Name: Cream Cheese Chocolate Truffles
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting); 1/4 cup finely chopped nuts (optional); 1/4 cup melted white chocolate or milk chocolate (for coating or drizzling, optional)

If you’re a fan of indulgent desserts that are both rich and creamy, these Cream Cheese Chocolate Truffles will be your new favorite treat. Made with a blend of smooth cream cheese and rich chocolate, these truffles are an easy-to-make yet decadent dessert that will wow your friends and family. They’re perfect for holidays, special occasions, or when you simply want to enjoy a luxurious bite of chocolate.

Unlike traditional truffles that require hours of tempering chocolate, this recipe is quick and straightforward. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create creamy, melt-in-your-mouth truffles that taste like they came from a gourmet chocolatier. Whether you roll them in cocoa powder, crushed nuts, or sprinkles, these truffles are fully customizable to suit any taste!

Ingredients:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
1/4 cup finely chopped nuts (optional)
1/4 cup melted white chocolate or milk chocolate (for coating or drizzling, optional)

Preparation:

Step 1:
Start by softening the cream cheese. Allow it to come to room temperature, or microwave it in 10-second intervals to soften.

Step 2:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Beat together until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or whisk to get the mixture well-combined.

Step 3:
Melt the semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. To do this, place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.

Step 4:
Once the chocolate has cooled slightly (but is still melted), add it to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until fully combined, making sure there are no lumps and the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 5:
Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to allow it to firm up. This makes it easier to roll into truffle balls.

Step 6:
After chilling, use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to take small portions of the mixture. Roll them into balls using your hands or a spoon.

Step 7:
Roll each truffle in cocoa powder to coat it, or if you prefer, dip it into melted chocolate and let it cool on parchment paper.

Step 8:
Optional: For a fun twist, you can roll the truffles in crushed nuts (like pistachios, almonds, or hazelnuts) or sprinkles for added texture and color.

Step 9:
Once all the truffles are rolled and coated, place them back in the refrigerator to firm up for another 30 minutes before serving.

Variations:

Nutty Chocolate Truffles: Roll the truffles in finely chopped nuts such as pistachios, hazelnuts, or walnuts to give them a crunchy texture and a delicious contrast to the smooth chocolate.

Coconut Chocolate Truffles: Roll the truffles in shredded coconut for a tropical twist that pairs perfectly with chocolate and cream cheese.
Peppermint Chocolate Truffles: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the cream cheese mixture to create a festive, mint-flavored truffle. You can also sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for extra flair.
Spicy Chocolate Truffles: For a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the mixture for a spicy chocolate experience.
Fruit-Filled Truffles: Add finely chopped dried fruits like cherries, raisins, or apricots to the chocolate mixture for a fruity surprise in each bite.

Cooking Note:

Cream cheese temperature: It’s essential to ensure that the cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This will make it easier to blend into the chocolate and create a smooth mixture.
Melting chocolate: When melting the chocolate, make sure you do it in small intervals to prevent burning. Stir between each interval for a smooth, lump-free finish.
Chilling the mixture: If the mixture is too soft to roll into balls, place it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to firm it up.

Serving Suggestions:

Holiday Gatherings: Cream Cheese Chocolate Truffles are an excellent choice for holiday events. Whether it’s Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or any other festive occasion, these truffles will be a hit at your party.

Gift Idea: Package them in a beautiful box with a ribbon for a sweet homemade gift that will delight any recipient.
After-Dinner Treat: These truffles are perfect as an after-dinner dessert. They are bite-sized, so they make an excellent way to satisfy a sweet craving without overindulging.
Chocolate Lovers’ Delight: Serve these truffles as a special treat for chocolate lovers. The smooth, rich chocolate combined with the creamy filling is guaranteed to impress.

Tips:

Use a cookie scoop: To ensure your truffles are uniform in size, use a small cookie scoop to portion out the mixture. This will make rolling them into balls easier and help with consistency.
Customize your coatings: Feel free to get creative with your coatings! You can roll the truffles in cocoa powder, crushed nuts, chocolate sprinkles, or even colored sugar for festive occasions.
Store properly: Store your truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to one week.
Make ahead: These truffles can be made in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer. Simply let them thaw for a few minutes before serving if frozen.

Prep Time:

15 minutes (not including refrigeration time)

Cooking Time:

0 minutes (just refrigeration time)

Total Time:

1 hour (including refrigeration time)

Nutritional Information (per truffle):

Calories: 120
Protein: 2g

Sodium: 45mg
Carbohydrates: 15g
Sugars: 12g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used.

FAQs

1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate if you prefer a sweeter, creamier taste. You can also use white chocolate for a different flavor profile.

2. How long do these truffles stay fresh?
These truffles will stay fresh for up to a week if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

3. Can I make these truffles without cream cheese?
While cream cheese is essential for the smooth texture and rich flavor of these truffles, you can experiment with mascarpone cheese or a non-dairy cream cheese alternative if you’re looking for a different variation.

4. Can I make these truffles without powdered sugar?
Powdered sugar is used to sweeten and thicken the truffle mixture, so it’s not recommended to omit it. If you prefer a healthier option, you could substitute with a natural sweetener, though the texture might vary.

5. Can I make these truffles with a different filling?
Yes! You can experiment with different fillings such as peanut butter, caramel, or Nutella. Just be sure to adjust the consistency of the mixture accordingly to ensure the truffles hold their shape.

Conclusion:

Cream Cheese Chocolate Truffles are an easy yet luxurious dessert that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Their creamy texture, rich chocolate flavor, and versatility make them perfect for any occasion, from holiday parties to everyday indulgence. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create truffles that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Whether you choose to roll them in cocoa powder, dip them in melted chocolate, or coat them in chopped nuts, these truffles are fully customizable to suit your tastes. They make an excellent homemade gift, a sweet treat for a gathering, or simply a moment of indulgence when you need a chocolate fix.