The Story & Intro
There’s something magical that happens in my kitchen the moment holiday season arrives. The smell of melting chocolate fills the air, dried fruits come out of the pantry, and everything suddenly feels cozy and festive. One treat that instantly reminds me of the warmth and flavor of this time of year is Dark Chocolate Cranberry Truffles. I still remember the day these truffles were born in my kitchen. I had leftover dried cranberries from a cookie recipe and half a bag of dark chocolate waiting to be used. I tossed them together with a little cream out of curiosity and from that simple experiment came one of my favorite holiday treats ever.
What I love about Dark Chocolate Cranberry Truffles is how they balance richness and brightness in a single bite. The dark chocolate is smooth and velvety, while the cranberries add a chewy, tangy pop that wakes up the whole truffle. Every time I make them, I’m transported back to that quiet December afternoon when I first tasted the combination. The snow was falling outside, soft music was playing, and I remember thinking, “This feels like the perfect holiday moment.”
Now these Dark Chocolate Cranberry Truffles have become part of my yearly tradition. They’re elegant, incredibly easy, and packed with a beautiful blend of sweet, tart, and rich flavors. They look stunning on dessert platters and make the perfect homemade gift. Whenever I pack them in little boxes for friends, their reactions are always the same: wide eyes, a big smile, and then the immediate request for the recipe.
If you’re searching for a festive treat that’s simple but luxurious, these Dark Chocolate Cranberry Truffles are going to be your new go-to recipe. They’re deeply chocolaty, slightly fruity, and full of holiday charm everything you want in a winter dessert.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 oz dark chocolate, finely chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp cocoa powder (for coating)
- Optional: extra chopped cranberries or chocolate shavings for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Heat the Heavy Cream
Add the heavy cream to a small saucepan and warm it over medium heat until it begins to steam and bubble slightly around the edges. Avoid boiling it—gentle heat is perfect for melting dark chocolate without affecting its flavor.
Pour Over the Chocolate
Place your chopped dark chocolate in a heat-safe bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes. This allows the chocolate to soften slowly and melt evenly, giving your truffle filling its silky texture.
Mix Until Smooth
Stir the chocolate and cream together until smooth and glossy. Add the butter and vanilla extract. As soon as the butter melts, fold in the finely chopped dried cranberries. They add chewiness and a burst of flavor in every bite.
Chill the Mixture
Cover the bowl and refrigerate it for about 1–2 hours, or until the mixture becomes firm enough to scoop. The texture should be thick, creamy, and easy to roll.
Shape the Truffles
Scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll each one between your palms to form smooth truffles. Work quickly so the chocolate doesn’t melt from the warmth of your hands.
Coat the Truffles
Roll each truffle in cocoa powder for a simple, elegant finish. You can also use:
- Chocolate shavings
- Finely chopped cranberries
- Powdered sugar
- Melted dark chocolate for a shiny shell
Set the Truffles
Place the coated truffles on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for another 20–30 minutes to help them set.
Serving Suggestions
These Dark Chocolate Cranberry Truffles are perfect for holiday dessert boards, after-dinner treats, or edible gifts. Serve them chilled for the best texture—they’re creamy on the inside with a smooth dark chocolate richness and a bright cranberry finish. Pair them with coffee, mulled cider, or hot chocolate for a cozy, satisfying treat. They also look beautiful when arranged in festive tins, treat bags, or mini cupcake liners.
Recipe Card 🍫🍒
⏱️ Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
🧂 Ingredients
- 8 oz dark chocolate
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup chopped dried cranberries
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Cocoa powder for coating
👩🍳 Instructions
- Heat cream until steaming.
- Pour over chopped dark chocolate.
- Stir until smooth; add butter and vanilla.
- Mix in chopped cranberries.
- Chill 1–2 hours.
- Scoop and roll into balls.
- Coat with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings.
- Chill again until firm.
📝 Notes
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for best flavor.
- Add orange zest for a citrus twist.
- Store truffles in the fridge for up to one week.
🍽️ Nutrition (Per Truffle)
Approximate values
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 7g
- Sugar: 7g
- Carbs: 10g
- Protein: 1g
Conclusion
Dark Chocolate Cranberry Truffles are everything you want in a holiday treat: rich, creamy, fruity, and incredibly easy to make. With only a handful of ingredients and no baking required, they bring elegance and festive flavor to any gathering. These truffles are perfect for homemade gifts, dessert platters, or simply enjoying by the fireplace on a winter night. If you love the combination of deep chocolate flavor and bright cranberry tang, this recipe will quickly become one of your holiday favorites.