Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles

Who doesn’t love a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate treat? These homemade chocolate hazelnut truffles are the perfect indulgence, and guess what? You can make them right in your own kitchen!

With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create creamy, rich truffles filled with the amazing combo of chocolate and crunchy hazelnuts. Trust me, they’re so easy to make, you’ll be reaching for more in no time.

Picture this: smooth chocolate ganache wrapped around roasted hazelnuts, then dusted with cocoa powder. They’re the perfect balance of sweetness, richness, and a little nutty crunch.

Ready to make these delicious bites of heaven? Let’s get started on these homemade chocolate hazelnut truffles – your taste buds will thank you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: As one reader said, “These truffles are pure bliss!”
• Decadent & Creamy: A perfect balance of smooth chocolate and hazelnut flavor.
• Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients, you can create these truffles at home.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These truffles can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, making them perfect for prepping ahead of time.
• Great for Gifting: Packed in a box, these truffles make for a fantastic homemade gift during the holidays or any special occasion.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 30-60 minutes (depends on the size of the truffles and your fridge)
• Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings:

This recipe makes about 20 truffles, depending on the size. Perfect for sharing with friends and family!

Difficulty:

Easy! Perfect for beginner home chefs and chocolate lovers alike.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Medium heatproof bowl (for melting the chocolate)
• Small saucepan (for heating the cream)
• Spoon or melon baller (for forming the truffles)
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper (for chilling the truffles)
• Knife (for chopping the hazelnuts)

Ingredients for the Truffles:

These simple, rich ingredients come together to create the perfect homemade chocolate truffles:

• Semi-sweet or milk chocolate: 8 ounces, coarsely chopped (depends on your preference for sweetness)
• Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (this helps create the rich, smooth ganache center)
• Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons (softened to room temperature for creaminess)
• Nutella: 1/4 cup (for that irresistible hazelnut spread flavor)
• Toasted hazelnuts: 1/2 cup (finely chopped, for rolling the truffles)

Variations for Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles

• Dark Chocolate Truffles: Use dark chocolate for a more intense flavor if you prefer less sweetness.
• Add Flavor: Stir in a few drops of vanilla extract or a pinch of sea salt for added depth of flavor.
• Roll in Cocoa Powder: Instead of hazelnuts, you can roll the truffles in cocoa powder for a more classic truffle coating.
• Use Different Nuts: Try almonds or pistachios if you want a change from hazelnuts.

How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

In a heatproof bowl, combine the chopped semi-sweet or milk chocolate with the heavy cream and butter. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring frequently until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.

2. Add Nutella and Mix

Once the chocolate mixture is smooth, stir in the Nutella until it’s completely incorporated. The Nutella will add that perfect hazelnut flavor and make the ganache even richer.

3. Chill the Ganache

Allow the ganache to cool slightly before covering it with plastic wrap. Place the bowl in the fridge for 30-60 minutes or until it firms up enough to scoop into balls.

4. Shape the Truffles

Once the ganache has cooled and firmed up, use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out small portions of the ganache. Roll each scoop between your hands to form smooth balls. You can make them as small or large as you like, but typically, they are about the size of a walnut.

5. Roll in Hazelnuts

Place the chopped toasted hazelnuts on a shallow plate. Gently roll each truffle in the hazelnuts, making sure each one is completely coated. The hazelnuts add a nice crunch and enhance the nutty flavor that pairs so well with the creamy chocolate center.

6. Chill Again

Once the truffles are coated in hazelnuts, place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for another 30 minutes to allow them to fully set and firm up. This will help them maintain their shape.

How to Serve Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles

These truffles are perfect for many occasions:

• Gift Them: Pack them into a beautiful gift box as a homemade treat for birthdays, holidays, or any special event.
• Dessert: Serve them after dinner with a glass of red wine or coffee for a sweet ending to your meal.
• Snack: Keep them in your fridge for an anytime indulgence when you need a little sweet treat.

Storing Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles

• Refrigeration: Store the truffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: You can also freeze these truffles for up to 2 months. Just make sure to store them in a freezer-safe container and let them thaw for about 15 minutes before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overheat the Chocolate: When melting the chocolate and cream, make sure the heat is low to avoid burning the chocolate.
• Chill Properly: Be sure to let the ganache chill long enough to firm up before rolling, otherwise, the truffles may become too soft and difficult to handle.
• Toast the Hazelnuts: Toasting the hazelnuts brings out their natural flavor and makes the truffles taste even more delicious.

Nutrition Information for Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles

Here’s an estimate of the nutrition facts per serving. One truffle is considered one serving.

Nutrition	Amount per Serving
Calories	160
Total Fat	13g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	15mg
Sodium	5mg
Total Carbohydrates	12g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	9g
Protein	2g

FAQs

Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Yes, you can! Dark chocolate will give your truffles a richer, less sweet flavor.

How do I toast the hazelnuts?
Place hazelnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, shaking occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool before chopping.

Conclusion

Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles are a decadent, simple treat that anyone can enjoy. Whether you’re gifting them or keeping them as a personal indulgence, these truffles offer a delightful combination of creamy chocolate and crunchy hazelnuts. They’re the perfect addition to any celebration or cozy night in. Enjoy the sweet, nutty goodness!