DIY Christmas Chocolate Truffles

Christmas DIYs are my favourite kind because I really feel that homemade touches add something to the magic of Christmas, whether it’s decorations, gifts or tasty treats. I’ve been wanting to make my own truffles for a while, and as you can see, if you wrap them up festively they make a gorgeous little homemade gift for someone. Even better, if you buy plenty of ingredients and make a nice big batch, you can give a box to all your friends and family without spending a fortune!

This really is a very simple recipe, and the results were so delicious!

What you’ll need (to make a batch of about 30):

• 200g of good dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids)
• 40g butter
• 200ml double cream
• 25g caster sugar
• A splash of chilli oil
• 50g cocoa power mixed with 1tbsp icing sugar

The method:

1. Gently heat the cream and sugar in a pan and bring to the boil.
2. Break the chocolate into pieces and place in a bowl with the butter and the chilli oil (optional, for extra flavour).
3. Pour the heated cream and sugar over the chocolate and stir until everything is melted and the mixture is smooth.
4. Chill in the fridge for 4 hours.
5. Create a bed of cocoa powder (mixed with the icing sugar) on a large plate.
6. Dust your hands with a little cocoa powder and take small balls of the chilled truffle mixture (about teaspoon size). Roll into smooth-ish balls and then roll in the powder bath to coat. (Instead of cocoa powder you could alternatively use chopped nuts).
7. Place each truffle in a small truffle case, or loose on a baking tray if you prefer, and chill in the fridge until you’re ready to eat (yum!) or package in boxes to give as gifts. They are best stored in the fridge.

Package the truffles in truffle cases and cute gift boxes for a great gift idea. You could go for something luxurious like sleek black and gold or something more rustic like my brown card box with Christmas carol sheet music, red gingham ribbon and a festive decoration.