Create rich, decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles finished with a sprinkle of sea salt. These treats offer a perfect balance of deep chocolate flavor and nutty texture.
Author:Mei Sprout
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:5 minutes
Total Time:2 hours 25 minutes
Yield:About 20 truffles
Category:Dessert
Method:No-Bake/Chilling
Cuisine:General
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup hazelnut paste or smooth hazelnut butter
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
1/4 cup finely chopped toasted hazelnuts (for rolling, optional)
Flaky sea salt (for finishing)
Instructions
Place the chopped dark chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl.
Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just simmers. Do not boil.
Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit undisturbed for 5 minutes to melt the chocolate.
Add the hazelnut paste, softened butter, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt to the bowl.
Gently whisk the mixture starting from the center, working outwards until the ganache is smooth and glossy.
Stir in the chopped toasted hazelnuts, if using.
Cover the bowl and chill the ganache in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until firm enough to scoop.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Use a small scoop or spoon to portion the chilled ganache. Roll the portions quickly between your palms to form small balls. Work fast so the ganache does not get too soft.
Roll the truffles in additional chopped hazelnuts, if desired.
Place the finished truffles on the prepared baking sheet.
Sprinkle each truffle lightly with flaky sea salt immediately after rolling.
Refrigerate the truffles until ready to serve.
Notes
You can substitute hazelnut paste with an equal amount of finely ground, toasted hazelnuts mixed with a teaspoon of neutral oil if needed.
For a deeper hazelnut flavor, toast your hazelnuts before chopping them for rolling.
These truffles store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
If you prefer a softer coating, you can dip the truffles in tempered chocolate instead of rolling them in nuts.