White Chocolate Holiday Truffles are festive, bite-sized treats made with smooth white chocolate ganache, delicately coated and adorned with seasonal toppings like dried cranberries, chopped nuts, and holiday sprinkles. These elegant confections are perfect for gifting, entertaining, or adding a sweet sparkle to your dessert tray.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Visually Stunning: A beautiful addition to any holiday dessert table.
- Creamy and Rich: The white chocolate ganache center melts in your mouth.
- Customizable Decorations: Choose your favorite toppings for flavor and flair.
- Perfect for Gifting: These truffles package beautifully in festive boxes.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare and chill ahead of time with no last-minute stress.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- White chocolate, finely chopped
- Heavy cream
- Butter
- Vanilla extract
- Dried cranberries or cherries
- Toasted chopped nuts (pecans, pistachios, almonds)
- Holiday-themed sprinkles
- Sea salt (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Ganache: In a saucepan, heat cream and butter just until simmering. Pour over white chocolate and let sit for 1–2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Chill: Transfer ganache to the fridge and chill for 1–2 hours until firm enough to scoop.
- Form Truffles: Scoop small portions of ganache and roll into balls using clean hands or a melon baller. Place on a parchment-lined tray.
- Decorate: Press toppings like cranberries, chopped nuts, and sprinkles onto each truffle. Chill again to set.
- Serve or Store: Serve cold or slightly chilled.
Servings and Timing
Servings: About 24 truffles
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 1–2 hours
Total time: About 2 hours 30 minutes
Variations
- Lemon White Chocolate: Add lemon zest to the ganache for a citrusy twist.
- Peppermint Truffles: Mix in crushed peppermint candy or extract.
- Almond Extract: Use instead of vanilla for a different depth of flavor.
- Coconut-Coated: Roll truffles in shredded coconut for a snowy effect.
Storage/Reheating
Store truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. For gifting, use paper candy cups and decorative tins. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month—thaw in the fridge before serving.
FAQs
Can I use white chocolate chips?
Yes, but ensure they’re high quality for smooth melting.
How do I keep truffles from sticking to my hands?
Chill your hands slightly or dust them with a bit of powdered sugar.
Can I dip these in chocolate?
Yes, coat with melted white or dark chocolate for a firmer exterior.
Do I have to use cream?
Yes, it creates the smooth ganache texture.
Can kids help decorate?
Absolutely—they’ll enjoy pressing on toppings.
How long do they last?
Up to one week refrigerated.
Can I color the ganache?
Yes, use gel food coloring for holiday tones.
What’s the best way to store them for gifts?
Use paper cups inside small boxes or tins.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free white chocolate and coconut cream.
Can I add liqueur?
A splash of amaretto or Irish cream adds a sophisticated touch.
Conclusion
White Chocolate Holiday Truffles are luxurious, creamy treats that bring festive joy with every bite. Whether you’re making them as a homemade gift or enjoying them with family, they’re a delightful way to celebrate the season.
Print
White Chocolate Holiday Truffles
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 truffles 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
White Chocolate Holiday Truffles are rich, creamy confections made from white chocolate ganache and adorned with festive toppings like dried cranberries, nuts, and holiday sprinkles—perfect for gifts, parties, or a seasonal indulgence.
Ingredients
- 12 oz white chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp dried cranberries or cherries, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp toasted chopped nuts (pecans, pistachios, almonds)
- 2 tbsp holiday-themed sprinkles
- Sea salt (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream and butter over medium heat until just simmering.
- Pour the hot cream mixture over the chopped white chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 1–2 minutes, then stir until smooth and fully melted.
- Stir in vanilla extract. Cover and refrigerate the ganache for 1–2 hours, until firm enough to scoop.
- Using a small cookie scoop or melon baller, portion out the ganache and roll into 1-inch balls with your hands. Place on a parchment-lined tray.
- Press toppings like chopped cranberries, nuts, and sprinkles onto each truffle.
- Chill truffles again for 15–30 minutes to set. Serve cold or slightly chilled.
Notes
- Use high-quality white chocolate for smooth melting.
- Chilling hands or dusting with powdered sugar can help prevent sticking when rolling.
- Try rolling in shredded coconut for a snowy look.
- Add food-safe gel coloring to ganache for holiday hues.
- Store in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer shelf life.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
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