If you love festive treats that feel like a little holiday hug, then this Eggnog White Chocolate Truffles Recipe is exactly what you need to try next. These truffles are rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced with all that classic eggnog flavor — but with a smooth white chocolate twist that takes it up a notch. I can’t wait to share how simple these are to make and how your friends and family will absolutely rave about them. Stick around, because you’re about to discover a new favorite holiday indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Flavor Fusion: The combination of creamy white chocolate and spiced eggnog creates a decadent, festive taste you won’t find in boxed chocolates.
- Simple Yet Impressive: Despite looking gourmet, these truffles are straightforward to assemble — perfect for gift-giving or holiday parties.
- Customizable Festive Touch: You can add a splash of bourbon or rum for an adult twist or keep it kid-friendly by leaving it out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Eggnog White Chocolate Truffles Recipe has a reason for being there, blending together to create that creamy, festive vibe. When shopping, try to pick high-quality chocolates and fresh spices — it makes all the difference.
- White Chocolate: Choose good-quality white chocolate that melts smoothly without graininess to get that luscious filling texture.
- Cream Cheese: Softened to room temperature, it balances the sweetness and adds creaminess to the truffle center.
- Full-Fat Eggnog: This brings the signature holiday flavor; using full-fat keeps the filling rich and silky.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
- Ground Nutmeg and Cinnamon: Classic spices that give these truffles their unmistakable eggnog essence.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the other flavors without tasting salty.
- Bourbon or Dark Rum (optional): If you’re feeling a festive kick, this adds a nice boozy warmth—but it’s totally optional.
- Dark Chocolate: For coating, a bittersweet or semisweet chocolate balances the sweet filling perfectly.
- Extra White Chocolate and Crushed Gingersnap Cookies (optional): Great for drizzling and topping to add texture and an extra holiday flair.
Variations
I love making this Eggnog White Chocolate Truffles Recipe my own by tweaking a few things here and there depending on the occasion or who I’m sharing with. Don’t be afraid to experiment a bit—you might discover your new signature holiday treat!
- Non-alcoholic Version: I often make this without bourbon or rum for family-friendly get-togethers. The flavor still shines through beautifully.
- Spiced Up: For a little extra warmth, try adding a dash of cayenne or ground cloves. I did this once and it gave the truffles an unexpected, delightful kick.
- Coating Choices: You can swap dark chocolate coating for milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter shell. I keep dark chocolate as a contrast, but both work great.
- Nut Toppings: Sometimes I roll the truffles in finely chopped toasted pecans or almonds instead of gingersnaps for crunch and a nutty twist.
How to Make Eggnog White Chocolate Truffles Recipe
Step 1: Melt the White Chocolate Gently
Start by melting your white chocolate carefully — I prefer a double boiler because it prevents any chance of burning, but the microwave works too if you heat in short bursts of 15 seconds, stirring in between. Let it cool slightly so it remains smooth but not hot enough to scramble with the cream cheese later.
Step 2: Blend Cream Cheese and White Chocolate
In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until perfectly smooth. I like to use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon. Then, add in your cooled white chocolate and stir until it all comes together in a silky, luscious mixture.
Step 3: Add Eggnog and Spices
Slowly pour in the eggnog while stirring constantly — this helps avoid separation. Then mix in the vanilla extract, nutmeg, cinnamon, and just a tiny pinch of salt. If you’re adding bourbon or rum, pour it in now and stir until smooth. The filling should be thick but easy to scoop, like a rich frosting.
Step 4: Chill the Filling Thoroughly
Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. This step is crucial because it firms up the mixture, making it easier to roll into perfect balls without sticky messes.
Step 5: Shape Into Truffle Balls
Once your filling is set, use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion out 1-inch balls. Roll them gently between your palms until smooth — this part always feels a little like crafting, and it’s so satisfying. Place them on parchment paper and pop them back in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up again before coating.
Step 6: Melt the Dark Chocolate for Coating
While the truffles chill, melt your dark chocolate using the same gentle method as the white chocolate. Let it cool slightly to ensure it coats evenly without melting your truffle centers. It’s all about achieving that glossy, crisp shell.
Step 7: Dip and Decorate
Use a fork, dipping tool, or even toothpicks to dunk each chilled truffle into the dark chocolate. Allow excess to drip off before placing it back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. If you want to get fancy, drizzle some of the melted white chocolate over the top and sprinkle crushed gingersnap cookies or a pinch of nutmeg before it sets.
Step 8: Let Them Set and Store
Let your truffles finish setting either at room temperature or in the fridge until fully firm and glossy. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week — trust me, you’ll want to savor them slowly, but they can disappear fast!
Pro Tips for Making Eggnog White Chocolate Truffles Recipe
- Keep Chocolates Smooth: Always melt chocolates slowly and avoid water contact to prevent seizing — I learned this the hard way once and your batch will thank you.
- Chill Twice for Easier Handling: Chilling the filling first and then the rolled balls before dipping ensures your truffles hold their shape and have a clean finish.
