The holiday season is a time for giving, joy, and of course, delicious treats! If you’re looking for a fun and festive recipe to make this Christmas, look no further than these chocolate balls and decorations. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also a great activity to do with family and friends. So, grab your aprons and let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1/4 cup of cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Assorted toppings for decorations (sprinkles, crushed candy canes, mini marshmallows, etc.)
Instructions:
- In a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips and heavy cream until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Using a small cookie scoop, form the chocolate mixture into balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Decorate the chocolate balls with your choice of toppings before returning to the fridge to set.
- Once set, serve and enjoy!
Nutritional Information:
Each chocolate ball contains approximately:
- Calories: 90
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 1g
- Sugar: 7g
Cooking Time:
Preparation: 15 minutes | Chill Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Equipment:
- Double boiler
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small cookie scoop
Serving Suggestions:
These Christmas chocolate balls and decorations are perfect for holiday parties, as gifts, or as a festive treat for yourself!
Variations:
Try different toppings for a variety of flavors and textures. Crushed cookies, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of white chocolate would all be delicious additions!
Substitutions:
If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can use milk or half-and-half instead. You can also use milk chocolate or white chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate, depending on your preference.
Storage:
Store the chocolate balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Tips:
- Make sure to chill the chocolate mixture before forming into balls to make it easier to handle.
- Use a small cookie scoop to ensure even-sized balls.
- Have fun with the decorations and get creative!
Notes:
If you’re making these chocolate balls as gifts, consider packaging them in a festive tin or box.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate? Yes, you can use milk chocolate or even white chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate.
Can I make these chocolate balls ahead of time? Yes, you can make them up to a week in advance and store them in the fridge in an airtight container.
Can I freeze these chocolate balls? Yes, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
Personal Thoughts:
These Christmas chocolate balls and decorations are not only a delicious treat, but they’re also a fun activity to do with loved ones. I love how versatile they are, allowing you to get creative with different toppings and decorations. Plus, they make great gifts! I highly encourage you to try this recipe out for yourself and spread some holiday cheer.