Peppermint Truffles

Last night, while winding down after a busy day, Alex asked if we could have something sweet and minty to celebrate the start of the holiday season. Peppermint Truffles came to mind immediately, unlocking that spirit of togetherness and simplicity I cherish. These delightful bites are a staple in our family, especially given their ease and the joy they bring to everyone’s faces. When the temperature drops in Manhattan, there’s something comforting about a homemade treat that effortlessly combines chocolatey goodness with a hint of refreshing peppermint. Plus, they’re a breeze to make ahead for holiday gatherings, ensuring that I always have something special up my sleeve.

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Why you’ll love this recipe
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Recipe tips & variations
Storage & reheating
FAQs
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Peppermint Truffles

By the way, if you're in the mood for something else sweet and delightful, check out my Gluten-Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies.

Why you’ll love this recipe

These Peppermint Truffles are perfect for when you're looking for a hassle-free treat that impresses with little effort. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of chilling time, you can create a dessert that's as visually appealing as it is delicious. Don’t let the simplicity fool you – the combination of rich chocolate and vibrant peppermint makes for an irresistible treat.

Ingredients

16 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup heavy cream
1 ½ teaspoons McCormick Pure Peppermint Extract
6 ounces good quality dark chocolate melting wafers
1 ounce good quality white chocolate melting wafers
2 tablespoons crushed peppermint candies

Step-by-step instructions

In a medium-sized glass bowl, combine the chocolate chips with the heavy cream. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir. If needed, microwave for another minute until the chocolate is completely smooth when stirred.

Stir in the peppermint extract, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.

The next day, let the mixture sit on the counter for about 5 minutes. Prepare a tray, cutting board, or plate by lining it with parchment paper.

Use a 1-inch scoop to form little truffle balls. Gently roll them in your palms until they're round. Insert a toothpick in the top of each ball and freeze them for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

In a deep cup or jar, melt the chocolate wafers using the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring until fully melted. Holding the toothpick, dip each truffle into the chocolate, making sure it's fully coated. Shake off the excess chocolate and scrape the bottom gently on the jar's edge before placing it back on the parchment.

Once set, which takes around 5 minutes, remove the toothpicks from each truffle.

For the decoration, melt the white chocolate wafers in a small baggie, using the same microwave increments. Squeeze the melted chocolate toward a corner of the bag, snip a tiny hole, and drizzle it over each truffle's top. Quickly sprinkle the crushed peppermint over this before it sets.

Recipe tips & variations

For a stronger peppermint taste, feel free to increase the extract slightly. If you're out of peppermint candies, any similar hard peppermint candy can work just fine. For a fun twist, you might consider adding a little sea salt to the chocolate before it sets – the contrast is delightful!

Storage & reheating

To store these truffles, place them in a sealed container for up to a week. If you're making them ahead for a holiday party, freezing them works a treat. Just allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

FAQs

How do I keep peppermint truffles from melting while dipping them in chocolate?
The key here is to ensure that the truffle balls are well-chilled, if not frozen, before dipping them into the warm chocolate. This helps the chocolate set quickly.

Can I make peppermint truffles ahead of time for holiday gifting?
Absolutely! These truffles are perfect for preparing in advance. Just store them in the fridge or freezer, and they'll be ready whenever you need them.

How long should peppermint truffle ganache chill before shaping?
Letting the ganache chill overnight yields the best results. If you're in a hurry, a few hours in the fridge until it's firm enough to roll should be sufficient.

What is the best way to store homemade peppermint truffles so they stay fresh?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain their freshness and prevent them from drying out.

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