If you’re looking for a festive treat that feels luxurious but is surprisingly simple to make, I’ve got just the thing for you. These Eggnog White Chocolate Truffles Recipe are my go-to for holiday parties and cozy nights in. I absolutely love how creamy and rich they turn out, plus the warm spices and a hint of bourbon (optional!) make every bite taste like the holidays wrapped up in chocolate. Stick with me — I’ll walk you through everything so you can impress your friends and family with these little bites of joy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Yet Elegant: It’s made with easy-to-find ingredients but looks and tastes like a fancy treat.
- Perfect Holiday Flavors: The nutmeg, cinnamon, and eggnog come together to create that classic Christmas vibe.
- Customizable Alcohol Content: Add bourbon or rum if you want an adult twist, or leave it out for family-friendly sweetness.
- Great Make-Ahead Dessert: You can prepare these a day or two in advance, making holiday entertaining less stressful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Eggnog White Chocolate Truffles Recipe balances creamy, spiced filling with a rich chocolate coating, and each ingredient plays its role perfectly. When shopping, look for high-quality white and dark chocolate, and if you can, get fresh eggnog for that extra cozy flavor punch.
- White chocolate (for filling): Use good quality white chocolate for a smooth, creamy base that melts well without bitterness.
- Cream cheese: Softened for easy blending; it adds tang and helps create that luscious texture.
- Full-fat eggnog: This is the star for flavor—make sure it’s chilled and fresh for the best taste.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
- Ground nutmeg and cinnamon: Classic spices that bring that unmistakable holiday feel.
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and deepens flavor.
- Bourbon or dark rum (optional): Adds warmth and a boozy kick—skip it if you want non-alcoholic truffles.
- Dark chocolate (for coating): Provides a beautiful contrast and slightly bitter edge to balance the sweet interior.
- White chocolate (for drizzling, optional): For a pretty finishing touch that looks festive.
- Crushed gingersnap cookies or extra nutmeg (optional): Adds crunch or extra spice on top, giving each bite some texture and wow factor.
Variations
I love to play around with this Eggnog White Chocolate Truffles Recipe depending on the occasion or who’s coming over. Don’t hesitate to tweak to your taste—you’ll find it’s quite forgiving and totally customizable.
- Non-alcoholic version: I usually just leave out the bourbon or rum, and the truffles are still deliciously rich and flavorful.
- Spiced up: Once, I added a pinch of ground cloves and it gave the truffles a deeper spice profile that my family went crazy for.
- Coating options: Substitute milk chocolate for the dark chocolate coating to make it sweeter, perfect if you prefer less bitterness.
- Nut-free or gluten-free toppings: Skip the gingersnap crumbs and try crushed freeze-dried cranberries or a sprinkle of cinnamon instead.
How to Make Eggnog White Chocolate Truffles Recipe
Step 1: Melt the White Chocolate and Mix with Cream Cheese
Start by gently melting the white chocolate—my favorite way is using a double boiler to avoid burning, but the microwave works too if you stir every 15 seconds. Let the chocolate cool just a bit so it doesn’t scramble the cream cheese. Then, in a bowl, mix your softened cream cheese until it’s super smooth before folding in the melted white chocolate till silky and combined.
Step 2: Add Eggnog and Spices
Slowly pour in the eggnog while stirring to prevent the filling from separating. This was a game-changer for me—I used to pour it too fast and ended up with a weird texture. Next, stir in the vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and the bourbon or rum if you’re using it. The mixture should be thick, almost like frosting. If it seems too runny, pop it back in the fridge for a while.
Step 3: Chill and Shape the Truffles
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. Once firm, scoop out spoonfuls with a small cookie scoop or regular spoon and roll between your hands into smooth little balls—about 1 inch in diameter. Lay them on a parchment paper-lined tray and chill again for around 30 minutes to firm up before coating.
Step 4: Melt the Dark Chocolate and Coat
While the truffles are chilling, melt your dark chocolate the same way you did the white—slow and gentle is key. Let the melted chocolate cool just a bit so it coats smoothly without melting the truffle centers. Then dip each chilled truffle, let the excess drip off, and place back on the parchment. If you want, drizzle with melted white chocolate and sprinkle crushed gingersnaps or a pinch of nutmeg before they set.
Step 5: Let Set and Store
Let the truffles set completely—either at room temp if your kitchen’s cool or pop them in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a week. They taste best chilled, so I usually grab a couple straight from the fridge when craving a little indulgence.
Pro Tips for Making Eggnog White Chocolate Truffles Recipe
- Gentle Melting: I always melt my chocolate slowly over simmering water to avoid seizing—white chocolate can be sensitive!
- Slow Eggnog Addition: Pour the eggnog bit by bit while stirring—trust me, it keeps your filling wonderfully smooth.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: This little gadget saves time and keeps your truffles uniform in size—plus, it’s less sticky than using your hands alone.
- Chill Multiple Times: Don’t skip the chilling steps; they’re crucial for shaping and coating cleanly without melting the filling.
