Ready in: 2 hours 30 minutes · Serves: 12 truffles · Technique: No-Bake · Storage: Up to 1 week in the fridge.
Quick Answer
These Decadent Nutella Truffles are a simple blend of Nutella and chocolate, chilled, rolled in cocoa powder, and perfect for holiday gatherings.
As the chilly air of New York City begins to wrap around us, thoughts of cozy gatherings and festive treats come to mind. With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, I find myself drawn to the allure of simple yet luxurious desserts that can impress guests and satisfy even the sweetest cravings. Enter my latest kitchen obsession: Decadent Nutella Truffles. These little bites of heaven are rich, creamy, and incredibly easy to make, making them the perfect addition to your holiday spread.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings and gifting.
- Customizable with different flavors and coatings.
- Impressive appearance that will wow your guests.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your decadent truffles:
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Nutella
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cocoa powder (for rolling)
- A pinch of sea salt
How to Make Decadent Nutella Truffles (Step-by-Step)
Follow these easy steps to whip up your delicious truffles:
Step 1: Heat the Cream
In a small saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Watch as the cream bubbles slightly, releasing a warm, inviting scent.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the chocolate chips and Nutella. Once the cream starts to simmer, pour it over the chocolate and Nutella mixture. Let it sit for about 2 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt into a glossy mixture.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Salt
Whisk the mixture until smooth, letting that silky chocolate swirl around your whisk. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt for extra flavor.
Step 4: Chill the Mixture
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 2 hours or until firm. Patience is key here!
Step 5: Form the Truffles
Once chilled, use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion out the mixture. Roll each scoop between your palms to form small balls, embracing any rustic charm they may have.
Step 6: Roll in Cocoa Powder
Pour the cocoa powder into a shallow dish and gently roll each truffle in it until evenly coated, enhancing the flavor contrast.
Step 7: Serve
Place your truffles on a decorative plate or in a festive gift box. Enjoy the pure joy of the creamy center melting in your mouth!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overheating the cream: Make sure to only bring the heavy cream to a gentle simmer rather than a full boil. This will prevent it from breaking and ensure a smooth chocolate mixture.
- Skipping the chill time: Patience is key! Don’t rush the chilling process, as the mixture needs time to firm up for easy rolling.
- Not coating properly: Make sure to coat your truffles evenly in cocoa powder. This not only adds flavor but also provides a lovely finish.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to mix things up! Add a splash of orange zest or a hint of espresso powder for a unique twist.
- Presentation matters: Consider drizzling melted chocolate over the rolled truffles for added visual appeal or using different coatings like crushed nuts or sprinkles.
- Storage: These truffles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long!
Variations
- Use almond butter or peanut butter instead of Nutella for a different nutty flavor.
- Incorporate crushed cookies or graham crackers into the mixture for added texture.
- Roll the truffles in crushed pistachios or shredded coconut instead of cocoa powder for a different coating.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture for a spiced flavor.
How to Serve
- Place your truffles on a decorative plate or in a festive gift box for your holiday gatherings.
- Pair with coffee or dessert wine for an elegant touch.
- Include them in a thoughtful homemade gift basket alongside other treats.
- Serve at room temperature for the best texture and flavor experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the truffle mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
- Storage: Keep your Nutella truffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing: These truffles can be frozen for up to three months; thaw them in the fridge before serving.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Making these truffles reminded me that the simplest ingredients can create the most luxurious treats. Plus, they make for a delightful gift—perfect for spreading holiday cheer!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 24 truffles · Serving Size: 1 truffle
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~100 calories · 1g protein · 10g carbs · 7g fat
Decadent Nutella Truffles for Festive Gatherings
Ingredients
Method
- In a small saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the chocolate chips and Nutella. Once the cream starts to simmer, pour it over the chocolate and Nutella mixture.
- Whisk the mixture until smooth, then stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 2 hours or until firm.
- Once chilled, use a cookie scoop to portion out the mixture and roll each scoop into a ball.
- Roll each truffle in cocoa powder until evenly coated.
- Place your truffles on a decorative plate or in a festive gift box and enjoy!
Notes
FAQs
What type of chocolate should I use for Nutella truffles?
Using semi-sweet chocolate chips is recommended for a balanced sweetness. You can also experiment with dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate, but keep in mind that it will make the truffles sweeter. Adjust the amount of Nutella accordingly if you prefer a less sweet treat.
How long do Nutella truffles last?
Nutella truffles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to three months.
Can I make Nutella truffles vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, you can use a dairy-free chocolate and a plant-based cream substitute, such as coconut cream. Ensure that your Nutella is also vegan-friendly.
What can I use to coat the truffles besides cocoa powder?
In addition to cocoa powder, consider using crushed nuts, sprinkles, or shredded coconut for different textures and flavors.
