Introduction to Lofthouse Christmas Truffles
Ah, the holiday season! A time filled with twinkling lights, laughter, and the warm aroma of freshly baked treats wafting through the house. One of my favorite delights during this festive time are Lofthouse Christmas Truffles. These little bites of joy are not only scrumptiously sweet, but they also remind me of the cherished moments spent in the kitchen with my family. They’re quick to whip up, perfect for busy moms like us, and sure to bring a smile to everyone at the table. Trust me, these truffles will make your holiday gatherings a little sweeter!
Why You’ll Love This Lofthouse Christmas Truffles
These Lofthouse Christmas Truffles are the answer to your festive dessert dreams! They’re incredibly easy to make, taking just 30 minutes of your time. No fuss, no baking required! Their delightful mix of soft sugar cookies and cream cheese creates a creamy, dreamy bite that melts in your mouth. Plus, they look beautiful on a holiday platter, making you the star of the dessert table without breaking a sweat!
Ingredients for Lofthouse Christmas Truffles
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making Lofthouse Christmas Truffles, and I promise they’re all easy to find. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:
- Lofthouse-style soft sugar cookies: These are the star of the show! Their soft and fluffy texture is what gives the truffles their dreamy quality. You can purchase them or make your own from scratch.
- Cream cheese: This adds that luscious creaminess that blends beautifully with the cookie crumbs. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Dipping chocolate or candy melts: This is what coats your truffles in that shiny, irresistible layer. You can find a variety of flavors, so feel free to go wild!
- Coconut oil: Just a splash helps the chocolate melt smoothly, giving it that perfect dipping consistency. If you’re all out, vegetable oil can be a suitable substitute.
- Christmas sprinkles (optional): Who doesn’t love sprinkles? They add a festive touch! You can choose from traditional colors or even get creative with edible glitter.
If you’re curious about exact measurements, you’ll find those at the bottom of the article, along with a printable version for your convenience!
How to Make Lofthouse Christmas Truffles
Making Lofthouse Christmas Truffles is as delightful as enjoying them! Follow these simple steps to whip up your truffles, and trust me, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create these sweet treats.
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Crumbs
Start by placing your Lofthouse-style cookies in the bowl of a stand mixer. You can also use a food processor if you have one on hand. Process the cookies on medium speed until they crumble down to fine particles. You want them to resemble sand, not chunks! This fine texture helps the truffles hold together beautifully.
Step 2: Mix Cream Cheese and Cookie Crumbs
Now, it’s time to add the softened cream cheese to the cookie crumbs. Mix them together until a smooth, uniform dough forms. I find that using a spatula at first helps combine everything. Then switch to the mixer for a few moments! You’re looking for a dough that holds its shape when rolled. If it’s too crumbly, add a touch more cream cheese!
Step 3: Form the Truffles
Measure out approximately 22 grams (a generous tablespoon and a half) of the dough for each truffle. Roll the dough in the palms of your hands to form little balls. Try to keep them uniform in size; this way, they’ll all look so pretty on your holiday platter! If they stick to your hands, a light dusting of flour can help.
Step 4: Chill the Truffles
Refrigerate the formed truffle balls for about 3 minutes. This step is crucial! Chilling them helps them firm up, thereby making them easier to dip in chocolate. Besides, who wants a melty mess on their hands? Trust me, a little chill works wonders!
Step 5: Melt the Chocolate
Next, let’s melt our chocolate! Combine your dipping chocolate or candy melts with a splash of coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in 30-second increments, stirring in between until it’s glossy and smooth. If it’s too thick, add a bit more coconut oil for that perfect fluid consistency. Patience is key, so don’t rush this part!
Step 6: Dip and Decorate
Once your truffles are chilled, it’s dipping time! Use a fork to gently lower each truffle into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off. Before the chocolate sets, be sure to sprinkle them with festive sprinkles! This is where you can get creative! A little color goes a long way in making them holiday-ready.
Step 7: Allow to Set
Let the dipped truffles sit on the parchment-lined pan for at least 10 minutes. This resting time allows the chocolate to harden. If you want to speed it up, pop them in the fridge for a few more minutes. Once set, they’re ready to be devoured, or you can store them in the fridge to enjoy later!