How to Serve Eggnog White Chocolate Truffles Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle crushed gingersnap cookies on top because they add a lovely crunch and a spicy note that complements the creamy filling perfectly. Sometimes I go for a simple dusting of extra nutmeg or a delicate drizzle of melted white chocolate for a festive look. It’s all about that little extra touch to make these truffles pop on the dessert platter.
Side Dishes
These truffles pair wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of your favorite holiday cocktail. When serving to guests, I like to balance their richness with fresh fruit slices or a light cheese board—keeps things lively and not too heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to place each truffle in a mini cupcake liner and arrange them on a tiered dessert stand. It makes the presentation feel extra festive and elegant. You could also gift them in decorative boxes tied with twine—they’re a huge hit as edible presents!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover truffles in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay fresh for up to a week. Just be sure to keep them cold so the cream cheese filling stays firm and that chocolate shell doesn’t get sticky or soft.
Freezing
Freezing truffles works like a charm for me. I pop them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They keep well for about a month. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge to maintain their texture.
Reheating
Since these are no-bake truffles, you don’t really reheat them. I always serve them chilled or at cool room temperature to keep that creamy, smooth texture intact. If they’ve been in the fridge too long and harden, just let them sit out for 5-10 minutes before serving.
FAQs
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Can I make these Eggnog White Chocolate Truffles Recipe without cream cheese?
While cream cheese provides the rich, smooth texture that balances the sweetness, you could experiment with mascarpone or even a thick Greek yogurt. Just keep in mind that this might slightly change the flavor and consistency.
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Is it okay to use store-bought eggnog for the truffles?
Absolutely! Store-bought eggnog works perfectly, just make sure it’s full-fat and chilled well before adding. Homemade eggnog is great too but be sure it’s fully strained and cold for the best texture.
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What’s the best chocolate to use for coating the truffles?
I prefer using high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cacao. It provides a nice bitterness to balance the sweet filling. But milk chocolate is a good alternative if you prefer sweeter truffles.
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Can these truffles be made vegan?
This recipe relies on dairy ingredients, but you might swap cream cheese with a vegan version and use dairy-free white and dark chocolate. Keep in mind, the texture will be slightly different and may require some experimentation.
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How long do the Eggnog White Chocolate Truffles last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these truffles stay fresh and delicious up to one week. Just keep them chilled until serving.
Final Thoughts
This Eggnog White Chocolate Truffles Recipe quickly became one of my absolute favorites—there’s something so comforting about that creamy filling laced with warm spices and coated in chocolate. I love how they feel like a little celebration in each bite, and the best part is how easy they are to make ahead. If you’re looking for a festive treat that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, I really can’t recommend these enough. So go ahead, try the recipe, and share the magic of the season with every sweet, creamy morsel.
Print
Eggnog White Chocolate Truffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 20 truffles
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Eggnog Truffles are a festive, creamy treat perfect for holiday celebrations. Combining white chocolate and cream cheese with full-fat eggnog and warm spices, these truffles are dipped in dark chocolate and optionally topped with white chocolate drizzle and crushed gingersnap cookies for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Rich, smooth, and boozy if you choose, they offer a delightful Christmas-inspired dessert bite.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 200 grams (7 oz) white chocolate, chopped
- 113 grams (4 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) full-fat eggnog
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon bourbon or dark rum (optional)
For the Coating
- 200 grams (7 oz) dark chocolate, chopped
- 60 grams (2 oz) white chocolate, chopped (for drizzling, optional)
- 2 tablespoons crushed gingersnap cookies or extra nutmeg (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Melt the White Chocolate: Gently melt the white chocolate using a double boiler, stirring constantly until smooth, or microwave in 15-second bursts with stirring in between until fully melted. Allow it to cool slightly so it remains smooth but is not hot.
- Combine with Cream Cheese: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the cooled melted white chocolate, blending until fully combined and silky in texture.
- Add Eggnog and Flavorings: Slowly pour in the full-fat eggnog while mixing to prevent curdling. Stir in vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. If using, add bourbon or dark rum. The mixture should become thick and spoonable, similar to a frosting consistency.
- Chill the Filling: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the filling for at least 4 hours or overnight until it firms up enough to scoop.
- Shape into Balls: Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion out 1-inch balls of the chilled filling. Roll the balls gently between your hands to smooth their shape. Place the formed truffles on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate again for about 30 minutes to firm up.
- Melt the Dark Chocolate: While the truffles chill, melt the dark chocolate using the same method as for the white chocolate. Allow the melted dark chocolate to cool slightly so it reliably coats the truffles without melting their filling.
- Dip the Truffles: Using a fork or dipping tool, coat each chilled truffle completely with the melted dark chocolate, letting any excess drip off. Transfer the dipped truffles back onto the parchment-lined tray.
- Add Toppings: If using, drizzle the truffles with melted white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed gingersnap cookies or a pinch of nutmeg before the chocolate coating sets.
- Set and Store: Allow the chocolate coating to harden completely at room temperature or refrigerate until firm. Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the bourbon or rum.
- Homemade eggnog works well but must be strained and fully chilled before use.
- Truffles can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle (approx. 25 grams)
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg