Chocolate Truffles



For 36 truffles
  • 12 oz bittersweet or semisweet chocolate
  • 2/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbs unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tbs vanilla extract
  • 3 tbs liqueur (optional)


  1. Chop the chocolate and place in a bowl.
  2. Bring the cream to a simmer, then pour over the chocolate.
  3. Stir cream and chocolate until chocolate melts and mixture is completely blended.
  4. Add butter, vanilla extract, and liqueur (if using) and blend in.
  5. Refrigerate chocolate mixture at least 1 hour, until firm.
  6. Scoop out heaping teaspoons of the chocolate and form into balls with your palms. Wear rubber gloves as your body heat will melt the chocolate instantly making it much harder to form.



  • 1/2 cup cocoa, OR 1/2 cup powdered sugar, OR 1 cup finely chopped toasted nuts, OR 12 oz milk or dark chocolate, melted

If using one of the dry coatings


  1. roll the centers in the coating
  2. roll with your hands so coating will adhere, and roll again

To dip the truffles in chocolate


  1. Chop chocolate and place in top pan of a double boiler.
  2. Bring water in bottom pan of double boiler to a boil. Make sure the water level is not so high it will touch top pan. Do not place the top pan over the bottom pan yet.
  3. Turn off the heat. Place top pan over bottom pan. Stir chocolate until it melts. Ensure that seal between boiler pans is tight so steam will not escape and condense into the chocolate, which would cause it to seize.
  4. Remove top pan and allow chocolate to cool, stirring occasionally, until it reaches 88 °F to 90 °F for semisweet chocolate, or 86 °F to 88 °F for milk or white chocolate. The chocolate should be still melted but just ready to set.
  5. Dip the truffles in the chocolate, turning to coat completely, and place on wax paper to cool.

Storage Instructions

Store truffles refrigerated, but serve at room temperature.

Dish Types: 

Main Ingredients: