If you’re craving a truly indulgent yet surprisingly simple treat, this Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles Recipe is about to become your new go-to delight. Imagine rich, creamy baking chocolate blended perfectly with smooth hazelnut butter, with a subtle crunch of crushed waffle cones and toasted hazelnuts adding a wonderful texture. Each bite melts in your mouth, delivering a beautiful balance of deep chocolate flavor and nutty warmth. Whether you’re sharing these truffles with friends or savoring them solo, every moment with these luscious bites feels like a little celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles Recipe plays a key role, bringing together taste, texture, and a bit of magic. These simple essentials come together like old friends, creating fillings and coatings full of flavor and harmony.
- Baking chocolate (5.3 ounces or 150g): The foundation for rich, smooth chocolate flavor that defines the truffle base.
- Hazelnut or almond butter (5.3 ounces or 150g): Adds luscious creaminess and nutty depth that makes each truffle unforgettable.
- Waffle cone, crushed (10g, optional): Provides a delicate, crisp texture contrast without overwhelming the palate.
- Sea salt (a pinch): Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness with a subtle savory note.
- Whole hazelnuts, blanched and roasted (12): These are the surprise centers, giving each truffle a delightful crunch.
- Milk chocolate (5.3 ounces or 150g): For coating, offering a creamy, glossy finish that’s just sweet enough.
- Grape seed or sunflower oil (2 tablespoons or 30g): Helps the coating shine and ensures a smooth dip and set.
- Crushed hazelnuts (1.8 ounces or 50g): Adds texture and extra nutty flavor to the outer coating, making each bite more interesting.
How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Chocolate Mixture
Start by lining a small tray with parchment paper—this is where your truffles will chill and firm up. Melt the baking chocolate gently in the microwave until smooth, then blend in the hazelnut butter until perfectly combined. Stir in the crushed waffle cone and a pinch of sea salt for that extra flavor hit. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes, allowing the mixture to set into a firm yet pliable texture.
Step 2: Forming the Truffles
Once your mixture is ready, scoop out 12 portions using a melon baller or tablespoon. Roll each portion into a smooth ball between your hands. Nestle a whole roasted hazelnut into the center of each, then gently press the truffle dough around it to fully encase the nut. If the mixture starts to soften as you work, don’t hesitate to chill it again—these little gems need to stay firm to handle well. Place each shaped truffle on your lined tray and pop it back into the fridge to keep cool.
Step 3: Preparing the Coating
Now for that luscious outer layer: melt the milk chocolate in the microwave until just silky. Stir in the grape seed or sunflower oil to create a glossy, smooth coating. Fold in the crushed hazelnuts, which will add a satisfying crunch and flavor as you coat your truffles.
Step 4: Dipping and Setting the Truffles
Using a fork, carefully dip each chilled truffle into the chocolate-hazelnut coating. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing the coated truffle on a cooling rack set over parchment paper. Let the chocolate shell harden naturally—this gives your truffles that beautiful snap and smooth shine. Once set, transfer the truffles to a serving tray and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to delight your taste buds.
How to Serve Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to elevate the look (and flavor) of your Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles Recipe, try sprinkling a little finely crushed toasted hazelnuts on top or dusting with cocoa powder. A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt right after dipping adds a wonderful contrast. Fresh mint leaves or edible gold flakes can also make these treats party-ready with minimal effort.
Side Dishes
Serve these truffles alongside a cup of freshly brewed espresso or rich hot chocolate to complement their nutty, chocolatey bliss. They also pair magnificently with fresh berries for a light, refreshing finish after a rich dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming gift, place your truffles in petite paper cups inside a decorative box or tin. If you want to impress at a party, arrange them on a tiered dessert stand alongside other bite-sized sweets. Wrapping them individually in cellophane tied with a colorful ribbon transforms them into delightful party favors or holiday treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These truffles keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Keeping them cool ensures they maintain their perfect texture and luscious flavor.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these ahead of time or save extras, freeze the truffles in a single layer on a tray, then transfer them to a sealed container or freezer bag. They’ll last beautifully for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw gently in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
Truffles are best enjoyed chilled, but if you want to soften them a bit, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as this can affect the texture and shine of your coating.
