Chocolate Truffles

Is anything better than opening up a gift box to reveal an assortment of luxurious chocolate truffles? Those little balls of rich ganache, with their velvety texture and concentrated chocolate flavor, are a perfect bite of indulgence. Whether dusted with Dutch cocoa, espresso powder or crushed nuts, chocolate truffles with condensed milk elevate any dessert table or holiday gathering. They are also so easy to make that you can whip up a batch simply because you’re craving something sweet. Just store them in a safe place, because as soon as the family finds them, they won’t last a day.

If the idea of making homemade chocolates or words such as “ganache” stress you out, you’re not alone. But I’m here to tell you that since this recipe uses just two primary ingredients—chocolate and sweetened condensed milk—you’ll find it easier than baking cookies.

Ingredients for Chocolate Truffles with Condensed Milk

• Chocolate chips: Semisweet or dark chocolate chips work well for these condensed milk truffles, but if milk chocolate is your first love, feel free to go that route. Since this recipe is all about the chocolate, choose good-quality chocolate chips.
• Sweetened condensed milk: A versatile baking ingredient, sweetened condensed milk is precisely what the name suggests: milk that has been sweetened with sugar and cooked down into a sweet, syrupy consistency, adding flavor and a creamy consistency to recipes. If you don’t have a can of condensed milk on hand, you can make your own, or use one of these substitutes.
• Vanilla extract: Chocolate and vanilla may seem to be adversaries on the flavor spectrum, but in most cases, chocolate wouldn’t be chocolate without a little help from vanilla. The flavor of chocolate is enhanced and brightened with the addition of vanilla. This unsung hero balances the flavor and creaminess of chocolate in almost every candy bar, chip or powder available. Because vanilla has such an important role in chocolate recipes, choose a good-quality extract.
• Optional coatings: Dutch cocoa powder, cacao nibs, chocolate sprinkles and crushed pecans are all good choices to add an attractive coating and an additional layer of flavor to these condensed milk and chocolate truffles.

Directions

Step 1: Melt the chocolate

Sarah Tramonte for Taste of Home

Place the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a microwave-safe bowl and into the microwave. Heat on 70% power for one minute, remove the bowl and stir. Continue to cook on high in 30-second intervals, consisting of heating and stirring until the chocolate is melted and blended with the milk. Cover the bowl with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap and place into the refrigerator for at least two hours or until the chocolate ganache is firm but pliable.

Step 2: Make the truffles

Sarah Tramonte for Taste of Home

Sprinkle cocoa powder, crushed nuts, or the toppings of your choice onto individual plates and set aside. Remove the ganache from the refrigerator and, using a teaspoon, scoop out the ganache and shape it into 1-inch balls. Roll the ball on the plate with the topping of your choosing and set aside. Continue until the ganache bowl is empty and you have a batch of chocolate truffles to enjoy.

Sarah Tramonte for Taste of Home

Chocolate Truffle Variations

• Dip them: For the ultimate in chocolatey decadence, dip the truffles in melted chocolate and allow them to dry on a baking rack. The chocolate shell becomes a delicious contrast to the soft, creamy truffle. Choose to dip some in white chocolate for a beautiful color contrast.
• Make them spicy: Roll the truffles in a mix of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper for a little spicy, smokey heat to add contrast to the sweet chocolate. The deep red chocolates will be a huge hit on the dessert table at your next barbecue. 
• Make them boozy: To make this an adults-only treat, add in your favorite liquor to the ganache by subbing out the vanilla for Grand Mariner or Irish cream. The sky is the limit on what to add, and you can adjust the amount of alcohol to your tastes. 

How to Store Chocolate Truffles with Condensed Milk

Truffles can be stored in an airtight container on the counter for up to three days or in the refrigerator for a week. We don’t recommend freezing the truffles due to the condensed milk.

Chocolate Truffles with Condensed Milk Tips

Sarah Tramonte for Taste of Home

Can these truffles be made dairy-free?

How do I keep the chocolate ganache from melting in my hands?

Keeping your hands cold is the best way to ensure the ganache isn’t getting too soft while rolling. Place some ice cubes in a plastic zipper bag. After each truffle, hold onto the bag for several seconds until your hands cool off before rolling the next truffle. Repeat the process as needed.

Can I stuff the truffles?

These truffles are relatively small, but you can stuff a single hazelnut into the center when shaping the truffles for a surprising crunch and nutty flavor. If you choose this route, you can add some almond or hazelnut extract into the ganache for more nutty flavors.