 5-7 minutes to melt the chocolate.
Emulsify Ganache
Gently stir the mixture from the center outwards until it is completely smooth, glossy, and homogeneous, with no lumps remaining.
Chill Ganache
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, ensuring it touches the surface of the ganache to prevent a skin. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2-3 hours, or ideally overnight, until firm enough to scoop and roll.
Scoop & Roll Truffles
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion out uniform amounts of chilled ganache. With slightly cool hands, quickly roll each portion into a smooth sphere. Return rolled truffles to the baking sheet and chill for 15-30 minutes.
Coat Truffles
Melt additional chocolate (dark, milk, or white) for coating. You can simply melt it or temper it for a professional snap. Using a dipping fork, submerge each chilled truffle in the melted chocolate, tapping off excess before placing them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Decorate & Set
Immediately after dipping, sprinkle the truffles with finely crushed candy canes, red sanding sugar, or roll them in cocoa powder while the chocolate coating is still wet. For drizzled white chocolate, allow the main coating to set first, then drizzle and let set. Refrigerate coated truffles for 20-30 minutes until the coating is firm.
Store & Serve
Store finished truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks or freeze for up to 2 months. For best flavor and texture, remove from the refrigerator 15-30 minutes before serving to allow them to come closer to room temperature.

Keeping Peppermint Truffles Fresh

Maintaining your peppermint truffles to ensure they stay fresh and delicious is quite straightforward. Here are some helpful storage tips:

Refrigerate truffles for up to 2-3 weeks at a temperature of 40°F.
For longer storage, freeze truffles for up to 2 months.
If you’ve made a large batch, consider separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Always store in an airtight container to protect against moisture and flavors from other foods.

Best Ways to Serve Peppermint Truffles

When it comes to serving your irresistibly creamy peppermint truffles, the options are truly delightful. Here are a few creative ways to present these treats:

Gift Packages: Perfect for sharing, arrange the truffles in a decorative box or cellophane bag, complete with a festive ribbon. They make an excellent homemade gift for friends, family, or coworkers.
Dessert Platter: Elevate your dessert table by arranging the truffles on a beautiful platter alongside an assortment of cookies, pastries, and other sweet treats. Add some festive touches, such as holly or peppermint sticks, for a seasonal flair.
Coffee Pairing: Serve these truffles with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. The cool peppermint and rich chocolate will perfectly balance with the warmth of your drink, making it an indulgent afternoon treat.
Ice Cream Topping: Crumble up peppermint truffles and sprinkle them over a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream for a delicious dessert that takes frozen treats to the next level.
Celebration Sweets: Incorporate truffles into your holiday celebrations by serving them at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings. They add a lovely touch to any festive occasion.

Tips to Make Peppermint Truffles

To achieve the best results, here are a few essential tips to keep in mind while making your peppermint truffles:

Ensure your chocolate is finely chopped to allow for easier melting and smoother ganache.
Allow the ganache to chill thoroughly; this improves the rolling process and final texture of the truffles.
Keep your hands slightly cool when rolling to prevent the chocolate from melting; this makes it easier to form a perfect spherical shape.
Experiment with toppings—try combining crushed candy canes and cocoa powder for a unique twist!

Variations or Substitutions

If you want to experiment or personalize your peppermint truffles a bit more, here are some variations you might consider:

Chocolate Choices: If semisweet or bittersweet chocolate is not your preference, opt for milk chocolate or even white chocolate. Both variations will offer a delightful sweetness when paired with peppermint.
Flavor Additions: For a bolder flavor profile, consider incorporating a hint of espresso or a splash of vanilla extract along with the peppermint. This will add depth, resulting in a more complex dessert that captivates the palate.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These truffles can be made up to two weeks in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I use milk chocolate instead of semisweet?
A: Yes, using milk chocolate is a fine substitution! It will yield a sweeter truffle, perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

Q: How do I keep the chocolate coating from cracking?

Temperature is key; ensure you don’t chill the ganache too long.
Melt your coating chocolate slowly to avoid overhearing it, which can lead to a tough texture.
Tempering the chocolate can also help achieve a shiny, crack-free finish.

Additional Section: Nutritional Info

In case you’re curious about the nutritional values of these delightful peppermint truffles, here’s a general breakdown per truffle (calculation based on standard portion sizes, may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes):

Calories: 85
Total Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 6mg
Sodium: 10mg
Total Carbohydrates: 11g
Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 1g

These truffles are indulgent, so enjoy them in moderation as a sweet treat!

Conclusion

There you have it! Making peppermint truffles at home is not only an enjoyable experience but also a creative way to bring some holiday magic into your kitchen. Whether you serve them at gatherings, gift them to loved ones, or keep them all to yourself (no judgments here), these flavorful treats will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let the festive spirit infuse every truffle you create. Happy baking!