FAQs
Can I use almond butter instead of hazelnut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter is a lovely alternative that offers a milder flavor but still complements the chocolate beautifully in this Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles Recipe.
Do I have to use waffle cone pieces?
The crushed waffle cone adds a subtle, delightful crunch, but it’s completely optional. You can skip it if you prefer a smoother texture or don’t have any on hand.
How do I prevent the chocolate coating from melting during dipping?
Keep your truffle mixture well-chilled and work quickly while dipping. Using a fork to dip and letting excess chocolate drip off helps the coating set properly and evenly.
Can I substitute milk chocolate with dark chocolate?
Yes, dark chocolate is a fantastic alternative if you prefer a less sweet, more intense chocolate coating. Just choose a quality chocolate and adjust sweetness in other parts of the recipe if needed.
What’s the best way to serve these truffles for a special occasion?
Arrange them neatly on a decorative platter or in individual mini paper cups. Pair them with coffee or dessert wine to enhance their nutty, chocolatey flavors and impress your guests.
Final Thoughts
Making this Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles Recipe is such a satisfying and delicious adventure—you get to enjoy every step, from melting chocolate to savoring the final, decadent bites. Whether as a sweet personal treat or a gift for loved ones, these truffles bring warmth and joy to any moment. Go ahead, dive in, and let yourself fall in love with this beautifully simple homemade indulgence.
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Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including chilling and setting time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles, featuring a rich blend of baking chocolate and hazelnut butter, encasing whole roasted hazelnuts. Each truffle is coated in smooth milk chocolate mixed with crushed hazelnuts to provide an irresistible texture. Perfectly chilled and elegantly presented, these truffles make a sophisticated treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Truffle Center
- 5.3 ounces (150g) baking chocolate
- 5.3 ounces (150g) hazelnut or almond butter
- 10g crushed waffle cone (or Gavottes) (optional)
- A pinch of sea salt
- 12 whole hazelnuts, blanched and roasted
Chocolate Coating
- 5.3 ounces (150g) milk chocolate
- 2 Tablespoons (30g) grape seed or sunflower oil
- 1.8 ounces (50g) crushed hazelnuts
Instructions
- Prepare tray: Line a small tray with parchment paper and set it aside to receive the truffles after shaping.
- Melt chocolate and mix: In a medium bowl, melt the baking chocolate in the microwave until completely smooth. Stir in the hazelnut butter (or almond butter), then add the crushed waffle cone (if using) and a pinch of sea salt. Mix until fully combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes until the mixture is set but still pliable.
- Form the truffles: Once the mixture has firmed, scoop 12 portions using a melon baller or tablespoon. Roll each portion into a ball with your hands, pressing one whole roasted hazelnut into the center of each ball. Slightly punch the dough around the hazelnut to secure it. If the mixture softens during shaping, chill or freeze until firm again. Place shaped balls onto the lined tray and refrigerate while preparing the coating.
- Make the chocolate coating: Melt the milk chocolate in a bowl in the microwave until smooth. Stir in 2 tablespoons of grape seed oil to create a silky texture and then fold in the crushed hazelnuts.
- Coat the truffles: Using a fork, dip each chilled truffle into the melted milk chocolate mixture, allowing excess chocolate to drip off before placing them onto a cooling rack lined with parchment paper. Let the chocolate harden completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
- Finish and store: Once the coating has set, transfer the truffles to a serving tray and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
- Crushed waffle cones add a subtle crunch but can be omitted for a smoother texture.
- Whole hazelnuts should be blanched and roasted to enhance their flavor and texture inside the truffle.
- If the truffle mixture gets too soft while shaping, keep it chilled to maintain firmness.
- Grape seed or sunflower oil in the coating helps achieve a glossy, smooth finish on the chocolate.
- Store the truffles refrigerated and consume within one week for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (melting chocolate)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: European
