There’s an undeniable charm in the air during the holiday season, and it often comes wrapped in the rich, cozy scent of chocolate. I discovered the magic of chocolate hazelnut truffles one chilly evening while searching for the perfect homemade gift to share with friends. As I combined roasted hazelnuts with silky chocolate, the aroma alone was enough to transform my kitchen into a haven of warmth and sweetness.
These delightful truffles are more than just a treat—they’re a luxurious experience that melts in your mouth, enveloped in a glossy coating that makes them look as impressive as they taste. Perfect for holiday gifting or indulging during cozy nights in, this recipe will have you skip the store-bought candies for a personal touch that truly shines. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into creating these irresistible chocolate hazelnut truffles!
Why are Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles a Must-Try?
Irresistible Joy: Indulging in these homemade truffles is pure bliss, with every bite a perfect blend of chocolate and hazelnut.
Gifting Delight: Their elegant appearance makes them an ideal gift, impressing friends and family alike.
Easy to Make: Despite their gourmet taste, these truffles come together effortlessly, requiring just a few simple steps.
Flavor Magic: The rich combination of silky chocolate and toasted hazelnuts creates a flavor explosion like no other.
Holiday Vibe: Their festive nature enhances every holiday gathering, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.
Personal Touch: Create a heartfelt gift that shows you care more than a store-bought option ever could.
Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles Ingredients
For the Truffle Filling
• Roasted Hazelnuts (2 cups) – Provide the base flavor and texture of the truffles; can use any other nut, but hazelnuts are traditional.
• Confectioner’s Sugar (1/4 cup) – Adds sweetness and helps achieve the right texture in the ganache.
• Cocoa Powder (3 Tbsp) – Enhances the chocolate flavor of the filling; can substitute with Dutch-processed cocoa for a richer taste.
• Vanilla Extract (1 Tbsp) – Adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
• Vegetable Oil (4 Tbsp) – Assists in achieving a smooth consistency in the hazelnut spread; almond oil can be used for additional flavor.
For the Chocolate Coating
• Milk Chocolate Melting Wafers (1 cup, plus 16 oz for coating) – Provides a smooth, glossy finish; Ghirardelli is recommended for quality flavor and texture.
• Butter (1 Tbsp) – Enhances the chocolate coating’s creaminess.
For Topping
• Crushed Roasted Hazelnuts (1/4 cup) – For dusting, providing a festive look and crunch.
These Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles are not only incredibly delicious but also add a personal touch to any occasion!
How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles
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Blend Hazelnuts: Start by blending the roasted hazelnuts in a high-speed blender until they turn smooth. Gradually introduce the confectioner’s sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil until you achieve a silky mixture.
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Chill the Spread: Transfer your blended mixture into a jar or bowl, let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate overnight to firm it up.
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Scoop Truffles: Using a teaspoon or small cookie scoop, form rounded balls (about 1 teaspoon each) from the chilled spread. Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper. Freeze for about 30 minutes.
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Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine milk chocolate wafers and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth.
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Dip Truffles: Remove half of the frozen truffles from the freezer. Dip each one into the melted chocolate using a fork, tapping off excess chocolate, then place it back on the parchment-lined tray. Immediately sprinkle with crushed hazelnuts for decoration.
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Set and Store: Allow the coated truffles to set at room temperature. Once set, refrigerate them. Repeat the dipping process with the remaining truffles. Keep them stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Optional: Drizzle with white chocolate for an extra festive touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles are a fantastic choice for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the hazelnut spread up to 24 hours in advance by blending the roasted hazelnuts with confectioner’s sugar and cocoa powder, then chilling it overnight. Form the truffles and freeze them for up to 3 days; this maintains their perfect shape and texture. When you’re ready to enjoy or gift them, simply dip the frozen truffles into melted chocolate, sprinkle with crushed hazelnuts, and let them set at room temperature. This way, the truffles remain just as delicious, allowing you to serve a stunning dessert with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles?
These delightful truffles are perfect for celebrating the season, bringing joy to any gathering or cozy night in.
- Decadent Coffee: Rich coffee adds a warm, comforting element, enhancing the chocolate flavor while being an indulgent pairing.
- Sparkling Wine: A crisp, refreshing sparkling wine cuts through the richness, creating a perfect balance for a festive atmosphere.
- Holiday Cheese Board: Add creamy brie and sharp cheddar to contrast flavors, offering variety and enhancing the overall dessert experience.
- Fresh Berries: Juicy raspberries or strawberries add a bright, tangy contrast that beautifully complements the rich truffles.
- Homemade Hot Chocolate: For extra coziness, serve these truffles with a cup of creamy hot cocoa topped with whipped cream and marshmallows.
- Chocolate Martini: This fun and fruity cocktail matches the chocolate theme, creating a luxurious pairing that’s great for special occasions.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream offers a creamy richness that crowns the indulgent truffles, making every bite heavenly.
- Nutty Granola: Serve alongside crunchy, nut-studded granola for a delightful textural contrast that enhances the truffles’ flavors as a light snack.
