Ingredients
Scale
- 10 oz quality semi-sweet chocolate chips (or finely chopped chocolate)
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, for coating
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the heavy cream and instant espresso powder in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the cream is hot (just simmering, do not boil) and the espresso powder is fully dissolved.
- Step 2: Place the chocolate chips in a medium, heat-safe bowl. Pour the hot espresso cream mixture over the chocolate, letting it sit undisturbed for 5 minutes. Stir slowly until the mixture is completely smooth, then stir in the vanilla bean paste and salt to form the ganache.
- Step 3: Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate the coffee ganache for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the mixture is firm enough to easily scoop and roll. If the mixture is too hard, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Step 4: Using a small cookie scoop or teaspoon, scoop out portions of the ganache and quickly roll them into 1-inch balls using the palms of your hands. Work quickly to prevent melting, and place the finished truffles on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 5: Pour the unsweetened cocoa powder into a shallow dish. Roll each truffle in the cocoa powder until it is fully coated. Store the finished truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator and serve chilled.
Notes
- These truffles keep beautifully in an an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days, but for the best texture and flavor, consume them within the first week.
- If the truffles become rock hard after several hours in the coldest part of the fridge, allow them to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving to achieve the optimal melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- For an elegant finish, serve these chilled coffee truffles alongside a strong digestif like espresso, grape juice with lemon grape juice with vinegar, or a splash of Coffee Creamer With Chocolate for a luxurious dessert pairing.
- To ensure perfectly round truffles without excessive melting, lightly dust your hands with a small amount of unsweetened cocoa powder before rolling, and work in small batches, returning the remaining ganache to the fridge if your kitchen is warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American