Warm, spiced, and decadently chocolatey, these Elegant Spiced Gingerbread Truffles are small bites of holiday comfort. Crushed gingerbread cookies and cream cheese form a soft, warmly spiced center that you dip in glossy dark chocolate. The truffles smell of cinnamon and ginger, have a creamy, tender interior and a crisp chocolate shell, and make a lovely gift or a simple, elegant finish to any meal.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes active (plus chilling time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (melting and dipping)
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 24 truffles (about 1 inch each)
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
Approximate per truffle (1 of 24):
- Calories per serving: 116 kcal
- Protein: 1.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Fiber: 1.3 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
(Values are estimates based on the ingredients listed and may vary with brands and exact portion sizes.)
Why Make This Elegant Spiced Gingerbread Truffles
These truffles are quick to make, require no baking, and highlight classic holiday spices in a rich, chocolate-covered bite. They balance the crunchy, molasses notes of gingerbread with creamy tang from cream cheese and the deep bitterness of dark chocolate. They’re perfect for parties, gift boxes, or a small, festive treat after dinner.
How to Make Elegant Spiced Gingerbread Truffles
You will combine cookie crumbs and cream cheese, fold in fragrant spices, shape chilled balls, and coat them in melted dark chocolate. The process is simple and rewarding — you’ll enjoy the smell of warm spices as you work and the smooth snap of set chocolate when they’re done.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup gingerbread cookies, finely crushed
- 8 oz (227 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 8 oz (227 g) dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable oil
- Sprinkles or crushed nuts for coating (optional)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed gingerbread cookies and softened cream cheese. Mix well until fully combined. Make sure the cream cheese is soft to make mixing easy and the texture smooth.
Step 2: Mixing
Add in the cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, and cloves to the mixture and mix thoroughly. Taste a small pinch to check spice balance and adjust slightly if you prefer more cinnamon or ginger.
Step 3: Cooking
Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill the truffles in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up. Meanwhile, melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth, or use a double boiler over low heat.
Step 4: Finishing
Dip each chilled truffle into the melted chocolate, allowing the excess to drip off. If desired, roll the truffles in sprinkles or crushed nuts while the chocolate is still wet. Place the coated truffles back on the baking sheet and refrigerate until the chocolate is set. Serve the truffles chilled or at room temperature.
How to Serve Elegant Spiced Gingerbread Truffles
Serve on a decorative platter, in mini cupcake liners, or packaged in a small box as a gift. They pair well with coffee, mulled wine, or a robust black tea. For a party, arrange them on a plate with contrasting garnishes like orange zest, a dusting of cocoa powder, or a few candied ginger pieces.
How to Store Elegant Spiced Gingerbread Truffles
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10–14 days. Keep layers separated with parchment.
- Freeze: Place truffles in a single layer on a tray to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Room temperature: If your home is cool and you’ll eat them within 1–2 days, they can sit at room temperature in a cool spot. Avoid heat and direct sunlight.
Expert Tips for Perfect Elegant Spiced Gingerbread Truffles
- Soften cream cheese fully to avoid lumps; leave at room temperature about 30 minutes.
- Taste the base mixture before chilling and adjust spices as needed — spices can dull slightly after chilling.
- Keep the centers cold when dipping: if they warm up, the centers can lose shape. Work in batches and return trays to the fridge.
- Use high-quality dark chocolate and add a little coconut oil to thin it for a glossy finish and easier dipping.
- If chocolate seizes, add a teaspoon of warm oil or heavy cream and stir slowly to smooth.
- For cleaner lines, use a fork or dipping tool and tap off excess chocolate before placing on parchment.
Delicious Variations
- Orange-Ginger: Add 1 tsp finely grated orange zest to the mixture and coat in orange-infused white chocolate.
- Boozy Bite: Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of dark rum, bourbon, or brandy to the cookie-cream mixture for an adult twist.
- Peppermint Crunch: Use white chocolate for coating and sprinkle crushed peppermint candy on top while wet.
- Nutty Center: Fold 2 tablespoons of finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts into the base for extra texture.
- Vegan/Dairy-Free: Use a vegan cream cheese and dairy-free dark chocolate; use coconut oil in the center for binding if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many truffles will this recipe make?
A: You should get about 20–28 truffles depending on size. Using a 1-inch scoop usually yields about 24.
Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese or Neufchâtel cheese?
A: Yes. Low-fat or Neufchâtel will work but the texture may be slightly less rich. They may be a bit softer, so chill thoroughly before dipping.
Q: Can I make these dairy-free or vegan?
A: Yes. Use a plant-based cream cheese and dairy-free dark chocolate. Add a little coconut cream or a teaspoon of coconut oil if the mixture seems too dry.
Q: Why are my truffles soft and falling apart when dipped?
A: If centers warm up they lose firmness. Chill the balls until very firm and work quickly in small batches. Also, ensure the mixture had enough cookie crumbs to bind; if too soft, add more crushed cookies a tablespoon at a time.
Q: Can I add alcohol to the truffle base?
A: Yes. Add 1–2 tablespoons of rum, brandy, or flavored liqueur. Alcohol will add flavor but can soften the mixture slightly, so chill longer before rolling.
Q: How do I get a shiny chocolate coating?
A: Use good-quality chocolate and add a small amount (1 tablespoon) of coconut or vegetable oil. Melt slowly and don’t overheat. Tempering chocolate gives the best shine and snap, but the oil method is simpler for home cooks.
Q: Are these safe to leave out on a dessert table?
A: Cream cheese centers are perishable. If the room is cool, they can sit out for 1–2 hours. For longer displays, keep them refrigerated and bring out small batches as needed.
Conclusion
These Elegant Spiced Gingerbread Truffles are an easy, elegant treat that fills the kitchen with warm spice and rich chocolate scent. They’re forgiving to make, easy to customize, and beautiful on a holiday platter or tucked into a gift box. For another simple gingerbread truffle idea and inspiration, see Gemma’s 3-Ingredient Gingerbread Truffles | Bigger Bolder Baking. Give these a try — they’re quick to make and always a crowd pleaser.
Print
Elegant Spiced Gingerbread Truffles
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 truffles 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm, spiced, and decadently chocolatey truffles made from gingerbread cookies and cream cheese, covered in dark chocolate. A perfect holiday treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup gingerbread cookies, finely crushed
- 8 oz (227 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 8 oz (227 g) dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable oil
- Sprinkles or crushed nuts for coating (optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed gingerbread cookies and softened cream cheese. Mix well until fully combined.
- Add in the cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, and cloves to the mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill for about 30 minutes.
- Melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Dip each chilled truffle into the melted chocolate, allowing the excess to drip off. Optionally, roll in sprinkles or crushed nuts while the chocolate is still wet. Refrigerate until the chocolate is set.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10–14 days, or freeze for longer storage. Use high-quality chocolate for the best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 116
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1.3g
- Protein: 1.3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
