Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles in Just 15 Minutes

Name: Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles in Just 15 Minutes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa); 100ml heavy cream; 50g hazelnut butter; 1 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; Cocoa powder or chopped nuts for coating

By:

Christina R. Jones

June 2, 2025

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these chocolate hazelnut truffles – they’re like little bites of heaven! I still remember the first time I made them for my best friend’s birthday, and how her eyes lit up when she took that first rich, creamy bite. The best part? You don’t even need to turn on your oven! Just a few simple ingredients and about 15 minutes of hands-on time, and you’ll have the most decadent homemade treats that look and taste like they came from a fancy chocolatier.

What makes these truffles so special is that magical combination of dark chocolate and hazelnut butter – it’s like Nutella’s sophisticated older sister. The ganache center melts in your mouth, while the cocoa powder or nut coating gives just the right amount of texture. I’ve been making these for years now, and they never fail to impress at holiday parties or as thoughtful homemade gifts. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never go back to store-bought truffles again!

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles

Let me count the ways these little beautand probablyand probablyand probablyand probably your waistline)! First off, that rich chocolate-hazelnut combo is downright addictive – one bite and you’ll be hooked. But here’s what really makes these chocolate hazelnut truffles special:

Effortless elegance: They look fancy but couldn’t be simpler to make – no baking, no special equipment, just stir, chill, and roll!
Pantry-friendly ingredients: You probably have most of what you need already (and what you don’t is worth the trip).
Customizable coatings: Roll ’em in cocoa for classic elegance or chopped nuts for extra crunch – your choice!
Perfect for gifting: Package them in pretty boxes or tins, and suddenly you’re everyone’s favorite person.

Seriously, these truffles are little miracles of deliciousness that’ll make you feel like a chocolatier without the fuss!

Ingredients for Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles

Okay, let’s gather our treasures – these simple ingredients transform into something magical! Here’s what you’ll need for those dreamy chocolate hazelnut truffles:

200g200g200g200g200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa): Finely chopped – trust me, smaller pieces melt smoother

100ml heavy cream (full-fat): None of that low-fat stuff – we’re going here

50g smooth hazelnut butter: The star that gives that irresistible nutty flavor

1 tbsp unsalted butter: Just a pat to make everything extra silky

1 tsp vanilla extract: The secret whisper that makes flavors sing

Pinch of salt: Don’t skip this – it makes the chocolate taste more chocolatey!

Cocoa powder or chopped nuts: For that final elegant coating

See? Nothing too crazy – just quality ingredients that’ll make your taste buds dance. Now let’s get mixing!

How To Make Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles

Alright, let’s dive into the fun part – making these irresistible chocolate hazelnut truffles! Don’t let their fancy appearance fool you; the process is actually super straightforward. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying homemade truffles that rival any chocolatier’s creations.

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

First things first – that luscious ganache center. Chop your dark chocolate finely (I can’t stress this enough – tiny pieces mean smoother melting). Heat the cream just until you see tiny bubbles around the edges – don’t let it boil! Pour it over the chocolate and let it sit for a full minute. This is crucial – the heat needs time to work its magic. Then, gently stir from the center outward until you’ve got the silkiest, shiniest mixture you’ve ever seen. Stir in the hazelnut butter, butter, vanilla, and that all-important pinch of salt. Oh, the aroma alone is worth it!

Step 2: Chill and Shape the Truffles

Now comes the hard part – waiting! Cover your bowl and pop it in the fridge for about 2 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s firm enough to scoop but still slightly soft. Pro tip: If your kitchen is warm, chill your hands first (I run mine under cold water and dry thoroughly). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll quickly between your palms – the heat from your hands will start softening the mixture, so work fast! If things get too sticky, pop the ganache back in the fridge for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Coat and Store the Truffles

Time for the finishing touches! Roll each truffle in sifted cocoa powder (for that classic look) or finely chopped nuts (my personal favorite – hazelnuts, obviously!). Place them in a single layer in an airtight container with parchment between layers if stacking. They’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to a week – if they last that long! For the best flavor, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.

Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles - detail 1

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles

After making hundreds (okay, maybe thousands) of these chocolate hazelnut truffles, I’ve picked up some tricks that’ll guarantee perfection every time. First – wear food-safe gloves when rolling! It keeps the ganache from melting too quickly in your hands and gives you perfectly smooth truffles. Always chill your mixing bowl and utensils before starting – cold tools help the ganache set faster. And here’s my secret weapon: sift your cocoa powder through a fine mesh strainer before coating. It creates that gorgeous, velvety finish that makes them look professionally made. Oh, and work in batches – if the ganache gets too soft while rolling, just pop it back in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up again.

Variations for Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles

One of my favorite things about these chocolate hazelnut truffles is how easily you can mix them up! For a milder taste, swap the dark chocolate for milk chocolate – just reduce the butter slightly since it’s naturally creamier. Out of hazelnut butter? Almond or cashew butter works beautifully too. And for coating, try crushed biscotti, toasted coconut flakes, or even espresso powder for grown-up truffles. My niece loves when I roll them in colorful sprinkles – the possibilities are endless!

Storing Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles

Here’s the beautiful thing about these chocolate hazelnut truffles – they actually get better after a day in the fridge! Store them in an airtight container with parchment between layers if stacking (we don’t want any cocoa powder smudges). They’ll keep beautifully chilled for up to a week – if they last that long! Want to save some for later? Freeze them in a single layer first, then transfer to a freezer bag – they’ll stay perfect for 2 months. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving – that slight softening makes all the difference in texture!

Nutritional Information for Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles

Now, let’s be real – we’re not eating chocolate truffles for their health benefits! But if you’re curious, here’s the scoop (based on one truffle): about 85 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated), 7g carbs (1g fiber, 5g sugar), and 1g protein. Remember, these are estimates – your exact numbers will vary depending on your specific ingredients. The hazelnut butter adds some healthy fats, and dark chocolate brings antioxidants, so really… these are practically health food, right? (Okay, maybe not, but they’re worth every delicious bite!)

FAQs About Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles

I get asked about these chocolate hazelnut truffles all the time – here are answers to the most common questions!

Can I use Nutella instead of hazelnut butter?

Absolutely! Just reduce the butter by half since Nutella already contains oil. The texture will be slightly softer, so chill the ganache a bit longer before rolling.

Help! My ganache is too soft – what do I do?

No worries – happens to everyone! Just pop it back in the fridge for another 30-60 minutes. If you’re really in a pinch, 15 minutes in the freezer works too (but don’t let it freeze solid!).

Can I make these vegan?

You bet! Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut cream and use dairy-free chocolate. The flavor changes slightly, but they’re still delicious. Just be sure all your chocolate is truly vegan (some dark chocolates contain milk solids).

Why are my truffles cracking when I roll them?

This usually means your ganache chilled too long. Let it sit at room temp for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly before rolling. If cracks appear, just smooth them with your (clean!) fingers – the coating will hide any imperfections.

Share Your Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles

I’d absolutely love to see your gorgeous truffles! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram – nothing makes me happier than seeing your creations. Did these chocolate hazelnut truffles become a new favorite? Drop a rating below and let me know what coating you chose. Happy truffle-making, friends!