These Buttercream Truffles are a decadent and delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion, especially holidays. Imagine creamy, melt-in-your-mouth buttercream centers encased in a smooth, rich chocolate shell, adorned with festive sprinkles. This recipe is simple to make and sure to impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and Decadent: The buttercream filling is incredibly smooth and rich.
- Easy to Customize: You can use different extracts and sprinkles to create unique flavor combinations and festive decorations.
- Perfect for Gifting: These truffles make wonderful homemade gifts for holidays or special occasions.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the buttercream filling and truffles ahead of time, making them convenient for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
- Butter (softened): Provides a rich, creamy base for the buttercream.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the buttercream.
- Milk: Adds moisture and creaminess to the buttercream.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the buttercream.
- Almond Extract: Adds a subtle nutty flavor.
- Chocolate Almond Bark: Provides a smooth, meltable chocolate coating.
- Christmas Sprinkles: Adds festive decorations.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Buttercream
- Using an electric mixer in a large bowl, beat the softened butter, vanilla extract, and milk until creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar and beat on low speed until all the powdered sugar is combined.
- Turn the mixer up to medium-high speed and beat until the buttercream is smooth and creamy.
- Cover the bowl and place the buttercream mixture in the refrigerator to chill for 2 hours, or even overnight (up to 24 hours).
Step 2: Shape the Truffles
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop out the chilled buttercream with a tablespoon scoop and roll it into balls.
- Place the balls on the parchment-lined sheet and freeze for another 2 hours.
Step 3: Dip the Truffles
- When ready to dip, melt the chocolate almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Using two forks, dip the frozen buttercream balls into the melted chocolate, gently shaking off any excess.
- Place the chocolate-coated truffles back onto the parchment-lined tray.
- Repeat until all truffles are coated.
Step 4: Decorate and Set
- Drizzle any remaining melted chocolate over the truffles.
- Immediately sprinkle the truffles with your chosen sprinkles.
- Let the truffles harden at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
- Serve and enjoy!
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Chill the Buttercream: Chilling the buttercream is crucial for easy handling and shaping.
- Freeze the Truffles: Freezing the shaped truffles before dipping helps the chocolate set quickly and prevents the buttercream from melting.
- Melt Chocolate Slowly: Melt the chocolate in short intervals to avoid burning.
- Use Two Forks: Using two forks makes dipping the truffles easier and helps remove excess chocolate.
- Sprinkle Immediately: Add sprinkles immediately after dipping to ensure they adhere to the chocolate.
How to Serve
- Dessert Platters: Arrange the truffles on a dessert platter for parties and gatherings.
- Holiday Gifts: Package the truffles in decorative boxes or bags for homemade gifts.
- Dessert Tables: Add the truffles to dessert tables for a festive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
- Store leftover truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Make Ahead
- The buttercream filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- The shaped truffles can be frozen for up to 1 month.
- Dip the truffles in chocolate and decorate them just before serving or gifting.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
- Yes, you can use any type of melting chocolate, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or candy melts.
Can I add other flavors to the buttercream?
- Yes, you can add other extracts, such as peppermint or orange, or flavorings like cocoa powder or espresso powder.
Can I use different toppings?
- Yes, you can use different toppings, such as chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or crushed cookies.
Can I freeze these truffles after dipping?
- Yes, you can freeze the dipped truffles for up to 1 month. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Buttercream Truffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chilling Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 truffles 1x
- Category: Desserts, Candy
- Method: Mixing, Melting, Dipping
- Cuisine: American
Description
Buttercream Truffles are a creamy and decadent treat that combines a smooth buttercream filling with a rich chocolate coating. Perfect for holidays, gifts, or any occasion, these truffles are easy to make and delightful to enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 pound chocolate almond bark
- Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare Buttercream: Using an electric mixer in a large bowl, beat the softened butter, vanilla extract, and milk until creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Add the powdered sugar and beat on low speed until combined. Turn the mixer up to medium-high speed and beat until smooth and creamy.
- Chill Buttercream: Cover the bowl and place the buttercream mixture in the refrigerator to chill for 2 hours, or even overnight (up to 24 hours).
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop and Shape: Scoop out the chilled buttercream with a tablespoon scoop and roll it into balls.
- Freeze Truffle Balls: Place the balls on the parchment-lined sheet and freeze for 2 hours.
- Melt Chocolate: When ready to dip, melt the chocolate almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments until melted and smooth.
- Dip Truffles: Using two forks, dip the frozen buttercream balls in the melted chocolate. Gently shake off the excess chocolate and place the coated truffles back onto the parchment-lined tray.
- Repeat: Repeat until all truffles are coated.
- Drizzle and Sprinkle: Drizzle any remaining melted chocolate over the truffles and immediately sprinkle with holiday sprinkles.
- Harden and Serve: Let the truffles harden completely before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the buttercream is thoroughly chilled and the truffle balls are frozen for easier dipping.
- Use good quality chocolate almond bark for a smooth and glossy coating.
- Get creative with the sprinkles and decorations to customize your truffles.
- Store the finished truffles in an airtight container in a cool place.
Nutrition
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg