French chocolate truffles for a creamy, intense dark chocolate bite you can make in minutes — the classic homemade cocoa-dusted treat.
French chocolate truffles are rich, creamy dark chocolate bites made from a smooth ganache rolled in cocoa powder. Simple ingredients, big flavor.
These classic cocoa truffles come from a mix of chocolate and cream, giving them their signature melt-in-the-mouth texture—softer and creamier than regular chocolate ganache.
Perfect for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or gifting, homemade chocolate truffles are quick to make and feel luxurious with almost no effort.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Pure chocolate flavor – soft French chocolate truffles made from real dark chocolate ganache.
- Melt-in-your-mouth texture – creamy, smooth, and dusted in classic cocoa powder.
- Perfect for gifting – quick to make and ideal for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or homemade chocolate boxes.
Ingredients for Chocolate Truffles
- Dark chocolate – Use good-quality baking chocolate (54–70% cocoa) for rich, smooth ganache.
- Heavy cream – Full-fat heavy cream (30%+) to create a creamy, stable texture.
- Butter – A small amount of unsalted butter for extra softness.
- Vanilla + salt – Adds depth and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Sugar (optional) – Adjust sweetness if using very dark or bittersweet chocolate.
Tips for this recipe
- Chop the chocolate finely – It melts faster and gives a smoother ganache.
- Heat the cream gently – Warm, not boiling, to avoid splitting the chocolate.
- Chill the ganache well – Let it firm up in the fridge before shaping the truffles.
- Keep hands cool – Cold hands help roll perfect truffle balls without melting.
How to Make French Chocolate Truffles
Chop the chocolate finely and place it in a bowl. Heat the heavy cream until it gently simmers.
Pour the hot cream over the chocolate with the butter. Let it rest a few minutes, then stir until smooth and creamy.
Add the vanilla and salt, mix until smooth, then cover in contact with plastic wrap and chill for 3 hours until the ganache is firm.
Scoop the chilled ganache onto a parchment-lined tray, then freeze 10 minutes. Roll each portion between your hands to form smooth truffle balls.
Roll each truffle in unsweetened cocoa powder (or your chosen coating) until fully covered.
Place them in mini cups or a container and keep chilled until serving.
Coating Ideas for Chocolate Truffles
- Cocoa powder – the classic French truffle finish.
- Chopped nuts – almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios for crunch.
- Coconut – light, sweet, and tropical.
- Powdered sugar – soft and sweet coating.
- Crushed cookies – Oreo or graham crumbs for extra texture.
- Melted chocolate – dip for a glossy chocolate shell.
- Sprinkles – fun and festive.
- Crushed candy canes – perfect for holiday truffles.
Storage
- Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months in a sealed container, then thaw at room temp.
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for 1 week.
- Fridge: Keeps up to 2 weeks.
Recipe Variations
- Coffee – Add a bit of espresso powder to the warm cream.
- White chocolate – Make a sweeter version using white chocolate ganache (link).
- Milk chocolate – Swap dark chocolate for milk chocolate for a softer truffle.
- Orange – Add orange zest or a drop of orange extract.
- Raspberry – Stir in raspberry purée or seedless jam for a fruity twist.
- Hazelnut – Fold in finely crushed hazelnuts.
- Liqueur – Add a splash of Baileys, Grand Marnier, or Amaretto.
Recipe Questions
Can I use chocolate chips?
They’re not ideal. Use a chocolate bar (60–70% cocoa) for a smooth ganache.
Why is my ganache too soft?
It needs more chilling or a higher chocolate ratio.
Can I use milk or white chocolate?
Yes, but reduce the cream since they melt softer.
Can I use frozen cream or low-fat cream?
No. Use full-fat heavy cream for proper texture.
How do I fix split ganache?
Warm a little cream and whisk it in slowly.
Can I freeze chocolate truffles?
Yes, freeze up to 3 months in an airtight container.
More Chocolate Desserts
I hope you’ll love this recipe! Rate it ★★★★★ and leave a quick comment — it always helps. Happy baking!
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French chocolate truffles
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 17 truffles
Description
Classic French chocolate truffles with a rich, creamy ganache filling. Easy to make with just a few ingredients. (Makes about 15–17 truffles)
Ingredients
- 226 g (8 oz) dark baking chocolate (60–70%)
- 125 ml (½ cup) heavy cream (full-fat)
- 20 g unsalted butter, softened
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch sea salt
Instructions
- Finely chop the chocolate and place it in a medium bowl.
- Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it starts to simmer.
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate, add the butter, and let sit 3–5 minutes.
- Stir until the ganache is completely smooth.
- Mix in the vanilla and salt.
- Cover with plastic wrap touching the surface and chill for at least 3 hours (or 1 hour in the freezer).
- Scoop portions of ganache with a spoon or small scoop and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Freeze the tray for 10–15 minutes.
- Roll each portion quickly between your hands to form round truffles.
- Roll in cocoa powder (or desired coating) until fully covered.
Notes
Storage: Store in an airtight container up to 5 days, in the fridge 1–2 weeks, freeze up to 3 months
Tips:
- Weigh ingredients for accuracy (better than cups).
- Use good-quality chocolate for a smooth ganache.
- Chop chocolate finely so it melts evenly.
- If ganache feels soft, chill longer before rolling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Calories: 102
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 16
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 13
Laura em
Make these ones and they are amazing! Super easy to make and so creamy. Perfect for anyone who loves chocolate 😉