Few things capture the magic of the holidays like handmade sweets. These Christmas Cookie Truffles combine the nostalgic flavor of sugar cookies and the warm spice of gingerbread, all wrapped in silky chocolate and festive sprinkles. These bite-sized Christmas Cookie Truffles are the perfect treat for cookie trays, homemade gifts, and cozy evenings by the fire.
Whether you’re preparing for a cookie exchange or looking for the ideal sweet to pair with hot cocoa, this Christmas Cookie Truffles recipe is easy, no-bake, and delightfully festive.
🎁 A Sweet Holiday Memory
When I think of Christmas Cookie Truffles, I’m taken back to my grandmother’s snowy kitchen, filled with laughter, holiday tunes, and the scent of cookies baking in the oven. We made batch after batch of her famous sugar cookies and gingerbread, which would later become the base for these truffles.
These Christmas Cookie Truffles aren’t just treats—they’re edible memories, a holiday tradition wrapped in sprinkles and chocolate.
🌟 Why You’ll Love These Christmas Cookie Truffles
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Simple but elegant – A no-fuss treat that looks gourmet.
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Only four ingredients – And all are easy to find or already in your pantry.
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Customizable – Play with flavors, colors, and decorations.
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Make-ahead friendly – Perfect for busy schedules and party planning.
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Kid-approved and adult-adored – A treat the whole family can enjoy.
🛒 Ingredients
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1 batch sugar cookies or ginger molasses cookies (try these sugar cookies or gingerbread traybake)
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1–4 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
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1 cup chocolate melting wafers (white chocolate for sugar cookie truffles, semi-sweet for gingerbread)
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Watkins Holiday Sprinkles or festive colored sugar
🔔 Pro Tip: For bold flavor, use Watkins organic cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract in your cookie base.
👩🍳 How to Make Christmas Cookie Truffles – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Bake Your Cookies
Begin with a batch of cookies. You can use your own recipe or store-bought versions. Homemade adds a personal touch—my favorites are these soft ginger cookies or buttery sugar cookies.
Let them cool completely. Slightly overbaked cookies are fine—they’ll be moistened by the cream cheese later.
Step 2: Create the Truffle Base
In a food processor, pulse your cookies into fine crumbs. Add 1 oz of softened cream cheese and blend. Continue adding cream cheese as needed. The mixture should be dough-like, moist enough to roll into balls without falling apart.
Step 3: Shape Your Truffles
Scoop out tablespoons of the mixture, roll into balls, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You can use a cookie scoop for uniformity.
Chill for at least 30 minutes or freeze for 10–15 minutes to firm them up before dipping.
Step 4: Coat with Chocolate
Melt your chocolate wafers in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler. Once smooth, dip each truffle using a fork or dipping tool, allowing excess to drip off.
Step 5: Decorate and Set
Place dipped truffles back onto the lined baking sheet. Immediately top with holiday sprinkles before the chocolate hardens.
Let them set fully at room temperature or pop them in the fridge to speed things up.
✨ Decorating Ideas
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Classic look: Red and green sprinkles
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Elegant style: Drizzle with contrasting chocolate
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Peppermint pop: Top with crushed candy canes
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Nutty twist: Sprinkle with finely chopped pistachios or walnuts
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Snowy sparkle: Roll in powdered sugar or edible glitter
🧁 Substitutions & Variations
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Flavor swap: Use chocolate raspberry cookies or lemon-poppy seed cupcakes as the base.
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Dairy-free: Try vegan cream cheese and dairy-free chocolate coating.
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Gluten-free: Use gluten-free cookies like these brownie cookie fusions.
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Mix & match: Combine sugar and ginger cookies for a marbled effect.
🧠 Expert Baking Tips
- Let your cookies cool completely before processing—warm cookies become gummy.
- Don’t overdo the cream cheese—it should bind the mixture, not make it sticky.
- Chill before dipping for the best shape and clean coating.
- Use a fork or dipping tool for smooth chocolate coverage.
- Decorate immediately after dipping. Chocolate sets fast!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze cookie truffles?
Absolutely! Place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to one month.
What’s the best chocolate for coating?
Chocolate melting wafers or candy melts are easiest. If using real chocolate, temper it properly to ensure a shiny finish.
Can I make them in advance?
Yes! You can refrigerate them for up to five days, or freeze for gifting later.
How do I make the coating super smooth?
Add a teaspoon of coconut oil to the melted chocolate for a silky finish. This helps thin the chocolate and gives it a beautiful glossy texture, perfect for dipping. You can learn more about how coconut oil improves chocolate consistency from Serious Eats’ chocolate melting guide.
Can I use leftover holiday cookies?
Definitely! This is a great way to repurpose cookies from your Christmas cookie box.
🧊 Storage Tips
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Fridge: Keep in an airtight container up to 5 days.
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Freezer: Freeze for 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
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Room Temp: Store in a cool, dry place for up to 2 days if using candy melts.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
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Serve on a tray with hot cocoa or mulled cider.
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Add to a dessert charcuterie board with Coconut Macaroons and Fudge Brownies.
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Package in holiday tins with a handwritten tag for gifting.
🎄 More Festive Recipes to Try
Made this recipe? I’d be thrilled to see it! Snap a pic and tag me @sarahs_kitchen_diary on Instagram, or leave a comment below with your festive creations and flavor combos. Nothing brings more joy than seeing your holiday traditions come to life.