- Use a Cooling Rack for Drizzling: When adding white chocolate drizzle, place truffles on a rack over parchment for easy cleanup—trust me, it makes life easier.
- Don’t Skip the Pinch of Salt: That tiny extra flavor boost truly balances all the sweetness and spices in the filling.
How to Serve Eggnog White Chocolate Truffles Recipe
Garnishes
I usually add a festive touch by drizzling white chocolate on top and sprinkling crushed gingersnap cookies — the little crunch contrasts perfectly with the creamy interior. A dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon is also a simple way to make them feel extra special on a holiday platter.
Side Dishes
These truffles pair wonderfully with a cozy cup of spiced coffee, mulled wine, or even a glass of your favorite holiday eggnog. I love serving them alongside hearty cookies or a cheese board for a festive dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I sometimes arrange these truffles in mini cupcake liners and display them in decorative tins or glass jars with ribbons — they make gorgeous edible gifts or eye-catching centerpieces. Another fun idea is placing them in a tiered dessert tray alongside assorted chocolates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After making these Eggnog White Chocolate Truffles, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, which keeps them fresh for up to a week. I’ve noticed that letting them come to just under room temperature before eating really brings out their creamy texture and flavors.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these truffles before with great success — just place them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them gently in the fridge overnight to keep that creamy texture intact.
Reheating
Since these are chilled treats, I don’t recommend reheating like a traditional dish. Instead, bring them to room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to unlock their rich flavor without melting the chocolate shell.
FAQs
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Can I make Eggnog White Chocolate Truffles Recipe without alcohol?
Absolutely! The bourbon or rum is optional and can be left out to make these truffles kid-friendly and perfect for all ages without sacrificing flavor.
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What kind of eggnog works best for this recipe?
Full-fat eggnog is best because it adds richness to the filling. Homemade eggnog works great too, just make sure it’s fully strained and chilled before using.
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How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing when melting?
Make sure your bowls and utensils are completely dry and avoid letting any water get into the melted chocolate. Melt gently over simmering water or use short microwave bursts with stirring in between.
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Can I prepare these truffles ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the filling and roll the balls up to 2 days ahead, keeping them refrigerated. Coat them in chocolate right before serving for the freshest look and crunch.
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How long do Eggnog White Chocolate Truffles last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they stay fresh for up to one week. You can also freeze them for up to a month.
Final Thoughts
Whenever I make this Eggnog White Chocolate Truffles Recipe, it instantly feels like the holidays have arrived. It’s one of those recipes that brings people together — simple enough for any home cook but impressive enough to be a showstopper. I hope you’ll give these truffles a try and find yourself reaching for them whenever you want to treat yourself or wow your guests. Trust me, making a batch will have everyone asking for more year after year!
Print
Eggnog White Chocolate Truffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 20 truffles
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously rich and creamy Eggnog Truffles combining smooth white chocolate, cream cheese, and festive eggnog, coated in dark chocolate and optionally topped with crushed gingersnaps or a dusting of nutmeg. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a luxurious seasonal treat.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 200 grams (7 oz) white chocolate, chopped
- 113 grams (4 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) full-fat eggnog
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon bourbon or dark rum (optional)
For the Coating
- 200 grams (7 oz) dark chocolate, chopped
- 60 grams (2 oz) white chocolate, chopped (for drizzling, optional)
- 2 tablespoons crushed gingersnap cookies or extra nutmeg (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Melt the White Chocolate: Gently melt the white chocolate in a double boiler, stirring until smooth. Alternatively, microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted. Let cool slightly so it stays smooth but isn’t hot.
- Combine with Cream Cheese: In a mixing bowl, stir the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the slightly cooled white chocolate and mix until fully incorporated and silky.
- Add Eggnog and Flavorings: Slowly pour in the eggnog while mixing to prevent separation. Stir in the vanilla extract, nutmeg, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. If using, mix in the bourbon or rum. The mixture should be thick and spoonable, similar to frosting.
- Chill the Filling: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until the mixture is firm enough to scoop.
- Shape into Balls: Once chilled, use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion the filling into 1-inch balls. Roll gently between your hands to smooth the shape. Place the truffles on a parchment-lined tray and return to the fridge to firm up again, about 30 minutes.
- Melt the Dark Chocolate: While the truffles are chilling, melt the dark chocolate using the same method as the white chocolate. Let it cool slightly so it coats evenly without melting the filling.
- Dip the Truffles: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each chilled truffle into the melted dark chocolate, allowing the excess to drip off. Place each one back onto the parchment-lined tray.
- Add Toppings: If desired, drizzle with melted white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed gingersnaps or a pinch of nutmeg before the coating sets.
- Set and Store: Allow the truffles to set completely at room temperature or refrigerate until firm. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Serve cold for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the bourbon or rum.
- Homemade eggnog works well but must be strained and fully chilled before use.
- Truffles can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle (approx. 25 grams)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg