Elegant (and easy!) Chocolate Truffles

I discovered this recipe in a magazine a few years ago, and it is so easy and so elegant and so SO delicious that these truffles have become a Christmas tradition for me. In years past we have made them for friends and family (in lieu of cookies or fudge) and this year I made them for all of the Primary teachers at church as a gift from the Primary Presidency of which I am a member.

Here is the recipe:

- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened

- 3 cups confectioners (powdered) sugar

- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted

- 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Beat cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Gradually beat in confectioners sugar until blended. Mix in melted chocolate and vanilla until mixture is uniform in color. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

Form into 1" balls, then roll balls in coatings to cover. Coatings can include colored sprinkles (red and green sugar sprinkles are really pretty), powdered sugar (that's my favorite!), nuts, crushed peppermint (I crushed up some candy canes using a rolling pin), or another layer of chocolate (allow to cool until hardened). Makes about 60 truffles.

Pictured below is the packaging I made for my truffles: each roll contains 4 different truffles wrapped in wax paper and wrapping paper with a note on the outside; then I tied the ends with ribbon.

As you can see from the platter pictured at the top of this post, these can also make a very festive treat for any holiday gathering. I have also tried variations in white chocolate, which were delicious as well.

For more homemade Christmas gift ideas, click here.

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Have a beautiful thrifty day! (And a very Merry Christmas!)