Peppermint Truffles Recipe | Downshiftology (2024)

Home Recipes Courses Desserts Peppermint Truffles

by Lisa Bryan

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Updated Nov 27, 2021

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Peppermint truffles are rich, creamy, and melt in your mouth with every bite. Sounds like a chocolate lover’s dream right? Not only are these truffles made with just 4 ingredients, but they’re also dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan.

Peppermint Truffles Recipe | Downshiftology (2)

I’ve been in a bit of chocolate frenzy, which started with my paleo chocolate zucchini bread. But, I’m concluding this month with a special chocolate delicacy just in time for my birthday weekend!

If you’ve been following me for some time now, you know that a mint chocolate cake has been a birthday tradition since I was 6 years old. But, since I was diagnosed with celiac several years ago, I’ve challenged myself to create new variations of gluten-free mint chocolate recipes (you can see them all listed below).

So for this year’s birthday, I’ve decided to make something I’ve never done before: peppermint truffles. These bite sized treats are filled with a velvety ganache and have a refreshing peppermint undertone. They’re easy, decadent and delicious.

Which Peppermint Extract To Use

One thing to note is that you want to use peppermint extract, and not mint extract. The bottles may look the same, but there is a difference in flavors. Peppermint extract is derived from pure peppermint oil, where as mint comes from a combination of mint plants.

While there are tons of peppermint extracts to choose from, I personally prefer Neilsen-Massey Peppermint Extract. I use this extract for almost all my chocolate recipes, because it reminds of a refreshing peppermint patty.

How to Make Peppermint Truffles

Making this peppermint truffle recipe couldn’t be easier. Watch the video below for quick step-by-step instructions and tips:

  1. Create a double boiler. Then reduce the heat into a simmer and place a glass bowl on top of the pot.
  2. Heat the coconut milk by adding it into the bowl for 2-3 minutes until it’s warm.
  3. Add the chocolate chips into the bowl and slowly stir until the mixture becomes silky smooth.
  4. Remove the bowl from the double boiler and stir in the peppermint extract.
  5. Let the ganache cool for about 2 hours in the fridge.
  6. Scoop out the ganache from the bowl using a small cookie scooper, then use your hands to gently roll them into a ball. Note that this can be a messy process! Be quick to roll them because the mixture will melt from the heat of your hands.
  7. Roll the balls in cacao powder, or any coating of your choice, and set them on a serving dish.
  8. Place in the fridge to let it firm for about 15 minutes. Then enjoy!

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Serving and Storing Chocolate Truffles

While chocolate truffles taste extremely delicious unadorned, rolling them in nuts, powdered sugar, sprinkles, or cacao powder takes them to the next level. You can even dip them in tempered chocolate for a hard outside and soft inside. But for my peppermint truffles, I chose to coat them in cacao powder.

The truffles are best kept in the fridge and served cold (in my opinion), as they’re a bit firmer and hold their shape better. But they will hold up at room temperature. They’ll just be a bit softer.

You can also make the truffles ahead of time for a party, holiday or function. Store them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks in a storage container.

PRO TIP: You can remove any excess cacao powder by rolling them between your hands again after they’ve chilled. This will remove any excess powder that might otherwise fall off when bitten into (as I’ve done in the photos).

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Peppermint Truffles Recipe | Downshiftology (5)

Peppermint Truffles Recipe | Downshiftology (6)

More Chocolate Peppermint Recipes

If you love the chocolate peppermint combo like I do, here are my past birthday recipes to enjoy:

  • Mint Double Chocolate Chip Cookies (2018 birthday)
  • Chocolate Peppermint Slice (2017 birthday)
  • Mini Skillet Brownies with Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream (2016 birthday)

And if you just want straight up chocolate, indulge in my Paleo Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Chia Pudding or Chocolate Mug Cake. All three are reader favorites!

Peppermint Truffles Recipe | Downshiftology (7)

Peppermint Truffles

4.94 from 16 votes

Prep: 15 minutes mins

Cook: 5 minutes mins

Chilling Time: 2 hours hrs

Total: 2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 16 servings

Author: Lisa Bryan

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Description

Made with just 4 ingredients, these peppermint truffles are rich in chocolate flavor and have a smooth ganache texture. Watch the video above to see how quickly they come together!

Video

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Create a double boiler. Fill a small sized pot 1/4 full with water and bring it to a boil. Then reduce the heat to a simmer and place a glass bowl on top of the pot.

  • Heat the coconut milk by adding it into the bowl for 2-3 minutes until it becomes warm.

  • Add the chocolate chips to the same bowl and slowly stir until the mixture has a silky smooth texture.

  • Remove the bowl from the double boiler and stir in the peppermint extract.

  • Place the chocolate ganache mixture in the fridge and let it cool for about 2 hours.

  • Scoop out the chocolate ganache from the bowl using a small cookie scoop, then use your hands to gently roll it into a ball.

  • Roll the balls immediately in cacao powder and set them on a plate.

  • Place the plate in the fridge for about 15 minutes to firm up. Then serve and enjoy!

Lisa's Tips

  • You want to use the coconut milk that is full fat from the can, not the coconut milk in the carton from the refrigerated section at the market.
  • To make these paleo, use either Hu Kitchen Gems or Eating Evolved Chocolate Chips. Both are chocolate sweetened with coconut sugar.
  • Truffles are best kept in the fridge and can be stored for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition

Calories: 92kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 25mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 38IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Chocolate Truffles, Peppermint Truffle Recipe, Peppermint Truffles, Vegan truffles

©Downshiftology. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.

