Peppermint Mocha Truffles

$To make peppermint mocha truffles, gather these simple items: - 8 oz dark chocolate, finely chopped - 1 cup sweetened condensed milk - 2 tablespoons strong brewed coffee, cooled - 1 teaspoon peppermint extract - A pinch of salt - 1 cup crushed peppermint candies (for coating) - Unsweetened cocoa powder (for coating) You can swap some ingredients for different flavors. Use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter taste. If you want a lower sugar option, try using unsweetened condensed milk. For a coffee-free version, replace brewed coffee with milk or cream. You can also use mint extract if peppermint is not available. Gather a few key tools to make this recipe easy: - A heatproof bowl for melting chocolate - A pot for the double boiler setup - A spatula for mixing - A melon baller or your hands for shaping truffles - Two shallow plates for coating - Parchment paper for the baking sheet These tools will help you create smooth and tasty truffles with ease! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, we need to melt the dark chocolate. Take 8 ounces of finely chopped dark chocolate. Place it in a heatproof bowl. Set this bowl over a pot of simmering water. This method is called a double boiler. Stir the chocolate gently as it melts. Keep stirring until it is smooth and glossy. This step is key for great texture. Next, we combine our melted chocolate with other tasty ingredients. Remove the bowl from heat when the chocolate is ready. Add 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk to the bowl. Then, pour in 2 tablespoons of strong brewed coffee. Make sure the coffee is cool first. Next, add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract and a pinch of salt. Mix everything well until it is smooth. A good mix helps all the flavors blend together. Now, we need to chill our mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. This helps the mixture firm up. Once it is firm, take it out of the fridge. Use a melon baller or your hands to scoop out small portions. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter. Roll these portions into round balls. This is where the truffle shape comes from! Finally, it’s time to coat our truffles. Prepare two shallow plates. One should hold crushed peppermint candies, and the other should have cocoa powder. Roll half of the truffles in the crushed peppermint for a festive look. Roll the other half in cocoa powder for a rich taste. Once coated, place the truffles on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Set the sheet back in the fridge for another 30 minutes. This helps them set completely. To get the right texture for your truffles, follow these steps. Use high-quality dark chocolate. Chop it finely so it melts evenly. When melting, use a double boiler to avoid burning the chocolate. Stir it often until it is smooth. This step ensures a creamy base. After mixing in the other ingredients, chill the mixture until it firms up. This makes rolling easier and keeps the shape. If the mixture is too soft, it will be hard to work with. With the right texture, your truffles will be a delight to eat. To keep your truffles fresh, store them in an airtight container. This prevents moisture from ruining the texture. Place a sheet of parchment paper between layers if stacking. Store them in the fridge for best results. They can last up to two weeks this way. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic. When you want to eat them, let them thaw in the fridge. This keeps their texture and flavor intact. Rolling truffles can be tricky, but I have some tips. First, use cold hands when shaping. This helps prevent the chocolate from melting too quickly. Scoop out small amounts of the mixture, about one inch in size. Roll them gently into balls. Don't worry if they are not perfect; a little variation adds charm. Prepare your coatings in advance. Use crushed peppermint and cocoa powder on separate plates. Roll half of your truffles in peppermint for a fun crunch. Roll the rest in cocoa for a rich taste. This makes your truffles look festive and taste amazing! Pro Tips Use Quality Chocolate: Choose a high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor. The better the chocolate, the richer your truffles will taste. Chill the Mixture Well: Ensure the chocolate mixture is chilled thoroughly before rolling into balls. This will make it easier to handle and shape. Experiment with Coatings: Feel free to mix up the coatings! Try using crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or even sprinkles for a fun twist. Gift Packaging: When gifting, consider using clear cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon. This not only looks beautiful but also keeps the truffles fresh! {{image_4}} You can play with flavors for your peppermint mocha truffles. Try dark chocolate and orange zest for a bright twist. Milk chocolate with a hint of almond extract gives a smooth taste. You can also add a splash of vanilla or hazelnut for warmth. The key is to keep the base recipe but change the extracts. This way, you create new surprises for your taste buds. For a healthier take, use dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa. You can swap sweetened condensed milk for coconut cream or nut milk. This keeps the truffles creamy while cutting sugar. You can also use a sugar substitute or natural sweeteners like maple syrup. Adding nuts can boost protein and healthy fats, making the truffles more filling. You can easily make peppermint mocha truffles vegan. Start with dairy-free dark chocolate. Use coconut milk instead of sweetened condensed milk. For the coffee, use any strong brewed coffee you like. Check that your peppermint extract is vegan-friendly. This way, you create a tasty treat that everyone can enjoy, no matter their diet. To keep your peppermint mocha truffles fresh, store them in an airtight container. Choose a cool place, away from sunlight. A refrigerator works best. If you stack them, add parchment paper between layers. This keeps them from sticking together. These truffles can last about two weeks in the fridge. After two weeks, they may lose some flavor and texture. To enjoy them at their best, eat them within this time frame. If you need to keep them longer, think about freezing. To freeze truffles, first let them set in the fridge. Once firm, place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, about one hour. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy them, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Avoid thawing them at room temperature to keep their texture. Yes, you can use milk chocolate. This will give the truffles a sweeter taste. Milk chocolate has a creamier texture, which many people enjoy. Just remember, the flavor will change. Dark chocolate has a rich, deep taste that balances with the peppermint. The truffles need about 30 minutes to set in the fridge. After shaping them, place the truffles on a parchment-lined sheet. This helps them firm up. If the mixture is soft, let it chill longer. You want them to hold their shape when you bite in. You can find pre-made peppermint mocha truffles in many stores. Look in the candy aisle or the bakery section. Some specialty shops may carry them too. Online stores often have gourmet options. Check your favorite local shops or try a quick search online. Yes, you can make these truffles early. They keep well in the fridge for a week. Just store them in an airtight container. If you want to make them even earlier, you can freeze them. They will last for about three months in the freezer. If you need a substitute for sweetened condensed milk, use coconut milk. Add sugar to it for sweetness. Another option is to blend evaporated milk with sugar. This gives a similar texture and taste. You can also use homemade versions if you prefer a fresh option. In this blog post, we explored how to make peppermint mocha truffles. We covered the needed ingredients and tools, step-by-step instructions, and handy tips. You learned about variations and how to store your treats for freshness. Making these truffles is simple and fun. You can impress others and enjoy delicious flavors. Use the tips to make perfect truffles each time. Enjoy your sweet creations and share them with friends!$

