Name: Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Cuisine: Western
Ingredients: 125 ml heavy whipping cream (½ cup); 200 g dark cooking chocolate (70% cocoa solids), finely chopped; ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ⅓ cup fruit mince (homemade or store bought); 180 g milk cooking chocolate; 100 g white cooking chocolate; 9 red glacé/candied cherries, halved

The rich, comforting flavors of the holidays come alive in my Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles Recipe. These little bites pack all the festive cheer of traditional fruit mince into smooth, decadent chocolates you'll savor with every bite.

The image shows a small round dessert placed on a smooth white marble stand. The dessert has a glossy dark brown base, covered by a thick layer of matte milk chocolate with a soft texture. On top, there is a drizzle of white cream that flows down the sides softly. A shiny, deep red cherry sits at the very top, its surface smooth and reflective. In the background, there are several similar desserts and a white bowl filled with shiny dark red cherries, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've made these truffles every Christmas for years, and they never fail to impress – both in taste and ease. Whether you're gifting them or sneaking a few for yourself, they bring a festive twist to classic chocolate treats that everyone adores.

Festive and Flavorful: The blend of fruit mince and cinnamon layered in rich dark chocolate perfectly captures cozy holiday vibes.
Simple but Special: Despite the fancy look, it’s a straightforward recipe with accessible ingredients and clear steps.
Customizable Coatings: Use milk or white chocolate, or both, to create playful contrasts and fun decorations.
Make Ahead Friendly: These truffles keep well in the fridge and even freeze nicely, making holiday prep stress-free.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles Recipe lies in using top-quality ingredients that balance richness and festive spice beautifully. Each element plays a special role.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of thickened cream, a small white ceramic bowl filled with finely chopped dark chocolate chunks, a small white ceramic bowl with ground cinnamon powder, a small white ceramic bowl containing glossy homemade fruit mince, a small white ceramic bowl with smooth milk chocolate pieces, a small white ceramic bowl holding white chocolate chunks, and nine halved vibrant red glacé cherries arranged neatly, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Heavy whipping cream: Provides a smooth, creamy base that gives the truffles a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Dark cooking chocolate (70% cocoa solids): The slightly bitter tone cuts through the sweetness and complements the fruit mince perfectly.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warm, festive spice without overwhelming the chocolate.
Fruit mince: I love using homemade fruit mince for freshness and control over sweetness, but a good store-bought brand works well too.
Milk cooking chocolate (for coating): Offers a creamy, luscious shell that contrasts with the dark chocolate center.
White cooking chocolate (for decoration): Adds a festive visual pop and an extra touch of sweetness on top.
Red glacé cherries: They’re perfect festive toppers – bright, cheerful, and they taste delicious paired with chocolate.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love making these truffles bright and festive, but feel free to tailor them to your own taste buds. Customize coatings, swap spices, or even experiment with different mix-ins to make this recipe truly yours.

Variation: Once, I added a pinch of nutmeg and orange zest to the truffle mix – gave it a lovely citrusy twist that my friends adored.
Dietary note: Use dairy-free cream and chocolates if you want to make these vegan-friendly – just be sure the chocolate coats well.
Spice it up: If you like it bold, add a splash of brandy or rum to the fruit mince. Just let the mixture chill a bit longer to set.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles Recipe

A white plate holds a stack of round chocolate balls topped with a smooth layer of white chocolate that drips slightly down the sides. Each ball is crowned with a shiny, dark red cherry. One ball is cut in half and placed on top, showing a dense, dark brown inside with small bits of nuts and fruit. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Heat the Cream Gently

Start by warming the heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat — just until it reaches just below boiling point. It’s super important to be patient here and avoid rushing; overheating the cream can change the texture. Once hot enough, turn off the heat and stir in the chopped dark chocolate until it's smooth and silky. This creates the luscious base of your truffle filling.

