Christmas is the perfect time to indulge in some sweet treats, and what better way to do it than with some delicious chocolate balls? These little balls of goodness are not only easy to make, but they’re also a hit with both kids and adults alike. So, let’s get started on this fun and festive recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 cup of chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup of powdered sugar
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 1 cup of crushed cookies (ginger snaps, graham crackers or chocolate wafers)
- 1/4 cup of sprinkles or crushed candy canes (optional)
Instructions
- Start by melting the chocolate chips in a double boiler, stirring occasionally.
- In a separate pot, heat up the heavy cream until it’s just about to boil.
- Remove the chocolate from the heat and slowly pour in the hot heavy cream, stirring constantly until it’s fully incorporated.
- Add in the cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well.
- Stir in the crushed cookies until well combined.
- Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least an hour, or until it’s firm enough to roll into balls.
- Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to form the mixture into balls, then roll them in sprinkles or crushed candy canes if desired.
- Place the balls on a sheet of wax paper and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Christmas chocolate balls (1 ball) contains approximately:
- Calories: 90
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 7mg
- Sodium: 35mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 1g
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Equipment
- Double boiler
- Small pot
- Bowl
- Spatula
- Cookie scoop or spoon
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas chocolate balls make for a great addition to any holiday dessert platter. Serve them alongside some other festive treats such as gingerbread cookies, peppermint bark, or eggnog. They also make for a great homemade gift, just package them in a festive box or jar.
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing up the recipe with some of these fun variations:
- Swap out the crushed cookies for crushed pretzels for a sweet and salty twist.
- Use white chocolate chips instead of milk or dark chocolate chips.
- Add in some peanut butter or Nutella for a deliciously decadent flavor.
Substitutions
If you’re running low on ingredients or want to make a substitution, try these ideas:
- Swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream or almond milk.
- Use maple syrup or honey instead of powdered sugar.
- Replace the vanilla extract with almond or peppermint extract.
Storage
Store the Christmas chocolate balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Tips
- Make sure to crush the cookies into small pieces so that they mix well with the chocolate mixture.
- Chill the mixture for at least an hour to help it firm up and make it easier to roll into balls.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to help form the balls into even sizes.
Notes
This recipe makes approximately 20-25 chocolate balls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can use any type of cookie that you like, such as Oreos, Nilla Wafers or Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These Christmas chocolate balls can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Can I freeze these chocolate balls?
Yes! These chocolate balls can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
I absolutely love this Christmas chocolate balls recipe! It’s so easy to make and it’s the perfect treat to share with friends and family during the holiday season. I love how versatile this recipe is and how you can easily switch up the ingredients to make it your own. The addition of crushed cookies adds a nice texture to the chocolate and the sprinkles or crushed candy canes make them look so festive. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try!