- Mint Tea: A soothing mint tea can refresh your palate, creating a delightful balance after indulging in such rich and sweet truffles.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles
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Roast Hazelnuts Well: Make sure your hazelnuts are freshly roasted to enhance their flavor. Avoid raw nuts for the best taste!
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Smooth Consistency: Blend your hazelnuts thoroughly until the mixture is creamy; this ensures a silky texture in your truffles.
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Avoid Overheating Chocolate: When melting chocolate wafers, heat them in short bursts to prevent burning. Stir frequently until smooth for a perfect coating.
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Chill for Firmness: Don’t skip the chilling step for the truffle filling; it makes scooping easier and helps maintain shape during dipping.
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Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality milk chocolate for coating; it makes a noticeable difference in flavor and presentation for your chocolate hazelnut truffles.
How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles
Fridge: Store your chocolate hazelnut truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks to maintain their freshness and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the truffles in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, transfer the frozen truffles to the fridge overnight to thaw, preserving their rich texture.
Reheating: Avoid reheating these truffles; simply enjoy them chilled or at room temperature for the best taste experience.
Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles Variations
Unlock the potential of your chocolate hazelnut truffles by adding your own unique twist! Here are some fun ideas to enhance your experience.
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Dark Chocolate: Swap milk chocolate for dark chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor that chocolate lovers will adore.
Darker chocolate pairs beautifully with the nutty hazelnuts, creating a decadent treat that’s honestly hard to resist. -
White Chocolate: Use white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier taste and drizzle with dark chocolate for a lovely contrast.
This variation turns your truffles into a visually stunning delight, perfect for festive occasions or simply to spoil yourself. -
Espresso Infusion: Incorporate a hint of espresso powder into the ganache to awaken your taste buds with a coffee twist.
The espresso brings out the chocolate flavor, creating an enticing blend that coffee lovers will definitely appreciate. -
Nut Variations: Swap roasted hazelnuts for pecans or almonds to explore different nutty flavors that still complement the chocolate beautifully.
You’ll discover a new favorite taste while enjoying the familiar comfort of velvety chocolate. -
Spiced Truffles: Add a dash of cinnamon or a pinch of sea salt for extra depth and warmth.
These subtle spices elevate the flavor profile, making each bite feel even more comforting and inviting—perfect for chilly evenings. -
Coconut Flake Coating: Roll your truffles in toasted coconut flakes instead of crushed hazelnuts for a tropical twist.
The coconut’s sweetness and texture bring a delightful contrast that will certainly surprise your palate. -
Candy Coating: Use crushed candy canes or festive sprinkles for a fun holiday touch and extra crunch.
This colorful twist not only looks appealing but also adds delightful surprises with each bite, making them perfect for sharing! -
Liqueur Addition: Infuse the ganache with a splash of your favorite liqueur, like hazelnut or orange, for an adult treat.
This sophisticated enhancement transforms your truffles into a gourmet dessert perfect for celebrating special moments.
Let your creativity soar with these variations, turning your chocolate hazelnut truffles into a dynamic treat for everyone to enjoy!
Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles Recipe FAQs
What type of hazelnuts should I use for the Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles?
I highly recommend using freshly roasted hazelnuts for the best flavor. Look for ones that are crunchy and have a slightly golden-brown color. If using raw hazelnuts, roast them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, until fragrant and lightly browned, then let them cool before using.
How should I store Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles?
To keep your truffles fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It’s best to layer the truffles with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. If you need to keep them for longer, they can be frozen for up to 3 months as well.
Can I freeze Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles, and if so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your chocolate hazelnut truffles, first freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
What should I do if my chocolate coating is too thick?
If you find that the chocolate coating is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a small amount of vegetable oil or coconut oil, about 1 teaspoon at a time, stirring until you achieve a smoother consistency. This will help you achieve that silky finish that makes your truffles shine.
Are Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles safe for those with nut allergies?
Unfortunately, these truffles contain hazelnuts and chocolate, which are not suitable for those with nut allergies. However, if you’re looking for an alternative, you can substitute the hazelnuts with sunflower seed butter to create a nut-free version—just keep in mind that it will alter the flavor profile a bit.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for coating?
Definitely! Swapping in dark chocolate for milk chocolate will give your truffles a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor. Just melt the dark chocolate in the same way and follow the same dipping instructions. Enjoy experimenting with flavors!
Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles for Sweet Gifting Moments
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Blend Hazelnuts: Start by blending the roasted hazelnuts in a high-speed blender until they turn smooth. Gradually introduce the confectioner's sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil until you achieve a silky mixture.
- Chill the Spread: Transfer your blended mixture into a jar or bowl, let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate overnight to firm it up.
- Scoop Truffles: Using a teaspoon or small cookie scoop, form rounded balls (about 1 teaspoon each) from the chilled spread. Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper. Freeze for about 30 minutes.
- Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine milk chocolate wafers and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth.
- Dip Truffles: Remove half of the frozen truffles from the freezer. Dip each one into the melted chocolate using a fork, tapping off excess chocolate, then place it back on the parchment-lined tray. Immediately sprinkle with crushed hazelnuts for decoration.
- Set and Store: Allow the coated truffles to set at room temperature. Once set, refrigerate them. Repeat the dipping process with the remaining truffles. Keep them stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.