These Decadent Spiced Gingerbread Truffles bring all the warm, cozy flavors of gingerbread into a bite-sized chocolate treat. Soft, lightly spiced centers meet a glossy chocolate shell for a contrast of creamy, crunchy, and warmly spiced flavors. They smell of cinnamon and ginger, taste like holiday cookies dipped in chocolate, and look festive with sprinkles or crushed nuts on top. They’re quick to make and perfect for gifts, dessert platters, or a sweet snack with coffee.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 40 minutes (includes 30 minutes chilling)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (melting and dipping)
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: About 18 truffles
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving (per truffle; makes ~18):
- Calories per serving: 135 kcal
- Protein: 1.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
Why Make This Decadent Spiced Gingerbread Truffles
These truffles turn simple pantry ingredients into an elegant dessert. The gingerbread cookie crumbs bring deep molasses and spice notes, cream cheese adds creamy richness and holds the shape, powdered sugar and cocoa build a smooth, sweet base, and the chocolate coating gives a satisfying snap. They’re great for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or homemade gifts. If you enjoy a slightly lighter or different take, you might like exploring other versions online like this elegant take on gingerbread truffles for more inspiration: elegant spiced gingerbread truffles.
How to Make Decadent Spiced Gingerbread Truffles
These truffles need simple steps: combine, chill, shape, dip, and decorate. Follow the steps below for reliable results and a glossy finish.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup crushed gingerbread cookies
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips (for coating)
- Sprinkles or crushed nuts (for garnish)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed gingerbread cookies and softened cream cheese. Use a spoon or spatula to press and blend until the mixture is evenly combined and starts to come together into a dough-like paste.
Step 2: Mixing
Add the powdered sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fully combined. Scrape the bowl sides to make sure all dry bits are mixed in and the texture is consistent.
Step 3: Cooking
Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up. This makes it easier to roll into neat balls and helps the centers hold their shape when dipped in warm chocolate.
Step 4: Finishing
Once chilled, roll the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch each) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Melt the chocolate chips in short bursts in the microwave (stir every 20–30 seconds) or over a double boiler until smooth. Dip each truffle in the melted chocolate using a fork or dipping tool, tap off the excess, then place back on the parchment. Immediately sprinkle with sprinkles or crushed nuts if desired. Allow to cool and set fully at room temperature or in the fridge before serving.
How to Serve Decadent Spiced Gingerbread Truffles
Serve chilled or at cool room temperature. Arrange them on a festive plate or in mini paper cups for a party. They pair beautifully with hot coffee, black tea, or a cup of spiced hot chocolate. For a dessert board, place alongside cheese, dried fruit, and nuts to balance sweet and savory flavors.
How to Store Decadent Spiced Gingerbread Truffles
- Short term: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Long term: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Tip: Keep them away from strong odors in the fridge—use a tightly sealed container.
Expert Tips for Perfect Decadent Spiced Gingerbread Truffles
- Use room-temperature cream cheese so it blends smoothly without lumps.
- Chill the mixture well before rolling to prevent sticky hands and misshapen truffles.
- For glossy chocolate coating, don’t overheat chocolate; warm gently and stir until fully melted.
- Use a fork or dipping tool and tap excess chocolate off to get an even shell.
- Let chocolate set at room temperature for a shinier finish; refrigeration can cause a duller appearance but speeds setting.
- If the coating cracks after chilling, bring them briefly to room temperature—then reseal any cracks with a touch of warm chocolate.
Delicious Variations
- Orange-Ginger: Add 1 tsp orange zest to the truffle mix and use orange-flavored chocolate for coating.
- Nuts Inside: Fold 1/4 cup finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts into the mixture for extra crunch.
- Rum-Spiked: Add 1 tablespoon dark rum to the mix for a boozy adult version.
- White Chocolate: Coat in white chocolate and dust with a little cinnamon for contrast.
- Vegan Option: Replace cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese and use vegan chocolate chips; try the raw vegan inspiration for technique and flavor ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many truffles does this recipe make?
A: You’ll get about 18 truffles if you roll them into 1-inch balls. Yield varies with ball size; larger ones will make fewer servings.
Q: Can I make the centers ahead of time?
A: Yes. Make and chill the centers up to 3 days ahead, then dip in chocolate before serving. You can also freeze centers for up to 1 month and dip from frozen (add a minute to melting time).
Q: What if my mixture is too sticky to roll?
A: Chill it longer (15–30 minutes). If still sticky, add a tablespoon more powdered sugar or a little more crushed cookie crumbs until it firms up.
Q: Can I use other cookies instead of gingerbread?
A: Yes. Use speculoos, graham crackers, or shortbread for different flavor profiles. Adjust spices if switching to a milder cookie.
Q: How do I store truffles for gifting?
A: Place them in a shallow box lined with parchment and separate layers with paper. Keep refrigerated until giving, and include instructions for the recipient to refrigerate.
Q: Will the chocolate shell sweat in the fridge?
A: If you move truffles from warm to cold quickly, condensation can form. Cool them slowly and store in an airtight container to reduce moisture.
Q: Can I skip the chocolate coating?
A: Yes — roll chilled truffles in cocoa powder, additional crushed cookies, or powdered sugar for an uncoated bite.
Conclusion
These Decadent Spiced Gingerbread Truffles are an easy, flavorful treat that’s perfect for holidays, gifts, or a cozy night in. They’re creamy inside, warmly spiced, and wrapped in a crisp chocolate shell that looks as good as it tastes. If you’d like a vegan/raw take on gingerbread truffles for comparison or inspiration, check out this recipe for Raw Vegan Gingerbread Truffles by Kara Lydon: Raw Vegan Gingerbread Truffles – The Foodie Dietitian | Kara Lydon. Give these a try — they’re quick to make and bring big flavor in every bite.
Print
Decadent Spiced Gingerbread Truffles
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 18 truffles 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bring the warm flavors of gingerbread into a delightful bite-sized chocolate treat with these truffles, perfect for treats or gifts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup crushed gingerbread cookies
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips (for coating)
- Sprinkles or crushed nuts (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine crushed gingerbread cookies and softened cream cheese. Mix until blended into a dough-like paste.
- Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Roll the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch) and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Melt chocolate chips in the microwave or double boiler until smooth. Dip each truffle in chocolate and sprinkle with toppings if desired.
- Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature or in the fridge before serving.
Notes
Store truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for 3 months. Use room-temperature cream cheese for smoother mixing.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling, Dipping
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 135
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1.2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