Step 2: Fold in the Festive Flavors

After the chocolate-cream mixture cools for about 5 minutes, stir in the ground cinnamon and fruit mince. Make sure the fruit mince is evenly distributed for consistent bursts of Christmas flavor in every truffle. Pour the mixture into a lined dish—using scrunched baking paper helps with easy removal later—and pop it in the fridge for 1 ½ to 2 hours until firm enough to roll.

Step 3: Roll into Perfect Balls

Grab a small ice cream scoop or teaspoon to portion the truffle mixture into bite-sized balls. If the mixture feels too firm, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before rolling. I find pressing the mixture gently while rolling really helps to make compact, smooth truffles. Place them on a lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so they hold their shape.

Step 4: Melt the Chocolates for Coating

Gently melt the milk chocolate in a bowl over barely simmering water, careful to avoid any steam or water droplets in the chocolate to prevent seizing. Alternatively, use a microwave in short bursts, stirring often. Do the same with the white chocolate for decoration. Then let both cool slightly for about 15 minutes—coating truffles when the chocolate is too warm will soften your centers.

Step 5: Dip and Decorate Your Truffles

Work one truffle at a time, dipping each ball into the melted milk chocolate using two forks to coat completely. Shake off excess chocolate on the edge of the bowl, then place back on the tray. If the chocolate cools too much, just warm it gently again. Once all are coated, add a dollop of white chocolate on top and immediately place half a red glacé cherry as a festive finishing touch. Pop the tray back in the fridge to set the coatings firmly.

Top Tip

From making these truffles countless times, a few little tricks have made all the difference in perfect results. Trust me, these quick tips will help you avoid common slips and impress with flawless, shiny truffles every batch.

Temperature Control: Keep the cream warm but never boiling, and melt chocolate slowly to achieve a smooth, silky truffle shell without graininess.
Roll with Care: If the mixture is too firm, give it a rest at room temperature before rolling to prevent cracking.
Use Non-Stick Paper: Lining trays with baking paper means your truffles won’t stick and you can easily handle them without damage.
Reheat Chocolate in Small Bursts: This prevents overheating and keeps the chocolate smooth and glossy for coating.

How to Serve Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles Recipe

Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping each truffle with a half red glacé cherry—it adds that classic Christmas look and a sweet contrast. You could also dust some with cinnamon or finely chopped nuts for extra texture and twinkle.

Side Dishes

These truffles make a fantastic addition to a festive dessert platter alongside spiced cookies, gingerbread, or even a hot mulled wine to sip while indulging.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving or parties, arrange these truffles in mini cupcake liners—festive red or green ones work beautifully. Or place them artfully on a wooden board with seasonal decorations like holly or pine sprigs for a show-stopping display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep any leftover truffles in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh and tasty for up to a week—perfect for nibbling slowly or sharing during holiday visits.

Freezing

These truffles freeze wonderfully! Freeze them in a single layer initially, then layer with parchment paper. While chocolate might bloom slightly when thawed, I find the taste remains just as delightful.

Reheating

No reheating needed as they're meant to be enjoyed chilled. If you want chocolate to soften a bit, bring them to room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use any fruit mince in the Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles Recipe?

You can absolutely use store-bought fruit mince but try to pick one with a good balance of flavors and preferably vegetarian-friendly. Homemade fruit mince is fantastically fresh and lets you control sweetness and spice, but either works well.

How long do Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles last?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these truffles will stay fresh for about one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months, though the chocolate coating may slightly change texture after thawing.

Can I make these truffles dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream and use dairy-free chocolate varieties for both the truffle base and coating. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly but the festive flavors will still shine through.

Why is temperature control important when making these truffles?

Temperature control ensures the chocolate melts smoothly without seizing and the cream doesn’t curdle, which affects the texture and appearance. Cooling the mixture properly before adding extras helps your truffles set correctly and prevents cracking or melting during rolling and dipping.

Final Thoughts

These Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles Recipe hold a special place in my holiday celebrations. Every year, they evoke sweet memories and bring joy to my family and friends. I truly believe you’ll find making and sharing them as delightful as I do—plus the compliments don’t hurt either! So go ahead, give this recipe a try and add a little more festive magic to your kitchen this Christmas.