Introduction
Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of homemade chocolate hazelnut truffles—a decadent treat that blends the deep flavors of chocolate with the nutty crunch of hazelnuts. These bite-sized confections make the perfect gift, dessert, or snack to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
Making homemade chocolate hazelnut truffles is easier than you think, and in this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything—from selecting the best ingredients to storage tips, variations, and expert-level techniques. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned chocolatier, this guide will help you create the best truffles that surpass even the finest store-bought chocolates.
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles
- Velvety smooth and rich
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Customizable with different coatings and flavors
- Perfect for gifting or entertaining
- A delightful combination of creamy and crunchy textures
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create the perfect batch of chocolate hazelnut truffles, gather the following ingredients:
For the Truffle Base:
- 8 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup finely chopped toasted hazelnuts
- 2 tbsp hazelnut spread (like Nutella)
- Pinch of sea salt
For Coating & Garnishing:
- Cocoa powder (for dusting)
- Finely chopped toasted hazelnuts
- Melted chocolate for dipping
- Powdered sugar or shredded coconut (optional)
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate
- Chop the chocolate into small, even pieces and place it in a heatproof bowl.
- Heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just starts to simmer—do not boil.
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes.
- Stir gently until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
Step 2: Add Flavor and Texture
- Stir in the softened butter, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt.
- Add the hazelnut spread and mix until fully incorporated.
- Fold in the chopped toasted hazelnuts for an added crunch.
Step 3: Chill the Mixture
- Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-3 hours, or until firm enough to scoop.
Step 4: Shape the Truffles
- Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out portions and roll them into balls using your hands.
- Place the shaped truffles on a parchment-lined tray.
Step 5: Coat the Truffles
- Roll each truffle in cocoa powder, chopped hazelnuts, or powdered sugar.
- For a chocolate-dipped version, melt additional chocolate and dip each truffle, allowing excess to drip off.
Step 6: Set and Serve
- Place the coated truffles back in the fridge for 30 minutes to set.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles
- Use High-Quality Chocolate – The better the chocolate, the richer your truffles will taste.
- Don’t Overheat the Cream – Overheated cream can cause the chocolate to seize.
- Toast the Hazelnuts – Enhances their nutty flavor and adds depth to the truffles.
- Use a Cookie Scoop – Ensures uniform truffle sizes for even coating.
- Experiment with Coatings – Try white chocolate, chopped nuts, or even freeze-dried raspberries for variety.
Variations to Try
1. White Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles
Swap out dark chocolate for white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier version.
2. Espresso Hazelnut Truffles
Add ½ teaspoon of espresso powder to the chocolate mixture for a deep, mocha-like flavor.
3. Boozy Hazelnut Truffles
Stir in 1 tbsp of Frangelico, Kahlúa, or Baileys for an indulgent adult treat.
4. Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles
Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free chocolate to make them completely plant-based.
How to Store Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles
Refrigeration:
Store truffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing:
Freeze truffles for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
Best Serving Tips:
- Serve slightly chilled for the best texture.
- Pair with coffee, tea, or dessert wine.
- Add to dessert boards for an elegant presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these truffles ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them several days in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to serve.
2. What’s the best chocolate to use?
Opt for 70% dark chocolate or high-quality semi-sweet chocolate for the richest flavor.
3. Can I skip the hazelnut spread?
Yes! You can make a pure chocolate version, but the hazelnut spread adds extra creaminess.
4. Why did my chocolate seize?
Chocolate seizes when exposed to too much heat or water. Be sure to warm the cream gently and stir slowly.
5. How can I make my truffles extra smooth?
For the smoothest texture, strain the ganache through a fine-mesh sieve before chilling.
Conclusion
Making homemade chocolate hazelnut truffles is an incredibly rewarding experience. These truffles are creamy, rich, and deeply satisfying, perfect for any occasion. With a luxurious texture and a burst of hazelnut flavor, they outshine store-bought chocolates. Whether you’re making them for yourself, gifting them, or impressing guests, these decadent truffles are a must-try.
Now that you have a step-by-step guide, it’s time to start crafting your own perfect chocolate hazelnut truffles. Enjoy the process, experiment with flavors, and most importantly—savor every bite!
Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles: The Ultimate Guide
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 20 truffles 1x
Ingredients
For the Truffle Base:
- 8 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup finely chopped toasted hazelnuts
- 2 tbsp hazelnut spread (Nutella)
- Pinch of sea salt
For Coating & Garnishing:
- Cocoa powder (for dusting)
- Finely chopped toasted hazelnuts
- Melted chocolate for dipping
- Powdered sugar or shredded coconut (optional
Instructions
- Melt the Chocolate: Chop the chocolate and place in a heatproof bowl. Heat the cream until it just starts to simmer, then pour over the chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes and stir until smooth.
- Add Flavors: Stir in butter, vanilla, salt, hazelnut spread, and chopped hazelnuts until fully combined.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover and refrigerate for 2-3 hours until firm enough to scoop.
- Shape the Truffles: Scoop out portions using a small spoon or cookie scoop and roll into balls.
- Coat the Truffles: Roll each truffle in cocoa powder, chopped hazelnuts, or powdered sugar. For a chocolate-dipped version, dip in melted chocolate and let set.
- Set & Serve: Refrigerate the coated truffles for 30 minutes to set before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
- Toast the hazelnuts to enhance their nuttiness.
- Avoid overheating the cream to prevent chocolate from seizing.
- Use a fine-mesh sieve if you want a smoother ganache.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20minutes
- Cook Time: 5minutes