Christmas is the time to indulge in some delicious treats with your loved ones, and nothing spells festive cheer like chocolate! If you’re looking for a sweet and easy treat to make this holiday season, look no further than jumbo Christmas chocolate balls. These bite-sized treats are easy to make, and they’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup of milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of crushed candy canes
- 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup of powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, and heavy cream. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat, and stir in the crushed candy canes, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Refrigerate the mixture for about an hour or until it is firm enough to handle.
- Using your hands, roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Roll the balls in additional crushed candy canes or cocoa powder, if desired.
- Refrigerate the balls for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information
Each jumbo Christmas chocolate ball contains approximately:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 2g
Cooking Time
The total cooking time for jumbo Christmas chocolate balls is approximately 2 hours, which includes 1 hour of refrigeration time.
Equipment
- Medium-sized saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon
- Refrigerator
Serving Suggestions
Jumbo Christmas chocolate balls can be served as a festive dessert, a sweet snack, or as part of a holiday cookie tray. They pair well with a glass of milk or a hot cup of cocoa.
Variations
You can customize jumbo Christmas chocolate balls to your liking by using different add-ins such as chopped nuts, dried fruit, or mini marshmallows. You can also experiment with different coatings such as sprinkles or crushed cookies.
Substitutions
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead. If you don’t have crushed candy canes, you can use peppermint extract or peppermint oil. If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter but omit the additional salt.
Storage
Jumbo Christmas chocolate balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month.
Tips
- Make sure to use good quality chocolate chips for the best flavor.
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the mixture for even-sized balls.
- Refrigerate the mixture for at least an hour before rolling into balls to ensure it is firm enough to handle.
Notes
This recipe makes approximately 20 jumbo Christmas chocolate balls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use white chocolate chips instead?
Yes, you can use white chocolate chips instead of dark and milk chocolate chips for a different flavor. You can also use a combination of all three types of chocolate chips.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes, you can make jumbo Christmas chocolate balls up to a week in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of coating?
Yes, you can use different types of coatings such as crushed cookies or sprinkles instead of crushed candy canes or cocoa powder.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy and delicious treat to make this holiday season, jumbo Christmas chocolate balls are the way to go. With their festive flavors and bite-sized goodness, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. So why not whip up a batch today and indulge in some festive cheer!