Description
Indulge in these irresistible Chocolate Covered Gingerbread Truffles, a festive treat combining the warm spices of gingerbread with creamy cream cheese and a rich chocolate coating. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these bite-sized delights are easy to make and can be customized with various toppings like nuts, candy canes, or orange zest for extra flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Gingerbread Mixture
- 1 cup crushed gingerbread cookies
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp molasses
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
Chocolate Coating
- 8 oz high-quality dark or milk chocolate, chopped
- 1 tbsp butter or coconut oil
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- White chocolate for drizzle
- Orange zest
- Crushed candy canes, shredded coconut, cocoa powder or cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Gingerbread Mixture: Begin by crushing your gingerbread cookies into fine crumbs. In a mixing bowl, combine these crumbs with softened cream cheese, molasses, vanilla extract, and the ground spices (ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves) until everything melds into a sticky dough. The texture should be firm enough to roll but soft enough to shape easily.
- Shape the Truffles: Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the mixture and roll it between your palms to form smooth, even balls. Place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet for convenient handling.
- Chill the Truffle Balls: Pop the tray into the refrigerator for at least an hour to allow the truffles to firm up. This chilling step ensures they’re solid enough to dip into melted chocolate without losing their shape.
- Melt the Chocolate Coating: Gently melt your chosen chocolate along with butter or coconut oil using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts. Stir until silky and smooth—this will be your luxurious coating.
- Dip and Decorate: Using a fork or dipping tool, coat each chilled truffle completely in chocolate, letting excess drip back into the bowl. Transfer them onto fresh parchment to set. While the chocolate is still wet, add any sprinkles, crushed nuts, or dustings of spice to decorate.
- Let the Chocolate Set: Allow the chocolate coating to harden completely at room temperature or refrigerate for quicker setting before serving or storing.
Notes
- For best results, use high-quality chocolate for dipping to ensure a smooth and shiny coating.
- You can substitute cream cheese with a vegan alternative for a dairy-free version.
- Customize the garnish to match your holiday theme, such as using crushed candy canes for a peppermint twist.
- Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Allow the truffles to come to room temperature before serving for the creamiest texture.
