Fun fact… In college, I worked at a chocolate factory for a number of months. It was one of those jobs that I will never forget. It was my responsibility to make truffles, chocolate-covered fruits, pretzels, and marshmallows, as well as a variety of other gourmet chocolates.
I spent most of my days, with my hands covered in chocolate for my entire shift and was instructed by my boss on my first day, that I am not allowed to wash my hands without first licking off the chocolate. There was no waste that way. I didn’t mind. It was the good chocolate, imported from Europe.
So I got paid, had so much fun, and got to consume all the chocolate I wanted. Although I wound up moving and had to leave my job behind, I still remember every single thing that they taught me. And I’m excited to share my first chocolate truffle recipe, peppermint chocolate truffles!
What is a Truffle Anyway?
I’m not talking about the fungus… I’m talking about the decadent, chocolate truffle that you can buy in specialty chocolate shops for upwards of $40-$50 per pound. So many people have no idea what makes a truffle a truffle.
A truffle is a ganache center, covered in chocolate. They have a soft, sometimes chewy center and come in many different flavors. Today, let’s focus on the peppermint chocolate truffle.
Easy Peppermint Chocolate Truffles
PrintEasy Peppermint Chocolate Truffles
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Description
These truffles are somewhere between a peppermint patty and a thin mint. They taste gourmet, but are much less expensive. You won't believe how easy they are to make.
Ingredients
Chocolate Peppermint Ganache Filling
- 8 oz semi sweet chocolate bar (chopped coarsely)
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
Chocolate Coating
- 12 oz dark chocolate bar (chopped coarsely)
Optional Decoration
- 4 oz green chocolate (melted)
Instructions
Chocolate Peppermint Ganache Filling
- Place the heavy whipping cream into a microwavable container and heat for one minute.
- Mix in the peppermint extract.
- Place the chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a separate bowl and pour the warm cream mixture over it. Allow to sit for 5 minutes.
- Stir slowly. If the chocolate doesn't seem to melt, you can put it back into the microwave in 15 second intervals, stirring each time.
- Once it's smooth and the chocolate is completely melted, cover with plastic wrap and place into the refrigerator for at least 3 hours.
It's Truffle Making Time!
- Add the chopped dark chocolate into a microwavable bowl and microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring each time until completely melted. You can also use a hair dryer (pro tip). Set aside.
- Remove the ganache filling from the refrigerator which should now be firm.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using a small scoop or spoon, seperate the ganache into equal pieces, rolling each one into a small ball. Place them all on the lined baking sheet and place into the freezer for 5 minutes. This will harden the ganache just a tad so that it doesn't melt in your hands while you work with it.
- Remove the ganache balls from the freezer. Place one ball on top of your two fingers (middle and pointer) and dip directly into the melted chocolate. You can also use a spoon if that's easier for you or if you aren't a fan of licking your fingers before you wash them.
- Place the chocolate covered ball onto the parchment lined baking sheet. If you lift your fingers gently and in a counter clockwise motion, it will leave you a cute little pattern at the top of your truffles.
- Repeat until all ganache is used. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for a bit to set.
- If you want to add some extra flair, melt some green chocolate, stir and drizzle over your truffles.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
Our family loves the chocolate and mint combo. Remember our mint chocolate chip cookie recipe? We make those every single year! Yum! Our neighbor is also a huge mint and chocolate fan, so we try to incorporate those flavors into recipes that we can share with her. These peppermint chocolate truffles were definitely a hit!
I also love that these can be made for St. Patrick Day! If you buy the mini cupcake liners and place each truffle into one of those liners, and place in a cute little tin or box, they will make a great gift for neighbors, co-workers, family, or friends!
The best part is that you can make them for much less than you would spend at a gourmet chocolate shop (and they taste just as good).
So which chocolate truffle flavor do you want to see next? Let us know in the comments below.
Make sure to check out all of our family-friendly recipes!
I am actually drooling right now, imagining what peppermint tastes like with chocolate, melting in my mouth. wew! <3
You are a chocolate wonder goddess, Heather. These look divine!!! I will have to try these for the holidays. Thank you.
You had me at chocolate truffles! They look so delicious that I will make these with my daughter this weekend
These look so good. My husband and oldest daughter love the flavor of mint. I’m sure they would really enjoy these too.
I absolutely love chocolate truffles. Haven’t tried mint ones yet. I would like to see coconut or hazelnut truffles next if you haven’t made those yet.
These peppermint truffles are the perfect dessert for St. Patrick’s Day!
Girl you almost made me break my fast lol. Looks delicious. Might need to make this. I absolutely love chocolate.