Introduction to Gingerbread Truffles
The holiday season is upon us, and it’s the perfect time to indulge in some festive treats. If you’re like me, you cherish those moments spent creating delicious memories with loved ones. This is where Gingerbread Truffles come in. They’re not only a delightful holiday treat but also a quick and easy solution for busy moms and professionals like us. Imagine these creamy, spiced bites setting the stage for sweet conversations and laughter around the table. With minimal effort and maximum joy, these truffles will surely impress your family and friends this season!
Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Truffles
These Gingerbread Truffles are the quintessential holiday delight! They boast the warm, inviting flavors of ginger and spice, capturing the holiday spirit in every bite. On top of being incredibly easy to whip up, they require no baking—perfect for us busy bees juggling life.
The creamy texture wrapped in a sweet coating delivers a delightful homemade touch that makes them feel special. Trust me, they’ll become a holiday favorite!
Ingredients for Gingerbread Truffles
To create these delightful Gingerbread Truffles, you’ll need a few simple yet essential ingredients:
- Gingersnap cookies: These provide the base and that unmistakable ginger flavor we all love during the holidays.
- Cream cheese: This contributes to the creamy texture, making each truffle irresistibly smooth and rich.
- Pure vanilla extract: A splash adds a warm, aromatic depth that complements the spices beautifully.
- White almond bark: This is the luscious coating that gives the truffles a sweet, snowy finish.
- Holiday sprinkles: These are optional but perfect for adding a festive touch to your treats!
Check out the bottom of the article for exact measurements that you can easily print out!
How to Make Gingerbread Truffles
Step 1: Prepare the Gingersnap Crumbs
Start by crushing those delightful gingersnap cookies! You can use a food processor for a quick job—just pulse them until they’re fine crumbs. If you don’t have one, no problem! Place the cookies in a gallon-size ziplock bag, seal it tightly, and pound them with a rolling pin or the flat side of a meat mallet. Just be careful not to let any crumbs escape!
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the pure vanilla extract. Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature; it makes mixing so much easier and results in a smoother texture. Use a handheld mixer on high speed for about a minute until it’s creamy and homogenous. Once that’s done, add your gingersnap crumbs and mix it all together on medium speed. Watch as that festive flavor comes together in a delightful creamy dance!
Step 3: Chill the Mixture
Chilling is essential! Cover your bowl and pop it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step firms up the mixture, making it easier to roll into those perfect truffle shapes. If you skip this part, you’ll end up with sticky hands and a messy kitchen—definitely not what we want!
Step 4: Form the Truffles
Once your mixture is chilled and easier to handle, it’s time to roll! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray. Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the mixture and roll it into neat balls. Place these little gems onto the prepared baking sheet, giving them a bit of space, as they may expand slightly once chilled again.
Step 5: Prepare the Coating
Melting the almond bark is a crucial step for that snowy finish! Break it into pieces and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it for 45 seconds at full power, then stir. Continue heating in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each time, until smooth. The key here is patience—rushing can lead to lumpy almond bark, and nobody wants that in their truffles!
Step 6: Coat and Garnish the Truffles
Now for the fun part—coating! Take each truffle and roll it gently in the melted almond bark, ensuring it’s well-covered. Use a fork to lift each truffle out, tapping it on the side of the bowl to let excess bark drip off. While the coating is still wet, sprinkle it with festive holiday sprinkles for a cheerful touch. Repeat this process until all your truffles are coated and sprinkled, creating a beautiful platter of holiday magic!
Step 7: Set and Serve
Finally, return the coated truffles to the refrigerator for a little while to set. This chilling time helps the coating firm up perfectly. Once they’re ready to serve, these delights will be bursting with flavor and texture, waiting to impress your guests!
Tips for Success
- Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened for easy mixing and a creamy texture.
- Use a food processor for effortless cookie crushing; it saves time and effort!
- Keep the rolled truffles well-spaced on the baking sheet to avoid sticking.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- Customize your sprinkles to match your holiday theme—get creative!
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl works great, but any large bowl will do.