Tips for Success
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Use a cookie scoop to ensure even-sized truffles every time.
- If the chocolate thickens while dipping, return it to the microwave for a few seconds.
- Feel free to mix up the sprinkles for a fun twist!
- Store extra truffles in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Equipment Needed
- Stand mixer or food processor: If you don’t have either, a mixing bowl and a sturdy spatula work just fine.
- Mikrowave-safe bowl: Essential for melting chocolate. A regular bowl can also work, just be cautious!
- Parchment paper: For easy cleanup. Wax paper can be a substitute.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon: For evenly measured truffles. Your hands do the job too!
Variations on Lofthouse Christmas Truffles
- Chocolate Mint: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the cream cheese mixture for a refreshing minty twist!
- Nutty Delight: Incorporate finely chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts into the dough for a delightful crunch.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free sugar cookies to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- White Chocolate Coating: Try white chocolate instead of regular chocolate for a sweet and creamy flavor.
- Fruit Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the cream cheese for a citrusy zing that brightens the flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Lofthouse Christmas Truffles
- Festive Platter: Arrange truffles on a colorful holiday platter, accompanied by seasonal fruits like strawberries or raspberries for a pop of color.
- Warm Beverages: Pair with hot chocolate, eggnog, or spiced apple cider for a cozy treat.
- Gift Packaging: Wrap truffles in decorative boxes or bags for a sweet homemade gift!
FAQs about Lofthouse Christmas Truffles
Can I use store-bought cookies for Lofthouse Christmas Truffles?
Absolutely! Store-bought Lofthouse-style soft sugar cookies work perfectly. In fact, they make this recipe even easier, saving you time during the busy holiday season!
How long can I store my truffles?
Your delightful Lofthouse Christmas Truffles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness!
Can I freeze Lofthouse Christmas Truffles?
Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap each truffle in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll be good for up to three months. Just let them thaw in the fridge before serving!
What if I don’t have dipping chocolate?
If you’re out of dipping chocolate, no worries! Candy melts or even good-quality chocolate chips work just as well. Just be mindful of the melting process to ensure a smooth coating!
Can I make these truffles with dietary restrictions?
Definitely! For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free sugar cookies. You can also find dairy-free cream cheese to make these truffles suitable for your vegan friends!
Final Thoughts
Creating Lofthouse Christmas Truffles is more than just making a delicious dessert; it’s about weaving sweet memories into the fabric of your holiday season. Picture gathering around the table, laughter shared over bites of these creamy, festive delights. Each truffle holds a little piece of joy, reminding us of the beauty in simplicity and the magic of togetherness. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party or gifting them to friends, these treats will surely spread smiles. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the warmth of the season, and let’s make some sweetness together!
PrintLofthouse Christmas Truffles
Lofthouse Christmas Truffles are delightful sweet treats made from soft sugar cookies and cream cheese, coated in smooth chocolate and decorated with festive sprinkles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 15 truffles 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 10 Lofthouse-style soft sugar cookies
- 113 grams cream cheese, softened
- 227 grams dipping chocolate or candy melts
- 15–30 millilitres coconut oil
- Christmas sprinkles, for decoration (optional)
Instructions
- Place the sugar cookies in the bowl of a stand mixer and process on medium speed until finely crumbled.
- Add the softened cream cheese to the crumbs and mix until a smooth, uniform dough forms.
- Measure approximately 22 grams (1.5 tablespoons) of dough per ball. Compress the dough in your hands and roll into even spheres. Transfer onto a parchment-lined sheet pan.
- Refrigerate the shaped truffles for 3 minutes to firm slightly.
- Combine dipping chocolate with half of the coconut oil and melt over a double boiler or in a microwave using 30-second increments, stirring until smooth. Adjust with additional coconut oil if needed to achieve fluid consistency.
- Dip the chilled truffle balls into the melted chocolate using a fork. Tap gently to remove excess and immediately top with sprinkles if desired. Return coated truffles to the parchment-lined pan.
- Allow the truffles to rest until the chocolate is fully set, at least 10 minutes, before serving.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate for varying flavors.
- Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg