Homemade Chocolate Truffles Recipe Easy, Creamy & Indulgent

French

Homemade chocolate truffles are rich, creamy, and melt perfectly in the mouth.

Simple to prepare with just a few ingredients, they make a delightful treat to share with family, serve at celebrations, or offer as thoughtful edible gifts.

Homemade chocolate truffles rolled in cocoa powder, displayed on a festive table with pine branches, pinecones, and red berries for a gourmet and elegant touch.
Chocolate truffles

Homemade Chocolate Truffles: Easy Recipe

Homemade chocolate truffles are one of those little luxuries that feel incredibly special while being surprisingly easy to make.

With their silky ganache centers and a dusting of cocoa, these bite-sized treats melt in your mouth and make the perfect gift or festive indulgence.

In my house, they never last long, the kids love them made with milk chocolate for a sweeter touch, while my husband always insists on an intense dark version.

Personally, I like to blend both for balance, or sometimes use my favorite Lindt 65% or 75% bars.

The beauty of this recipe is how versatile it is: you can create several variations in one batch, each tailored to different tastes.

Whether for Christmas, a celebration, or simply to spoil yourself, these truffles are always a delight.

Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate

Ingredients for Creamy Chocolate Truffles

  • 250 g / 9 oz dark chocolate : choose a quality chocolate with at least 60–75% cocoa solids for a rich, balanced taste.
  • 100 ml / ½ cup heavy cream : whole cream is best to give the truffles their smooth, luscious texture.
  • 20 g / 1 ½ tbsp unsalted butter : adds shine and extra creaminess to the ganache.
  • 50 g / ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder : for rolling the truffles, adding a pleasant bitter edge against the creamy filling.
Homemade chocolate truffles rolled in cocoa, served in a pastel blue cup on a silver tray, with a colorful floral backdrop
Homemade chocolate truffles (photo 2015)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chocolate Truffles

  1. Chop the chocolate finely and place it in a heatproof bowl. The smaller the pieces, the quicker and smoother they’ll melt.
  2. Heat the cream until hot but not boiling, then pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for a minute.
  3. Stir gently until the chocolate melts into a smooth ganache. If some chunks remain, place the bowl over a pan of simmering water (bain-marie) and stir until fully melted.
  4. Add the butter and mix until glossy.
  5. Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate for 2–3 hours until firm.
  6. Using a spoon or melon baller, scoop portions of ganache and roll quickly between your palms to form balls.
  7. Roll each truffle in cocoa powder until well coated.
  8. Place them on a tray and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Homemade chocolate truffles rolled in cocoa, arranged on a table decorated with pinecones, fir branches, and festive ornaments for a gourmet and elegant presentation

How to Fix Chocolate Truffle Mistakes

Even with a simple recipe, things can sometimes go wrong. Here’s how to rescue your batch:

– Chocolate doesn’t melt properly

  • Chop chocolate into very small pieces.
  • Ensure the cream is hot enough.
  • If needed, place the bowl over a simmering bain-marie and stir gently until smooth.

– Ganache won’t thicken

  • Use pure, good-quality chocolate (not chips).
  • Spread the ganache in a wide dish to cool faster.
  • Add a little extra melted chocolate if necessary.

– Ganache splits or looks greasy

  • Usually from cream that’s too hot.
  • Add 1–2 tbsp of cold milk and whisk until it comes back together.

– Truffles too dry for coating

  • Roll them again between warm palms to make them slightly sticky before rolling in cocoa.

Extra tips: If the ganache is too soft, chill it for 15 minutes in the freezer. If too hard, let it sit at room temperature until workable. Adding a spoon of honey or glucose syrup can also help stabilise the texture.

Smooth and glossy homemade chocolate ganache in a glass bowl, with a spatula coated in melted chocolate ready to be used for truffles or indulgent desserts.

Storage & Shelf Life: How Long Do Homemade Truffles Last?

– Refrigerator storage:

  • Keep in an airtight container for 2-3 weeks.
  • Line the lid with folded kitchen paper to absorb condensation.
  • Avoid stacking truffles, use a shallow box to preserve their shape.

– Serving tip:

  • Take them out of the fridge 5-10 minutes before serving so they regain a soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture.

– Freezing option:

  • Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
  • Defrost in the fridge overnight, then roll again in cocoa if needed.

– Avoid strong odours: Chocolate absorbs smells easily, so don’t store near cheese, onion, or spices.

Homemade chocolate truffles rolled in cocoa, displayed in a metal dish, with one cut open revealing a rich and creamy ganache filling

Variations to Try

  • Milk chocolate truffles : sweeter, kid-friendly, softer in taste.
  • Dark chocolate truffles : intense, rich, ideal for dark chocolate lovers.
  • Mixed chocolate truffles : blend dark and milk for balance.
  • Nutty truffles : roll in crushed hazelnuts, almonds, or pistachios instead of cocoa.
  • Flavoured truffles : infuse cream with vanilla, coffee, tea leaves, or spices like cinnamon.
  • Vegan option : swap cream for coconut cream and butter for coconut oil.
Homemade chocolate truffles rolled in cocoa, served in a pastel blue cup placed on a silver tray, with a colorful floral background
Easy chocolate truffles

Chocolate truffles recipe in video

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make chocolate truffles without cream?
Yes, swap cream for coconut milk or condensed milk for a different texture.

Q: Why are my truffles too hard?
They were chilled too long or the chocolate ratio was high. Let them soften at room temperature.

Q: Can I coat truffles with something other than cocoa?
Of course! Try nuts, shredded coconut, crushed biscuits, or even melted chocolate.

Q: Can I make these ahead for Christmas?
Yes, they store well for 2-3 weeks in the fridge, or freeze for up to 2 months.

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chocolate tuffles

Easy Homemade Chocolate Truffles Recipe Rich, Creamy & Perfect for Gifting


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  • Author: Amour de cuisine
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 20 to 22 pieces 1x

Description

Homemade chocolate truffles are rich, creamy, and melt perfectly in the mouth. Simple to prepare with just a few ingredients, they make a delightful treat to share with family, serve at celebrations, or offer as thoughtful edible gifts.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 250 g / 9 oz dark chocolate
  • 100 ml / ½ cup heavy cream
  • 20 g / 1 ½ tbsp unsalted butter
  • 50 g / ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder


Instructions

  1. Chop the chocolate finely and place it in a heatproof bowl. The smaller the pieces, the quicker and smoother they’ll melt.
  2. Heat the cream until hot but not boiling, then pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for a minute.
  3. Stir gently until the chocolate melts into a smooth ganache. If some chunks remain, place the bowl over a pan of simmering water (bain-marie) and stir until fully melted.
  4. Add the butter and mix until glossy.
  5. Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate for 2–3 hours until firm.
  6. Using a spoon or melon baller, scoop portions of ganache and roll quickly between your palms to form balls.
  7. Roll each truffle in cocoa powder until well coated.
  8. Place them on a tray and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 5 min
  • Category: desserts
  • Cuisine: french cuisine

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 truffle
  • Calories: 75 kcal

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