- Handheld Mixer: This makes mixing easy, but a sturdy wooden spoon will suffice too!
- Cookie Scoop: A 1-tablespoon scoop helps with portioning, or you can just use your hands.
- Baking Sheet: Line one with parchment paper—any flat surface works for chilling.
- Microwave-Safe Bowl: Necessary for melting the almond bark; any bowl suitable for heat will do!
Variations
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap cream cheese for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Use dairy-free chocolate instead of almond bark for coating.
- Vegan Version: Replace cream cheese with cashew cream or silken tofu blended until smooth. Opt for vegan chocolate for coating.
- Gluten-Free Treats: Use gluten-free gingersnap cookies to make sure everyone can enjoy these delectable bites.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the mixture for an even warmer flavor.
- Coating Creative: Try dark chocolate or milk chocolate for the coating, or roll them in crushed nuts or coconut instead of sprinkles.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Gingerbread Truffles with a warm cup of spiced chai or rich hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
- Present them on a festive platter with twinkling fairy lights for an elegant touch.
- For an extra special touch, serve with a side of whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
FAQs about Gingerbread Truffles
Curious about these Gingerbread Truffles? Here are some common questions and answers to help you out:
How should I store the truffles?
Keep your truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps them fresh and delicious!
How long do they last?
These delightful treats can last up to a week in the fridge. Just make sure they’re well-sealed!
Can I personalize my truffles?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in different spices or use alternative coatings, like dark chocolate or nuts, for a personal touch.
Can I make these truffles ahead of time?
Yes! They’re great for making ahead. Just coat and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
What’s the best way to serve them?
These truffles shine on a festive platter, paired with coffee or tea, adding a touch of holiday magic!
Final Thoughts
As the holiday season dances around us, making these Gingerbread Truffles brings joy not just in the creation, but in the sharing. There’s something magical about gathering with loved ones to enjoy these sweet bites, enveloping your home in that delightful aroma of warming spices. Each truffle embodies love, laughter, and holiday cheer. So why not create your own cherished memories this season? Gather your family, whip up a batch, and celebrate the spirit of togetherness, one delicious truffle at a time. You’ll find that these delightful treats are more than just desserts; they’re a sprinkle of holiday magic on your table!
Print
Gingerbread Truffles: Treat Yourself This Holiday Season!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 truffles 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Gingerbread Truffles are a delightful holiday treat that combines gingersnap cookies and cream cheese, coated in white almond bark and topped with festive sprinkles.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces gingersnap cookies (340-gram package)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (226-gram package)
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 12 ounces white almond bark (340 grams)
- Holiday sprinkles, optional garnish
Instructions
- Crush the gingersnap cookies into crumbs using either a food processor or a gallon-size ziplock bag and a rolling pin or the flat side of a meat mallet. You will need to do this in two batches.
- Add the softened cream cheese and vanilla to a medium-sized mixing bowl (2 to 3-quart size). Use a handheld mixer on high speed to beat the cream cheese for about 1 minute until smooth.
- Lower the mixer speed to medium. Add the gingersnap cookie crumbs and mix just until completely incorporated. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly spray the parchment paper with nonstick cooking spray. Use a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop to scoop out the gingersnap mixture. Roll the scooped gingersnap mixture into balls. Place the rolled balls onto the sprayed parchment paper.
- Add the almond bark to a microwave-safe medium-sized bowl. Heat for 45 seconds at full power, stir and continue to heat in 30-second intervals. Stir well after each interval until the almond bark is completely melted and smooth.
- Roll the gingersnap balls in the melted almond bark. Use a fork to carefully remove the truffles from the almond bark. Tap the fork on the side of the bowl to remove any excess almond bark. Use a toothpick or skewer, if needed, to gently remove the coated truffle from the fork. Immediately sprinkle the truffle with holiday sprinkles. Repeat for the remaining truffles.
- Once all are coated and sprinkled, return the truffles to the refrigerator to set the coating. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing.
- Store the truffles in the refrigerator to maintain their texture.
- Feel free to customize the sprinkles based on your holiday theme.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
