Prep Time: 15 minutes | Chill Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 20 truffles | Difficulty: Easy
Prepare to fall in love with the most luxurious cream cheese chocolate truffles you’ve ever tasted! These decadent little gems combine rich dark chocolate with tangy cream cheese, creating an incredibly smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s absolutely irresistible. Unlike traditional truffles that require tempering chocolate or complicated techniques, this easy truffle recipe uses just four simple ingredients and requires zero baking. The cream cheese adds a delightful tang that perfectly balances the deep chocolate flavor, while the velvety texture makes each bite feel extraordinarily indulgent. Whether you’re preparing elegant desserts for a special celebration, creating homemade gifts, or simply treating yourself to something wonderful, these no-bake chocolate truffles deliver gourmet results without any fuss or stress.
Table of Contents
Simple Ingredients for Decadent Results
For the Truffle Base:
- 8 oz dark chocolate – use high-quality chocolate like Ghirardelli or Lindt for best flavor
- 4 oz cream cheese – full-fat, softened to room temperature for smooth mixing
- ½ cup powdered sugar – sifted to prevent lumps
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully
For the Coating:
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Dutch-process creates smoother finish
- Alternative coatings: finely chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or holiday sprinkles
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Cream Cheese Chocolate Truffles
- Melt the Chocolate (3 minutes): Chop dark chocolate into small, uniform pieces and place in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals at 50% power, stirring thoroughly between each burst until completely smooth and melted. (This prevents burning and ensures silky texture.)
- Blend the Cream Cheese (2 minutes): In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This creates the foundation for that signature creamy texture.
- Combine and Sweeten (3 minutes): Pour melted chocolate into cream cheese and beat until completely smooth with no streaks remaining. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until perfectly combined.
- Chill Until Firm (1 hour): Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until mixture is firm enough to scoop and shape. (Don’t skip this step – proper chilling is essential!)
- Shape the Truffles (5 minutes): Using a small cookie scoop or melon baller, portion mixture into tablespoon-sized amounts. Quickly roll between your palms to form smooth balls. Work fast as body heat softens the mixture.
- Coat with Cocoa (2 minutes): Roll each truffle in cocoa powder until completely covered. For variety, try rolling some in chopped pecans, toasted coconut, or festive sprinkles for different occasions.
- Final Chill (30 minutes): Place coated truffles on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the coating. Store in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper.
Easy Cream Cheese Chocolate Truffles
Equipment
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Electric mixer
- Small cookie scoop
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
Truffle Base
- 8 oz dark chocolate Use high-quality chocolate like Ghirardelli for best flavor
- 4 oz cream cheese Full-fat, softened to room temperature for smooth mixing
- ½ cup powdered sugar Sifted to prevent lumps in mixture
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully
Coating
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder Dutch-process creates smoother finish
Instructions
- Chop dark chocolate into small, uniform pieces and place in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals at 50% power, stirring thoroughly between each burst until completely smooth and melted.
- In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese with electric mixer until light and fluffy. This creates the foundation for signature creamy texture.
- Pour melted chocolate into cream cheese and beat until completely smooth with no streaks remaining. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until perfectly combined.
- Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until mixture is firm enough to scoop and shape.
- Using a small cookie scoop or melon baller, portion mixture into tablespoon-sized amounts. Quickly roll between your palms to form smooth balls, working fast as body heat softens the mixture.
- Roll each truffle in cocoa powder until completely covered. For variety, try rolling some in chopped pecans or toasted coconut.
- Place coated truffles on parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the coating. Store in airtight container between parchment layers.
Notes
Expert Tips for Truffle Success
These cream cheese chocolate truffles prove that elegant desserts don’t require professional skills! Store in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for up to 3 months. Let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving for the best texture. These pair beautifully with our fudgy chocolate brownie cookies and pumpkin cheesecake truffles for an impressive dessert platter. Package them in decorative boxes alongside our cannoli cookies for stunning homemade gifts. Try our almond kringle recipe for a complementary brunch treat. Love elegant desserts? Follhttps://pinterest.com/recipeinspired_ow us on Pinterest for more irresistible truffle recipes and no-bake treats!
FAQ About Cream Cheese Chocolate Truffles
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes! Milk chocolate creates sweeter, milder truffles while white chocolate offers a buttery flavor. You can also mix chocolate types for complex flavor. Dark chocolate provides the best contrast with the tangy cream cheese.
Why are my truffles too soft to roll?
The mixture needs more chilling time. Return it to the refrigerator for 30 minutes and try again. If your kitchen is warm, chill the rolled truffles between coating steps as well.
Can I make these truffles ahead of time?
Absolutely! These are perfect make-ahead desserts. Prepare them up to 2 days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. They actually taste better after the flavors have time to meld.
What other coatings work well for chocolate truffles?
Try crushed Oreos, graham cracker crumbs, finely chopped pistachios, toasted hazelnuts, or colorful sanding sugar. Each coating creates a different flavor and texture experience.
Can I add flavors to the truffle base?
Yes! Try adding 1 teaspoon peppermint extract for mint truffles, 1 tablespoon espresso powder for mocha truffles, or 2 tablespoons bourbon for an adult twist. Orange zest also works beautifully.
How do I prevent the truffles from melting while rolling?
Keep your hands cool and work quickly. Wash and dry your hands frequently between batches. If the mixture becomes too soft, return it to the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
Can I freeze cream cheese chocolate truffles?
Yes! Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
What’s the best way to gift these truffles?
Place them in mini paper candy cups inside decorative boxes or tins. Store refrigerated until gifting and include a note that they should be kept cold and enjoyed within one week.