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Delicious French Chocolate Truffles

Featured in: Desserts to Satisfy Every Craving

These delightful French truffles mix premium dark chocolate with cream to make silky, decadent ganache centers. Basic ingredients that deliver stunning results.

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Updated on Sat, 26 Apr 2025 14:27:21 GMT
A plate of various chocolate truffles, decorated with sprinkles, coconut, and cocoa powder, is placed among cinnamon sticks and pine branches on a rustic wooden surface. Pin it
A plate of various chocolate truffles, decorated with sprinkles, coconut, and cocoa powder, is placed among cinnamon sticks and pine branches on a rustic wooden surface. | cookingkitchn.com

Homemade Dark Chocolate Truffles

I stumbled upon these chocolate treats in a small shop while visiting Paris, and they've become my go-to dessert ever since. The velvety center coated in cocoa takes me straight back to that wonderful day. Everyone in my family swears they're just as good as the ones from expensive chocolate boutiques, and I can't disagree.

Why You'll Love Them

The Delightful Experience Each nibble of these truffles delivers pure chocolate heaven. With just a handful of basic ingredients, you'll create something truly extraordinary. Nobody believes how incredibly silky these turn out until they try them.

Great Gift Option These small chocolate bites make wonderful presents during the holidays. Just wrap them in cute containers and you'll see smiles when people taste them. Once you start making these, you'll get requests from everyone you know.

Essential Components

  • Chocolate: Premium dark chocolate around 60% cacao. Pick bars you'd happily snack on alone as they'll determine your truffles' final taste.
  • Dairy: Heavy cream with full fat content creates that dreamy smooth texture. Adding unsalted butter gives that extra bit of luxurious mouthfeel we all want.
  • Taste Boosters: Real vanilla extract and just a dash of sea salt really bring out the chocolate's natural flavors wonderfully.
  • Outer Layers: Finely sifted cocoa powder works beautifully. Have some crushed nuts or coconut flakes ready if you want some variety.

Making Your Truffles

Get Your Chocolate Ready
Cut the chocolate into tiny uniform bits so it melts evenly. Put them in a wide heatproof bowl that gives you plenty of room to stir everything.
Warm The Cream
Add heavy cream to a small pot and heat it on medium until small bubbles form around the sides. Keep an eye on it - we don't want it boiling, just hot enough to melt the chocolate pieces.
Create Your Ganache
Pour the heated cream over your chocolate bits and let it sit without touching for 60 seconds. Then stir from the middle outward until everything looks shiny and smooth. Mix in vanilla and salt with a final stir.
Let It Set
Cover the ganache with plastic wrap touching its surface to stop a film from developing. Chill in your fridge for at least 4 hours or leave it overnight until it's firm enough to scoop out.
Form Your Truffles
Grab a melon baller or small spoon to scoop out bits of the firm ganache. Roll them quickly in your hands to make smooth balls. Work with small batches while keeping the rest cool in the fridge.
Add The Coating
Roll each ball in whatever coating you've picked - cocoa powder, crushed nuts, or shredded coconut. Set them on a lined tray and chill for about 30 minutes before you serve them.

Creative Coating Ideas

My home turns into a chocolate factory when I'm making these goodies. Cocoa powder gives that traditional truffle appearance, but adding crushed nuts creates a wonderful texture contrast. During the holidays I enjoy using smashed candy canes, and my children absolutely love colorful sprinkles. Sometimes I'll combine coconut with cocoa for a unique two-tone finish.

Tips For Success

For standout truffles, start by dicing the chocolate into tiny pieces so everything melts perfectly. Pay close attention to your cream - those tiny bubbles at the edge are exactly what you want, but don't let it start boiling. Try to keep your hands cool during the rolling phase so the mixture stays firm. Always let them come to room temp before eating so you can taste all their flavor notes.

A white plate holds an assortment of chocolate truffles, some coated in cocoa powder and others with sugar or a smooth chocolate shell. Pin it
A white plate holds an assortment of chocolate truffles, some coated in cocoa powder and others with sugar or a smooth chocolate shell. | cookingkitchn.com

Storage Suggestions

These little treats will stay fresh in an airtight container for about a week, if they don't vanish before then. Stick them in the fridge if you need them to last a bit longer. My trick for big parties? I make them weeks ahead and freeze them for up to three months. Just don't forget to let them warm up to room temperature before serving them.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why use high quality chocolate?

Premium chocolate with 60-70% cocoa gives the richest taste and smoothest texture.

→ Why chill ganache?

Cooling makes the mixture firm enough to roll into perfect balls.

→ Can I freeze truffles?

Absolutely, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months in the freezer.

→ Why use cold hands?

Cool hands stop the chocolate from getting too soft while you're forming the truffles.

→ What coatings work best?

Go for cocoa powder, finely chopped nuts, or a shell of melted chocolate.

Dark Chocolate French Truffles

Authentic French chocolate truffles with velvety ganache centers crafted from premium dark chocolate and rich cream.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
160 Minutes
Total Time
190 Minutes
By: Sophia

Category: Sweet Delights

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Parisian

Yield: 17 Servings (17)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 226g bittersweet chocolate (60-70% cacao).
02 125ml whipping cream.
03 20g soft butter, unsalted.
04 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla.
05 Tiny bit of sea salt.
06 Your favorite topping.

Instructions

Step 01

Finely dice the bittersweet chocolate with a good knife so it'll melt smoothly.

Step 02

Put whipping cream in a small pot and warm it until tiny bubbles appear on the sides.

Step 03

Drop the hot cream onto your chocolate chunks and put the soft butter on top without mixing.

Step 04

Leave everything alone for 3-5 minutes so the chocolate gets nice and melty.

Step 05

Grab a wooden spoon and gently swirl everything until it looks shiny and smooth.

Step 06

Sprinkle in vanilla and sea salt, then stir till they're mixed in well.

Step 07

Put plastic wrap right on the mixture's surface so it stays smooth on top.

Step 08

Stick it in the fridge for at least 3 hours or pop it in the freezer for 1 hour until it's firm.

Step 09

Grab your ice cream scoop or spoon and make little balls from the cold mixture.

Step 10

Put all your scooped bits onto a tray lined with parchment.

Step 11

Toss the tray in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to make them firmer.

Step 12

Work with cold hands to quickly roll each piece into a nice round ball.

Step 13

If they start getting mushy, stick them back in the freezer for a bit.

Step 14

Pour your chosen topping into a flat dish for easy rolling.

Step 15

Roll each cold ball in the topping until they're totally covered.

Notes

  1. Classic Parisian sweet treat.
  2. Best with premium chocolate.
  3. Keep some in the freezer.
  4. Coat with whatever you fancy.

Tools You'll Need

  • Small pot.
  • Mixing containers.
  • Ice cream dipper.
  • Baking paper.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Milk stuff (cream and butter).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 102
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: 1 g