Chocolate decadence meets holiday cheer: these holiday candy cane truffles are rich, cool, and irresistibly festive. Made with dark chocolate, peppermint, and a coating of white chocolate and crushed candy canes, they’re a perfect Christmas treat that balances luxurious texture with bright, minty freshness.
Hey folks – I hope you all are doing well!
Today, I’m sharing a sweet treat that captures the spirit of the holidays in every bite – these candy cane chocolate truffles. They’re creamy, smooth, and full of peppermint sparkle. If you don’t expect a white Christmas where you live, these snowy truffles might just bring one to your dessert table instead!
Why You’ll Love These Holiday Candy Cane Truffles
- Festive: The combination of peppermint and candy cane instantly adds cheerful Christmas spirit.
- Decadent: Silky dark chocolate ganache forms a melt-in-your-mouth center that feels luxurious.
- Textural contrast: The crunchy crushed candy cane coating balances the smooth, creamy filling.
- Perfect for gifting: These truffles look stunning and keep beautifully – a perfect handmade holiday present.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepare them a day or two in advance and let the flavours deepen for the best experience.
Holiday Candy Cane Truffles: Flavour and Texture Profile
These holiday candy cane truffles deliver a perfect combination of creamy and crisp. The dark chocolate interior is smooth and deeply rich, while the white chocolate coating and crushed candy cane add sweetness and texture. Every bite feels like a luxurious Christmas dessert -cool peppermint notes meeting warm chocolate decadence.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe
- Whipping Cream (35%): Brings richness and helps create the silky, creamy ganache texture.
- Dark Chocolate: Choose high-quality dark chocolate (70% or higher) for a deep, rich flavour base.
- Butter: Adds smoothness and a subtle, buttery depth that enhances the chocolate’s flavour.
- Peppermint Extract: A few drops give that signature cool and festive aroma – use sparingly, as it’s potent.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the chocolate’s complexity.
- White Chocolate: Provides a glossy, sweet shell that pairs beautifully with peppermint.
- Crushed Candy Cane: Adds crunch, visual flair, and a burst of minty sweetness on top.
Possible Additions and Variations
Although these holiday chocolate truffles with peppermint and candy cane are already delicious, you can customize them to your liking:
- Boozy touch: Add 1–2 tablespoons of peppermint schnapps, crème de menthe, or even bourbon for an adult twist.
- Bittersweet option: Replace half the white chocolate with milk chocolate for a smoother, less intense coating.
- Coffee depth: Stir in 1–2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder into the ganache for a subtle mocha flavour that beautifully enhances the dark chocolate.
- Decorative flair: Drizzle extra melted chocolate over the truffles before topping with candy cane pieces for a bakery-style finish.
How to Make Holiday Candy Cane Truffles
It’s quite easy yo make these holiday candy cane truffles.
First, bring the whipping cream to a gentle boil, then pour it over the chopped dark chocolate, butter, and salt. Let stand for about a minute, then stir until the mixture becomes glossy and smooth. Add a few drops of peppermint extract and mix again. Cover and refrigerate the ganache for at least two hours until it’s firm enough to handle.
Once set, scoop and roll the ganache into small balls (you should get about two dozen truffles). Melt the white chocolate using a double boiler or the seeding method for tempering, then dip each truffle into the melted chocolate. Sprinkle immediately with crushed candy cane before the coating sets. Allow them to firm up at room temperature for about an hour, then refrigerate.
More Easy Holiday Dessert Recipes
Are you looking for more easy holiday recipes for the holiday season? Be sure to check more inspiration below:
- Festive Cointreau Chocolate Truffles
- Festive Chestnut Chocolate Truffles
- Gingerbread Chocolate Truffles for the Holidays
- Festive Pistachio Cointreau Truffles – Boozy Holiday Dessert
I’d love for you to try these holiday candy cane truffles. If you give the recipe a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts!
Cheers!
Yum! These looks so pretty and festive.
Thank you!
Mmm these truffles are calling my name Ben! I love the peppermint and chocolate combo. It’s the best for the holidays! These look delicious!
Thank you Katherine!
I absolutely love these, Ben! My best friend is a chocolate peppermint fanatic and these will make a perfect stocking stuffer for her. Thank you!!
Thank you Marissa!
There’s something about chocolate during the holidays – I think I just crave it more during this time of the year than others! (Oh who am I kidding? I always want chocolate treats!) Either way, these truffles sound fantastic, Ben. And I love the way you rolled them in crushed candy canes for a festive look!
Thank you David!
They must have a lovely crunchy exterior.
Thank you Tandy!
These candy cane chocolate truffles are stunning Ben! I love that the crushed candy cane is both beautifully festive, and such a complementary flavor and texture to the truffles. The white chocolate coating is such a great idea!
Thank you Shannon!
Such a delightful recipe! These are gorgeous. Really creative — thanks.
Thank you John!
My kids would love these! My hubby won’t eat mint anything, but the rest of us adore it!!
Thank you Liz!
So colourful and inviting! I have never had a candy cane in my life…these truffles must have tasted amazingly delicious.
Thank you Angie!