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These Dark Chocolate Truffles are made with creamy, decadent dark chocolate ganache with a hint cinnamon and rum, and even just a pinch of cayenne for a touch of heat.
These truffles are life guys. WARNING: when you make these dark chocolate truffles, you WILL want to eat them all.
It's just a fact. So be ready for it. This recipe is super easy to make too, which makes them even more dangerous.
But dangerous in a good way. You know that kind of dangerous...you know you shouldn't but you want to so bad!
The chocolate ganache is rich and creamy (like in this Chocolate Ganache Tart or these Millionaire Bars) and the truffles have just the right amount of sweetness and a deep, intense chocolate flavor.
But guys, you SHOULD make these dark chocolate truffles. Just sayin'. They are perfect for gifts too if you can manage to part with them.
And with Christmas just around the corner, this is WAY cheaper than buying truffles, and just as good if I do say so myself!
**For more amazing gift ideas, try this Pistachio Baklava, these Almond Meringue Cookies, Almond Buttercrunch or these Candied Orange Peels. They are all just amazing and a real hit for gifts!**
Also make sure you check out the chocolate truffle web story!
The Ingredients
Dark semisweet chocolate is a must here. Personally, I'm a fan of Ghirardelli chocolate as I find it to be creamier than most store chocolate.
The rum extract is optional. If you don't have it or prefer not to use it, you can leave it out. I think it adds a cozy holiday flavor to these chocolate truffles.
The toffee chips are also optional. I like the extra sweet, caramely flavor that toffee chips offer (like in this Peanut Butter Fudge), but these chocolate truffles can be made without them as well.
The full list of ingredients can be found in the recipe card in the bottom of the post.
Step by Step Instructions
Roughly chop the chocolate. Combine the chocolate, cream, cayenne rum extract, cinnamon, salt and toffee chips in a bowl. Microwave on 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds, until mixture is fully melted. Stir well to combine.
Refrigerate the mixture for 2-4 hours.
Scoop 1 tablespoon balls of the chocolate mixture onto a wax paper lined baking sheet or large flat plate.
**If they are too soft to roll, place in the freezer for 20-30 minutes, or until firm enough to roll in balls.
While the truffles are chilling, combine the cocoa powder and powdered sugar and mix well. If you're choosing to use crushed almonds, chop those as well and place in a bowl.
Coat each ball in the cocoa powder mixture or the almonds.
Variations
- Add 1 teaspoon orange peel to the truffle mixture for chocolate orange truffles.
- Roll the truffles in shredded coconut, ground almonds, ground toffee bits, or powdered sugar to make a variety of different truffles.
- Dip them in chocolate candy shell.
- Add 2-3 tablespoons chopped nuts into the ganache.
Expert Tips
- If the ganache is too runny, place it back in a bowl and add an additional 2 ounces of chopped chocolate. Heat again until melted, making sure not to heat too much. Refrigerate for 2 hours then repeat the above steps.
- You can also add 2 teaspoons of corn syrup OR 1 tablespoon of butter to help them firm up.
- If the ganache is too thick to roll into balls, add 1 tablespoon of cream at a time while microwaving at 50% power for 30 seconds. Continue adding cream and microwaving until the mixture can be scooped into balls.
- If the truffles are too dry for the almonds or cocoa powder to stick, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften.
- The rum extract is optional. If you don't have it or prefer not to use it, you can leave it out. I think it adds a cozy holiday flavor to these chocolate truffles.
- The toffee chips are also optional. I like the extra sweet, caramely flavor that toffee chips offer, but these chocolate truffles can be made without them as well.
- The cayenne pepper is optional. I like the touch of heat it adds, but it is not required for the recipe.
Store the truffles in the fridge for up to 2-3 months wrapped tightly in an airtight container. The fridge will produce a lot of condensation, so it is important that the truffles are airtight. I don't recommend storing the truffles at room temperature as they tend to get too soft, especially in warmer weather. Frozen, truffles will last up to 6 months.
To freeze the truffles, place them in the freezer safe plastic wrap and place in an airtight container. Store in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Tools Used
- Glass mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Scoop
- Candy Cups
: if you decide to send these as gifts
Did you make these dark chocolate truffles? Rate the recipe and leave a comment to let me know how they turned out!
This recipe was originally published in December 2018. It has been updated for content and photos.
Homemade Dark Chocolate Truffles
Ingredients
- 12 ounces semi-sweet dark chocolate
- ⅔ cup heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon rum extract (optional)
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoon toffee chips (optional)
- ⅛ cup crushed almonds
Cocoa Coating:
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Instructions
- Combine the chocolate, cream, cayenne rum extract, cinnamon, salt and toffee chips in a bowl. Microwave on 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds, until mixture is fully melted. Stir well to combine.
- Refrigerate the mixture for 2 hours.
- Scoop 1 tablespoon balls of the chocolate mixture onto a wax paper lined baking sheet or large flat plate and roll into balls. If mixture is not firm enough, place in the freezer for 20-30 minutes, or until firm enough to roll in balls.
- While the truffles are chilling, combine the cocoa powder and powdered sugar and mix well.
- Coat each ball in the cocoa powder mixture or roll them in the crushed almonds.
Expert Tips:
-
- If the ganache is too runny, place it back in a bowl and add an additional 2 ounces of chopped chocolate. Heat again until melted, making sure not to heat too much. Refrigerate for 2 hours then repeat the above steps.
- You can also add 2 teaspoons of corn syrup OR 1 tablespoon of butter to help them firm up.
- If the ganache is too thick to roll into balls, add 1 tablespoon of cream at a time while microwaving at 50% power for 30 seconds. Continue adding cream and microwaving until the mixture can be scooped into balls.
- If the truffles are too dry for the almonds or cocoa powder to stick, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften.
- The rum extract is optional. If you don't have it or prefer not to use it, you can leave it out. I think it adds a cozy holiday flavor to these chocolate truffles.
- The toffee chips are also optional. I like the extra sweet, caramely flavor that toffee chips offer, but these chocolate truffles can be made without them as well.
- The cayenne pepper is optional. I like the touch of heat it adds, but it is not required for the recipe.
- If the ganache is too runny, place it back in a bowl and add an additional 2 ounces of chopped chocolate. Heat again until melted, making sure not to heat too much. Refrigerate for 2 hours then repeat the above steps.
Nutrition
Alaine
I love making my own chocolate truffles too!
Danielle
I love them for gifts (and easting lol)!
p. k. majeed
I will try. it looks nice for gift. the tips also good
p. k. majeed
I will try this. it seems nice. I got some good tips also.
Danielle
Hope you love it!
Allison
The perfect treat for Valentine's Day! My family will LOVE these!
Danielle
Yay! Thanks Allison!
Amanda Wren-Grimwood
These look so decadent and naughty so they must taste amazing! Can't wait to make these.
Danielle
Thanks Amanda! I may have eaten the whole batch myself....
David
Yum! looks like it could be a good Valentine's Day treat. Just opened a good Port last night that would be good with these.
Danielle
Perfect for Velentines Day!
Chichi
This is a decadent and delightful treat any time. They are easy to make and yummy. I mean who wouldn’t love these.
Danielle
Thanks Chichi!
Julia
Mmm... these look perfect! It's great that I can make them ahead and then have a fancy looking treat on hand!
Danielle
Thanks Julia!
Mirlene
As much as I love truffles, I have never made them. I was always too scared to try them. Your recipe sounds wonderful and I can't wait to try them.
Danielle
It's really a lot easier than it seems!
Catalina
Looks heavenly! I am totally drooling over this goodness! Yummy!
Danielle
Thanks Catalina!
Marisa Franca
Nothing says it's a celebration or a holiday than truffles. And they may be decadent, but dark chocolate is good for you. So, by eating these delicious treats I'm doing my health a favor. Then you added cinnamon and cayenne pepper -- two spices that's good for me. Well, I'm thinking that these truffles are like my vitamins -- I HAVE to eat them for my well-being. Thank you!
Danielle
I like your thinking Marisa! I may just have to make me another batch 😉
Pavani
Those truffles look sooo inviting and addictive. I’m sure I will not be able to stop with just one. I love the idea of adding toffee bits - must have added nice crunch.
Danielle
Thanks Pavani! The toffee bis add a little something extra.
Mahy Elamin
These truffles look great! I can’t wait to test them out and give them to my parents and grandparents and brother. This is probably one of your best recipes!
Danielle
Awww thanks so much Mahy!! Hope you love them 🙂
Christie
I LOVE dark chocolate truffles. They seem so easy to make. I may have to try these this weekend and maybe give as gifts? Or just eat them all myself.
Danielle
LOL! I love the idea of giving them as gifts, but they never make it that far 🙂
Claudia Lamascolo
these are over the top decadent! I cant wait to try this printing it off! thanks for sharing
Danielle
Thanks Claudia! Hope you love them!
Demeter
I love making truffles during the holidays! These will make a great addition to my gift giving this season, thank you!
Danielle
You're welcome Demeter! These do make great gifts!
Tracy
Yup. It took ALL of my will power to not eat all of these - had to give them away to coworkers who also loved them! Thanks!
Danielle
LOL! You're welcome Tracy 🙂
Kelly Anthony
I love truffles but I've never attempted to make them. This looks like the perfect recipe to try. These will make great neighbor and teacher gifts too. Thanks you so much for sharing!
Danielle
You're welcome kelly! I hope you get the chance to try them out 🙂
Diana
Cinnamon is my favourite when it's added to truffles! I also love the sound of the cayenne pepper, I'm sure it gives a nice kick to the flavour.
Danielle
The cayenne does give them just a nice little kick 🙂
Mel§
I absolutely love truffles and you post has reminded me that I haven't made any this year yet. I must work on that! Your truffles look absolutely delicious and I love the fact you've added nuts into the mix.
Danielle
Truffles are just the best!