Delicious chocolate truffles infused with peppermint and coffee, perfect for the holiday season.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Total Time 2

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 20

Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz dark chocolate, finely chopped
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons strong brewed coffee, cooled to room temperature
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
a pinch salt
1 cup crushed peppermint candies (for coating)
to taste unsweetened cocoa powder (for coating)

Instructions

In a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water (double boiler), melt the finely chopped dark chocolate. Stir continuously until it is completely smooth and glossy.
Once the chocolate is melted and smooth, remove the bowl from heat. Add in the sweetened condensed milk, cooled brewed coffee, peppermint extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for approximately 1 hour or until it becomes firm enough to handle without sticking to your hands.
After the mixture has chilled, use a melon baller or your hands to scoop out small portions (about 1 inch in diameter) and gently roll them into round balls.
Prepare two shallow plates, one with the crushed peppermint candies and the other with cocoa powder. Roll half of the truffles in the crushed peppermint candies for a festive crunch and the other half in cocoa powder for a rich chocolatey finish.
Transfer the coated truffles to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place the sheet in the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes to allow the truffles to set completely.

Notes

Arrange the truffles in a decorative box or on a festive plate. For an extra holiday touch, garnish with a sprinkling of crushed peppermint or a few whole peppermint candies on top. Consider wrapping them in cellophane and tying with a ribbon for a charming gift!

Keyword chocolate, dessert, holiday, peppermint, truffles