Christmas Brownie Truffles are the perfect bite-sized holiday indulgence. These fudgy truffles combine tender brownie centers with a crisp chocolate coating and festive sprinkles, making them a hit with kids and adults alike.
Throughout the holiday season we love assembling grazing boards, charcuterie spreads, and snack trays, and truffles are always one of my go-to treats. They’re simple to make, endlessly customizable, and easy to serve at parties or package as gifts.
For these Christmas brownie truffles I start with a boxed brownie mix, fold in softened cream cheese to create a moist, pliable filling, chill the mixture, and then coat each bite in melted chocolate wafers. A white chocolate drizzle and red-and-green sprinkles finish them off with a festive flair.
These chocolatey truffles are adaptable to any celebration—swap the sprinkles and drizzle color to match Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween, or any occasion you’re celebrating.
If you enjoy brownie-based desserts, try other variations like Christmas brownies stuffed with chocolate candies or peppermint-filled brownie muffins. You can also explore richer options such as sourdough brownies or German chocolate brownies for different flavor profiles.
Substitutions and variations
This recipe is forgiving and easy to adapt:
- Brownie mix: Use any boxed brownie mix you prefer and follow the package instructions for mixing and baking.
- Cream cheese: The cream cheese keeps the filling soft and cohesive. If you want a milder tang or lower dairy, reduce the amount or substitute part of it with peanut butter for a different flavor and texture.
- Melting wafers: Choose good-quality coating wafers or melting chocolate in dark, milk, or vanilla. Avoid regular chocolate chips for dipping, as they can seize and clump when melted.
- Toppings: Use any sprinkles, decorating sugar, or crushed candy canes to change the theme. Peppermint or toffee toppings work well too.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store the truffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. If you need longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving—note that some toppings may soften after freezing.
Tips
- Don’t overbake: Bake the brownies until they are just set and still soft in the center—this makes them easy to crumble and keeps the truffles tender.
- Choose the right coating: Use melting wafers or couverture chocolate for smooth, even coatings. Regular chocolate chips aren’t ideal for dipping.
- Keep chocolate smooth: If the melted chocolate thickens, warm it briefly at 10–15 second intervals in the microwave, stirring between each burst.
- Drain excess coating: When dipping the chilled brownie balls, let excess chocolate drip back into the bowl so the coating is even and you don’t waste chocolate.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Almond bark is a suitable alternative for coating truffles, though the flavor and texture will differ slightly from true chocolate wafers.
Yes. Freeze truffles in a single layer on a parchment-lined sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Be aware that sprinkles or delicate toppings may lose crunch and that temperature changes can sometimes cause slight cracking.
A 1-tablespoon cookie scoop makes uniform portions quickly. Roll each portion between your palms to shape into smooth balls.
Yes. Pulse cooled brownies in a food processor until crumbed, then add the softened cream cheese and pulse or mix until evenly combined.
Pairing ideas for Christmas Brownie Truffles
These truffles are delicious on their own, but they also pair nicely with:
- Chocolate coffee: A rich mug of chocolate or mocha-style coffee complements the fudgy chocolate flavors.
- Gift boxes: Package truffles with cookies and other small baked treats for a homemade holiday gift.
- After-dinner treat: Offer a couple of truffles with dessert coffee following a holiday meal.
- Sweet and salty snack: Serve alongside salty crackers, olives, or a savory bread for contrast.
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Christmas Brownie Truffles
What you’ll need
For the brownie filling
- 16.3-ounce box brownie mix (we used a fudge brownie mix)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (follow the amounts on your mix box)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 8 ounces block-style cream cheese, softened to room temperature
For the chocolate coating
- 10 ounces dark chocolate melting wafers
- 10 ounces milk chocolate melting wafers
- 10 ounces vanilla or white melting wafers
- Holiday sprinkles for garnish
How to make it
To make the brownies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (or follow your brownie mix instructions) and grease a pan. A 9×13-inch pan works well.
- In a large bowl, mix the brownie mix, oil, eggs, and water until combined.
- Pour into the prepared pan and bake according to the package directions. For a 9×13, watch closely and bake about 19–22 minutes; avoid overbaking so the brownies remain soft.
- Allow the brownies to cool until warm. Break them into crumbs by hand or pulse in a food processor. Add the softened cream cheese and mix until fully combined and cohesive.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment. Portion the mixture into 1-tablespoon balls, roll smooth, place on the sheet, and freeze for 1 hour.
To make the chocolate coating
- Line another baking sheet with parchment and set aside.
- Melt each variety of melting wafers in separate microwave-safe bowls, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Dip each frozen brownie ball into the melted chocolate using a fork, letting the excess drip back into the bowl. Transfer to the prepared sheet.
- Let the coating set. If needed, refrigerate briefly to speed the process.
- Drizzle with leftover melted chocolate, immediately add sprinkles, and allow the drizzle to set before serving.
Suggested equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Sheet pans
Notes
*Calorie and nutrition values are approximate and based on the recipe card serving size (2 truffles).
*This recipe yields about 40 truffles.
*Follow the liquid and egg amounts shown on your specific boxed brownie mix if they differ from the amounts listed here.