Mint Chocolate Truffles

Name: Mint Chocolate Truffles
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 24 truffles
Ingredients: 200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher); 100ml heavy cream; 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract; Cocoa powder or crushed peppermint for coating

Highlighted under: Flour & Frosting Recipes

I absolutely love making Mint Chocolate Truffles during the holidays. The combination of rich dark chocolate and refreshing mint leaves gives these little bites a delightful twist that's hard to resist. The best part is how simple they are to prepare. With just a few ingredients and some chilling time, you can impress your friends and family with homemade treats that taste gourmet. I also love packaging them beautifully for gifts, making them a thoughtful present for chocolate lovers.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-02-18T16:14:19.681Z

During one festive season, I decided to experiment with mint and chocolate, and that’s how these truffles came to life. I wanted a treat to combine gourmet flavors with simplicity. Using high-quality dark chocolate and fresh mint really makes a significant difference in flavor.

One tip I learned is to use peppermint extract sparingly; it can easily overpower the chocolate. By adding just a drop at a time, I was able to achieve the perfect balance. These truffles have been a hit at every gathering since!

Why You'll Love These Truffles
Decadent chocolate flavor infused with refreshing mint.
Easy-to-make with minimal ingredients and effort.
Perfect for gifting or enjoying as a personal treat.

Key Techniques for Perfect Truffles

The process of melting chocolate and mixing it with cream is crucial for achieving the ideal texture in your truffles. When heating the cream, aim for a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil; boiling may scorch the dairy, altering the flavor. Pouring the hot cream over the chocolate should create a rich, glossy ganache. Stir gently until you observe a smooth consistency, which signals that the chocolate has properly melted. If the chocolate doesn't fully melt, warming it slightly over a double boiler can help.

Chilling the mixture is equally important, as it allows the ganache to set to the right consistency for forming the truffles. After refrigerating for 30 minutes, check the mixture by pressing it gently. It should hold its shape but still be soft enough to mold without crumbling. If it's too stiff, you can let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes until softened slightly, ensuring you can easily form uniform balls.

Flavor Enhancements and Variations

While mint is a classic flavor for these truffles, feel free to experiment with other extracts or flavorings. For instance, orange zest or almond extract can add a delightful twist to the ganache, offering a unique alternative to the traditional mint flavor. If you opt for different coatings, crushed nuts or toasted coconut can provide an appealing texture contrast while elevating the flavor profile. Remember to adjust the amount of extract based on your taste preference; a little can go a long way.

For a more indulgent experience, consider infusing the cream with additional flavor before adding it to the chocolate. You can steep fresh mint leaves in the cream as it heats, allowing for a more intense mint flavor that complements the dark chocolate perfectly. Just strain the leaves out before mixing with the chocolate to ensure a smooth truffle base.

Ingredients

For the Truffles

200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)
100ml heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Cocoa powder or crushed peppermint for coating

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.

Instructions

Melt the Chocolate

Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces and place it in a heatproof bowl. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for a couple of minutes to melt.

Mix and Chill

Stir the chocolate and cream mixture until smooth. Add the peppermint extract and mix well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for about 30 minutes, until the mixture is set but still pliable.

Form the Truffles

Once chilled, use a small cookie scoop or your hands to form small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) from the mixture. Roll each ball in cocoa powder or crushed peppermint to coat.

Final Chill

Place the coated truffles back in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up before serving.

Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

Using high-quality chocolate makes all the difference in flavor. Adjust the mint to your taste preference.

Storage and Shelf Life

Mint Chocolate Truffles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, maintaining their freshness. If you prefer a firmer texture, serving them cold enhances that delightful bite. Before serving, let the truffles sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes so they soften slightly, allowing the rich flavors to bloom.

If you wish to make these treats ahead of time, they're perfect for freezing as well. Arrange the rolled truffles on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer them into an airtight container or a zip-top bag, where they can last for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for a soft texture.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your ganache appears grainy after mixing in the cream, it likely means the chocolate has seized. This can happen if the chocolate is heated too quickly or comes into contact with water. To remedy this, you can try gently reheating the mixture over a double boiler and adding a tablespoon of butter or shortening to restore its smooth texture. Be sure to stir continuously until glossy and fully combined.

In case your truffles aren't rolling smoothly, this could be due to the mixture being too soft. If you encounter this issue, simply refrigerate the mixture for another 15-20 minutes and try again. The colder mixture will hold its shape better, making the rolling process much easier and ensuring beautifully formed truffles.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, but the flavor will be sweeter, and you may want to adjust the amount of mint extract accordingly.

→ How long do these truffles last?

They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these truffles?

Yes, you can freeze the truffles for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store them in a freezer-safe container.

→ What other coatings can I use?

You can roll them in crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or even dip them in melted chocolate for a different twist.