Did you make this recipe?Mention @downshiftology or tag #downshiftology!

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About the author

Lisa Bryan

Lisa is a bestselling cookbook author, recipe developer, and YouTuber (with over 2.5 million subscribers) living in sunny Southern California. She started Downshiftology in 2014, and is passionate about making healthy food with fresh, simple and seasonal ingredients.

Read More About Me

Peppermint Truffles Recipe | Downshiftology (2024)

FAQs

How long do homemade truffles last? ›

Homemade truffles can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and for up to 6 months in the freezer. For the best texture and flavor, bring them to room temperature before serving. Even if you're planning on gifting your chocolate truffles, be sure to store them in the fridge or freezer.

How do you firm up a truffle mixture? ›

If the mixture is getting too soft, put it in the fridge or freezer and let it firm up before continuing.

Why are truffles so creamy? ›

Traditional truffles are made from ganache—melted chocolate combined with heavy cream—so it's important to use a 2:1 ratio of chocolate to cream.

What if my truffle mixture is too sticky? ›

What do I do if the truffle mixture is too sticky? If your chocolate truffles are sticky when you're rolling them into balls, it's probably because they aren't fully set yet. Place them back in the fridge until the chocolate is very firm, but still soft enough to form into shape.

Why are truffles so expensive? ›

Pound for pound, truffle is one of the most expensive foods you can buy. The reason behind such high costs is the scarcity of the produce, truffles are seasonal, extremely difficult to grow, and take many years to cultivate. They also have a short shelf life.

Why do truffles go bad? ›

Furthermore, truffles are typically more than 70% water and will naturally lose 2 or 3 % of their body weight per day (moisture), so if you wait too long, they will rot or dry-out. We have given your truffles a quick clean, however, you may wish to clean them further before using them.

What is a substitute for heavy cream in truffles? ›

Full-fat coconut milk or a blend of coconut milk and coconut cream are an ideal substitute for heavy cream. The truffles in this photo are made from canned coconut milk; I recommend choosing a brand that is in a container that doesn't contain BPA.

Can you freeze homemade truffles? ›

To give as presents, place 8-10 truffles in individual foil or paper cases inside small, lined boxes tied with ribbon. Keep in the fridge until you're ready to give them. Will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for three days, or frozen for up to a month.

What is the best chocolate to use for truffles? ›

I love Baker's or Ghirardelli brands. If you want to splurge, Scharffen Berger is exceptional! Semi-sweet or dark chocolate make a very intense chocolate truffle and milk chocolate yields a sweeter truffle. If using milk chocolate, reduce the cream to 1/2 cup as milk chocolate is much softer than dark chocolate.

Why is truffle so addictive? ›

Truffles are irresistible because their aroma is composed of chemicals that mimic mammalian reproductive pheromones. Eating, even sniffing a truffle brings about euphoric dizziness that can be truly addictive.

Why can't I taste truffle? ›

Whilst total anosmia is extremely rare, partial anosmia, the inability to taste a small number of specific flavours, is actually quite common. Amazingly, up to 30% of the population cannot detect androstenone, which is one of the chemicals used in scent-based truffle hunting.

What is the best tasting truffle? ›

Italian white Alba are the most sought-after truffles in the world as they offer the most incredible scent and taste, they are only available during a certain time of year and have a distinct aroma that contrasts with the slightly more common black varieties.

What enhances truffle flavor? ›

The fruity, slightly bitter taste of olives and olive oil beautifully complements the umami-rich flavor of truffles. Drizzle truffle-infused olive oil over an olive tapenade for an extra depth of flavor.

How to fix runny truffles? ›

Add more chocolate

If your ganache's fluidity is too high, it most likely means the ganache contains too much cream. Therefore, the texture becomes more runny and liquid-like. Therefore, our chefs recommend you to add chopped chocolate into the ganache to thicken it back.

How do you add flavor to truffle? ›

A little truffle oil goes a long way, and a simple drizzle over a eggs, salads, hot pasta or risotto dish can add a luxurious and complex flavor. Truffle oil can be used as a finishing oil for dishes such as soups, stews, and roasted vegetables, to give them a rich and earthy flavor.

How do you store homemade truffles? ›

Avoid temperature variations, as they can alter the texture and taste of the chocolate. An ideal temperature is between 15 and 18 degrees. -Keep them away from odors: Chocolate truffles can easily absorb surrounding odors. So be sure to store them in an airtight container or resealable bag.

How long can you keep a fresh truffle? ›

For fresh truffles to be enjoyed at their best, they should be consumed within 4 to 5 days. The autumn variety of the black truffle, Tuber uncinatum, can retain its flavour for up to two weeks, but the highest-quality white and black truffles are best enjoyed within a few days of delivery.

How long is the shelf life of truffle balls? ›

Generally, dipped and molded truffles will last 10-14 days. Truffles that are not enrobed, such as truffle sandwiches, will last only 3-5 days. Keeping truffles in the refrigerator will extend their shelf life, however; condensation may form on the chocolate.

How long do truffles in a jar last? ›

Canned truffles that have been continuously refrigerated will keep for about 5 to 7 days.

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