Oreo/ Chocolate Truffles

If there's been one recipe I've been wanting to try for the longest time (besides making a pie or tart, which I STILL haven't), it's truffles. It all started a few years ago when I had the Oreo truffles at a cousin's engagement party...with the first bite, I fell in love (with the truffle). They are so delicate but easy to make with some practice...I love the rich chocolate center and the number of toppings that one could choose to dip them in. They are great for any occasion, and can easily be given as a gift in an elegant looking box. I'm going to be honest, I was the most excited about all the different toppings I was going to be using, and looking forward to seeing a tray full of colorful, delectable treats. For my first attempt, I would say the experience wasn't so bad at all. The only challenge was dipping the balls into the chocolate when I was making the Oreo ones (more on that later). Out of the two truffles I made, the Oreo truffles were definitely the winner but I loved both. Here are the links to both recipes: Chocolate Truffles and Oreo Truffles.

Chocolate Cream Cheese Truffles coated in a variety of toppings such as chopped pecans, sprinkles, cocoa powder, and dessicated coconut

Oreo Truffles

Chocolate/Cream Cheese Truffles

Ingredients:

• 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened
• 3 cups confectioner's sugar, sifted
• 3 cups of semisweet chocolate chips OR 19 oz of semi-sweet baking chocolate, melted (I prefer using baking chocolate NOT chocolate chips because it has better consistency)
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla 
• Toppings (chopped nuts, dessicated coconut, cocoa powder, sprinkles, etc.)

1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in confectioner's sugar until well blended.

2. Stir in melted chocolate and vanilla until no streaks remain. Refrigerate for about 1 hour. 

3. Shape into 1-inch balls and dip and in topping of choice.

Oreo Truffles

Ingredients:

• 1 package Oreo Sandwich Cookies, divided
• 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened
• 2 (8 oz) packages of semi-sweet baking chocolate, melted 

1. Crush 9 of the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs (either using a food processor, or you can put the cookies in a resealable plastic bag and use a rolling pin); set aside these cookie crumbs for later use.

2. Crush the remaining 36 Oreo cookies to fine crumbs also, and place in a medium bowl. Add the cream cheese, and mix well until blended (I used a hand mixer and it was mixed within seconds).

3. Roll the cookie/cream cheese mixture into balls, about 1-inch in diameter. Place the balls in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. 

4. Take the balls and dip in melted chocolate. Place each chocolate-covered ball on a wax paper-covered baking sheet. If you have leftover chocolate, you can store it in a covered container at room temperature for another use.

(Note: This part is tricky! Use a fork and spoon to lift up each ball and roll it around in the melted chocolate OR use the fork to life the ball and use the spoon to pour the melted chocolate on each ball until it's completely covered in chocolate.)

I only used 8 oz of chocolate here since I halved the recipe

The best way to melt baking chocolate - using a double broiler  or melting the chocolate in a pot over another pot of simmering water

YUM! steaming melted chocolate

freshly dipped Oreo truffles 

5. Sprinkle the top of the chocolate covered balls with the remaining cookie crumbs. Refrigerate the truffles for about 1 hour or until firm. Store the leftover truffles in a covered container in the refrigerator.