For the past few years my husband and I have made German-style Christmas Advent calendars for family who live far away. There’s something special about opening a small gift each day, and our calendars have become a holiday tradition.
This year I surprised Aaron with his own advent calendar. Yesterday’s treat was a mini milk chocolate hazelnut Ritter Sport bar, which he kindly shared with me.
I couldn’t stop thinking about that hazelnut chocolate all afternoon. I love the combination of chocolate and hazelnuts—especially German chocolate paired with toasted hazelnuts—so when I realized I had all the ingredients to make chocolate hazelnut truffles, I went right into the kitchen. These truffles are an easy, quick substitute if you don’t have a Ritter Sport bar on hand.
While this isn’t an authentic German recipe, hazelnuts felt like a signature flavor while I lived in Germany—so their aroma and taste always bring Germany to mind for me.
These truffles are incredibly simple to prepare. The chocolate mixture comes together in under five minutes; then you chill it for about an hour, roll it into balls, and coat each one in chopped hazelnuts.
I love the smooth, creamy texture of these truffles and how well they hold their shape even after rolling in chopped hazelnuts. They’re an ideal quick dessert for a holiday gathering, a small party, or just a cozy night at home when you want something chocolatey and homemade.
I plan to bring a batch to Aaron’s work holiday party this weekend—if I can resist eating them all first. I’m also packing a batch of German Gebrannte Mandeln (cinnamon-sugared almonds) to share.
These truffles also make a lovely DIY holiday gift. Pack a few in festive treat bags or small boxes for neighbors, teachers, or friends for an easy, homemade present.
Easy Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles
Smooth chocolate and crunchy hazelnuts combine to make a perfect treat for the holidays—or any time you need a quick, decadent bite.
10 minutes
10 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts
Instructions
- Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals, or melt them gently over a double boiler on the stove.
- Mix the melted chocolate with the cream cheese and vanilla until smooth. A stand mixer works best, but a hand mixer or even a wooden spoon will do the job.
- Add the cocoa powder and powdered sugar, and mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about an hour so it firms up enough to roll.
- Portion the chilled mixture into 24 balls. Roll each ball in the chopped hazelnuts, pressing gently so the nuts adhere. Serve and enjoy.