Picture this: all the warm, cozy spices of your favorite gingerbread cookie, rolled into a no-bake, bite-sized truffle that’s rich, creamy, and downright irresistible. That’s exactly what these Christmas Gingerbread Truffles are. They’re the perfect little treat for when you want that classic holiday flavor without having to turn on the oven. Honestly, I think these might be even better than a batch of cookies. They come together in a flash, making them a lifesaver during the busy holiday rush. Who wouldn’t love a dessert that feels festive but is practically foolproof?
Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz) package of soft gingerbread cookies: The flavorful base of our truffle.
- 1 (8 oz) block of cream cheese, softened: Binds everything together and adds a lovely tangy creaminess.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: For that warm, familiar spice.
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger: Amplifies the gingerbread flavor perfectly.
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves: Adds a deep, aromatic warmth.
- 1 (12 oz) bag of vanilla candy melts or white chocolate chips: For a sweet, crisp coating.
- 1 tbsp coconut oil: Helps thin the coating for a smooth, easy dip.
- Festive sprinkles or crushed candies: For a fun, colorful finish.
Why You’ll Love This
You are going to adore these truffles. First, there’s no baking involved. Zero. That means you can whip up a whole platter of gorgeous Christmas party desserts without ever preheating your oven. They are the ultimate make-ahead Christmas treat recipe. The flavor is so, so good—deeply spiced and sweet, with that creamy center we all love. They’re also incredibly forgiving. If your hands get a little messy while rolling, no worries! That’s all part of the fun. They’re a fantastic project to do with kids, and they always, always impress a crowd.
Step by Step Method
- Place the gingerbread cookies in a food processor and pulse until you have fine, even crumbs. You should have about 2 ½ cups of crumbs.
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. This should only take about 30 seconds.
- Add the gingerbread crumbs, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves to the bowl with the cream cheese. Mix on low speed until the mixture is completely combined and begins to clump together. It will look like a dark, damp sand.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour. This chills the dough, making it much easier to roll into neat balls.
- Use a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion the dough. Roll each portion between your palms to form a smooth, one-inch ball. Place the rolled balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once all the dough is rolled, pop the tray back into the fridge for another 15-20 minutes.
- While the balls are chilling, melt the coating. Combine the vanilla candy melts and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring well between each, until completely smooth and fluid.
- Using a fork or a dipping tool, dip each chilled truffle ball into the melted coating, letting the excess drip back into the bowl. Place it back on the parchment paper and immediately add your sprinkles before the coating sets. Repeat with all truffles.
- Let the truffles sit at room temperature until the coating is fully set and firm, about 30 minutes. Then, they’re ready to serve!
Serving Ideas & Pairings
These truffles are stars on any holiday dessert board. Pile them high on a festive platter next to some peppermint bark and sugar cookies. They’re one of the easiest Christmas dessert ideas for a cookie exchange or a holiday party—guests will go crazy for them. For a cozy night in, I love serving a couple alongside a hot mug of coffee or a glass of cold milk. The creamy, spiced flavor pairs beautifully with the bitterness of the coffee. And if you’re feeling fancy, a chai tea latte is another wonderful match.
Flavor Twists
Feel free to get creative and make these your own! For a little crunch, try rolling the finished truffles in crushed pecans or peppermint candies instead of sprinkles. If you love chocolate, use semi-sweet chocolate chips for dipping instead of the vanilla coating. You could even add a tiny pinch of black pepper to the dough mixture for a subtle, grown-up kick that really highlights the spices. For a citrusy twist, a bit of orange zest mixed into the dough is absolutely delicious.
Storage Tips
These truffles keep wonderfully. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Just place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving. I don’t recommend leaving them at room temperature for more than a few hours, as the cream cheese filling needs to stay chilled.
Truffle Recipes to Try Next
If you loved how simple these were, you’ll definitely want to explore more truffle recipes. Oreo truffles are a classic that everyone should have in their back pocket. Peppermint truffles are another fantastic holiday option. And for a fruity twist, lemon truffles are wonderfully bright and refreshing, especially in the spring and summer months.
Oven Temperatures
Since this is a no-bake recipe, your oven gets to take a well-deserved break! The only thing we’re melting is the chocolate coating, and that happens quickly in the microwave or over a double boiler.
Leftover Ideas
Leftovers? As if! But if you somehow find yourself with a few extra, crumble them up and use them as a topping for ice cream or yogurt. They add a fantastic spicy crunch. You could also press the crumbled mixture into a pie crust for a quick and easy gingerbread cheesecake pie filling. So good.
FAQs
- Can I use something other than cream cheese? For a non-dairy version, a thick, plain coconut cream works as a great substitute for the cream cheese. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
- My coating is too thick. What should I do? This is a common issue! Simply add another teaspoon of coconut oil to the melted coating and stir until it becomes smooth and dippable again.
- Are these Christmas gingerbread truffles good for gifting? Absolutely! They make a wonderful homemade gift. Place them in a cute holiday tin or a cellophane bag tied with a ribbon. They’re one of the most thoughtful and tasty Christmas food gifts you can give.
- Can I use homemade gingerbread cookies? You sure can! If you have a favorite soft gingerbread cookie recipe, simply crumble about 3 cups of baked and cooled cookies to use in place of the store-bought ones.
These Christmas Gingerbread Truffles are the simple, joyful, and downright delicious treat your holiday table needs. Happy cooking, y’all!