These Blue Christmas Truffles are an elegant holiday treat that combines creamy white chocolate with the subtle citrus flavor of blue curacao. Coated in sparkling sanding sugar, they look stunning on any holiday dessert table and make perfect edible gifts. These truffles are as delicious as they are beautiful, with a smooth, creamy center and a sparkly finish that’s sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Elegant Presentation: These truffles have a gorgeous blue hue and sparkling sugar that’s perfect for holiday festivities.
- Simple Yet Decadent: Made with just a few ingredients, but rich in flavor and texture.
- Great for Gifting: Perfect for holiday gifts or adding a touch of sophistication to your dessert spread.
- Easy to Make: Minimal steps and straightforward ingredients make these truffles a breeze to prepare.
Ingredients
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons blue curacao (for a subtle citrus flavor)
- 1/2 cup sanding sugar (for rolling)
Step-by-Step Directions
- Melt the Chocolate and Cream: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave on 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Incorporate Blue Curacao: Once the chocolate is melted and smooth, add the blue curacao. Stir until the curacao is fully blended into the chocolate mixture, creating a creamy and slightly blue-tinted mixture.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for about 2 hours, or until the mixture is firm enough to hold its shape when rolled.
- Prepare for Rolling: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the sanding sugar in a shallow bowl.
- Form the Truffles: Using a teaspoon or small scoop, portion out heaping teaspoon-sized amounts of the chilled chocolate mixture. Roll each portion into a small ball, then roll each ball in sanding sugar until completely coated.
- Set the Truffles: Arrange the sugar-coated truffles on the prepared baking sheet and refrigerate for an additional hour to fully set.
- Storage: Keep truffles refrigerated until ready to serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Small cookie scoop or teaspoon for portioning
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve these truffles as a beautiful addition to a holiday dessert platter. They’re great paired with coffee or sparkling wine for a festive touch.
- Storage: Store truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For best flavor and texture, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
- Freezing: Truffles can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and roll in fresh sanding sugar before serving if needed.
Recipe Variations
- Dark Chocolate Twist: Substitute half of the white chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a rich chocolate flavor with a hint of citrus.
- Coconut Coating: Instead of sanding sugar, roll the truffles in finely shredded coconut for a tropical look and flavor.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Substitute the blue curacao with blue raspberry syrup or a bit of orange zest for a similar flavor and color.
Helpful Notes
- Blue Curacao: Blue curacao is a citrus-flavored liqueur. If you’d like a non-alcoholic option, use a bit of blue food coloring and orange or lemon extract for flavor.
- Rolling Tips: If the truffle mixture is too soft to roll, place it back in the refrigerator to firm up. This ensures the truffles hold their shape.
- Sanding Sugar: Use sanding sugar for its large crystals and sparkle. It adds a festive, elegant look to the truffles.
Tips from Pastry Chefs
- Chef Jacques Torres: “For an ultra-smooth truffle, whisk the chocolate mixture well after adding the liquid to ensure it’s fully incorporated.”
- Chef Anna Olson: “If melting chocolate in the microwave, use lower power to prevent overheating—it should be melted but not hot to the touch.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use white chocolate bars instead of chips?
Yes, finely chop a white chocolate bar to help it melt more evenly in the microwave.
Q2: What if I can’t find sanding sugar?
If you can’t find sanding sugar, substitute with regular granulated sugar or edible glitter for a festive touch.
Q3: Can I make these truffles vegan?
Yes, substitute with dairy-free white chocolate and use coconut cream in place of heavy cream.
Q4: How do I make the truffle mixture more blue?
Add a drop of blue food coloring to intensify the color if desired, especially if not using blue curacao.
Q5: Do I need to add shortening to the melted chocolate?
Only add a small amount of shortening if the melted chocolate becomes too thick to work with—it helps with a smoother, more fluid consistency.
Enjoy These Blue Christmas Truffles!
These Blue Christmas Truffles are a sophisticated and festive addition to any holiday gathering. With creamy white chocolate, a hint of citrus from blue curacao, and a dazzling sugar coating, these truffles are as delicious as they are beautiful. Perfect for gift-giving, holiday parties, or enjoying with loved ones, these truffles add a touch of holiday magic to any occasion!
Blue Christmas Truffles with White Chocolate and Blue Curacao
Ingredients
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons blue curacao
- 1/2 cup sanding sugar
Instructions
- Melting Chocolate and Cream: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave on half power in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Incorporating Blue Curacao: Add the blue curacao to the melted chocolate mixture, stirring until fully blended.
- Chilling the Mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 2 hours, or until the mixture is firm enough to roll into balls.
- Preparation for Rolling: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place sanding sugar in a shallow bowl.
- Forming Truffles: Using a heaping teaspoon of the chilled chocolate mixture, roll into small balls, then coat each truffle in sanding sugar until fully covered.
- Setting the Truffles: Arrange the sugar-coated truffles on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for an additional hour to set.
- Storage: Keep truffles refrigerated until serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Blue Curacao: Blue curacao is a citrus-flavored liqueur. If you’d like a non-alcoholic option, use a bit of blue food coloring and orange or lemon extract for flavor.
- Rolling Tips: If the truffle mixture is too soft to roll, place it back in the refrigerator to firm up. This ensures the truffles hold their shape.
- Sanding Sugar: Use sanding sugar for its large crystals and sparkle. It adds a festive, elegant look to the truffles.