Chocolate Peppermint Truffles
No-Bake Holiday Treat
These Peppermint Truffles are the ultimate holiday treat — rich, creamy, and filled with cool peppermint flavor wrapped in smooth chocolate sweetness. Each bite tastes like peppermint bark in truffle form, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that feels like a little piece of Christmas magic.
They’re made with simple, dairy-free ingredients, no baking required, and they look stunning on a holiday dessert tray. Think soft vanilla filling, crisp chocolate or white-chocolate shell, and a shower of crushed candy canes for the perfect festive finish.
Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Truffles
No bake & quick to make: No oven, no stress — just chill, dip, and enjoy.
Sweet vanilla base with peppermint flair: A creamy balance of cozy and refreshing.
Dairy-free and vegan-friendly: Made with pantry staples you already have.
Festive & giftable: Perfect for cookie boxes, edible gifts, or dessert tables.
Make-ahead friendly: Store well in the fridge or freezer for easy entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Makes about 12–15 truffles
For the filling:
¾ cup chocolate chips (dairy-free if needed)
2 tablespoons coconut oil or vegan butter
3 tablespoons almond butter (or cashew butter for a lighter flavor)
2 tablespoons maple syrup
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
For coating and topping:
½ cup melted white or dark chocolate (your choice)
2–3 tablespoons crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
Optional mix-ins:
Finely crushed Oreos
Sprinkles
Drizzle of dark chocolate
These Vanilla Peppermint Truffles are a holiday dream — creamy, minty, sweet, and perfectly giftable. They’re the kind of dessert that makes your kitchen smell like Christmas and your dessert table sparkle.
Whether you make them for a party, a cookie exchange, or just because you’re craving something festive and sweet, these truffles are guaranteed to disappear fast.
Simple, elegant, and irresistibly minty — they’ll be your new go-to peppermint treat.
How to Make Peppermint Truffles
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate
In a heat-safe bowl, add chocolate chips and coconut oil.
Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth and creamy. You can also melt it using a double boiler on the stove.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
Once melted, stir in the almond butter, maple syrup, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and salt.
Mix until fully combined — it should be thick, glossy, and smooth.
If the mixture is too soft, place it in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes until it firms up enough to roll.
Step 3: Roll into Truffles
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough per truffle and roll between your palms into smooth balls. Place on a parchment-lined plate or tray.
Freeze for 20–30 minutes or until firm.
Step 4: Coat the Truffles
Melt the coating chocolate (white or dark) with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil for a silky texture. Using a fork, dip each truffle into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off.
Set the truffles back on parchment and immediately sprinkle with crushed candy canes or other toppings before the coating hardens.
Step 5: Chill and Enjoy
Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes until the coating is firm.
Keep the truffles stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for 2 months.
Tips for Perfect Truffles
Chill before dipping: Cold centers hold their shape better when coated.
Use real peppermint extract: It gives that authentic holiday flavor.
Add contrast: Dip some in dark chocolate for a peppermint-bark-style mix.
Play with toppings: Try crushed cookies, festive sprinkles, or a drizzle of white chocolate.
Gift-ready: Package in mini cupcake liners and a festive tin for homemade holiday presents.
How to Store Vanilla Peppermint Truffles
Refrigerator: Store up to 7 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Serving tip: Enjoy chilled — they’re smooth, creamy, and perfectly refreshing right from the fridge.
Why They’re Called Peppermint Truffles
Traditional truffles are made with rich ganache centers — but this version uses a lighter vanilla base for a sweet, creamy twist. The peppermint flavor brings that unmistakable holiday cheer, while the candy cane coating adds crunch and sparkle.
It’s like a peppermint bark upgrade — fancy enough for parties, easy enough for a casual baking day, and absolutely irresistible for anyone who loves minty desserts.
Variations
Cookies & Cream Peppermint Truffles: Add ¼ cup crushed Oreos to the filling.
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Truffles: Dip in dark chocolate and drizzle with white chocolate.
Peppermint Sprinkle Truffles: Roll in festive red and green sprinkles instead of candy canes.
Almond Peppermint Truffles: Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty flavor.
