Healthy Chocolate Peppermint Truffles

by Kaylie Grace on December 21, 2020

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These healthy chocolate peppermint truffles are a no-bake dessert for the holiday season! The fudgy bite-sized balls are packed with dates, cocoa, and a dash of peppermint extract. They’re coated in dark chocolate and topped with crushed candy canes, making them a delicious treat for Christmas. Vegan, gluten-free, and so easy to make!

vegan chocolate peppermint truffles inside a white bowl with a bite taken out of one truffle

Have you enjoyed a candy cane yet this holiday season? Yeah, me neither. I must admit, they’re pretty boring on their own. But have you ever tried incorporating them into a sweet, fudgy, chocolate-filled treat? Now that is something to rave about! These chocolate peppermint truffles bring the candy cane experience to new heights. They’re anything but boring, if I must say so myself.

This dessert is a festive twist on one of my most popular recipes: the classic No Bake Brownie Bites. We’ll use the same ingredients for these truffles, but add a dash of peppermint extract to achieve a minty flavor. They’re also covered in rich dark chocolate with crushed candy canes on top. Essentially, it’s the Christmas version of the brownie bites!

These chocolate peppermint truffles are:

Vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free
Soft, chewy, chocolatey, and satisfying
Quick and easy // ready in 25 minutes
Naturally sweetened with dates // no refined sugar
Great for gifting, sharing, or any holiday gathering
A healthy dessert that’s perfect for Christmas

chocolate peppermint truffles inside white mini muffin liners

Ingredients needed

Nuts: We’ll use a combination of walnuts and almonds. Both nuts are packed with healthy fats, like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Dates: Instead of refined sugar, these peppermint balls are sweetened with medjool dates.
Cocoa powder: Cocoa powder (or cacao powder) is used to create the rich chocolate flavor.
Coconut oil: A small amount of coconut oil is required for both the truffles and chocolate coating. You can either use refined coconut oil or unrefined coconut oil. Refined coconut oil is flavorless and odorless, so I recommend that variety.
Peppermint extract: A dash of pure peppermint extract adds a minty flavor.
Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate coats the peppermint-flavored truffles. Use your favorite kind. Dairy-free semisweet or milk chocolate works too.
Candy canes: Each truffle is garnished with crushed candy canes. This not only provides extra peppermint flavor, but it also gives the truffles a festive appearance!

a marble and wooden board topped with bowls of medjool dates, almonds, walnuts, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and crushed candy canes

How to make healthy chocolate peppermint truffles

For the full ingredients list and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to view the recipe card below.

First, combine the walnuts, almonds, medjool dates, cocoa powder, peppermint extract, coconut oil, and salt in a food processor. Process the ingredients until a nearly smooth, sticky dough forms. You should be able to pinch the mixture together with your hands.

Then, use a mini cookie scoop or tablespoon to form the dough into 15 rounds. Roll the dough into balls and set aside.

medjool dates, almonds, walnuts, and cocoa powder in a food processor

medjool dates, almonds, walnuts, and cocoa powder combined in a food processor

Next, prepare the chocolate coating. Combine dark chocolate chips and coconut oil in a bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until the chocolate is completely melted. Alternatively, combine the ingredients in a double boiler on the stove.

Line a plate with parchment paper. Dip each peppermint truffle inside the melted chocolate, tapping off any excess chocolate. Place on the parchment paper. Repeat until all of the truffles are coated. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top. Place the peppermint truffles in the refrigerator for 10 minutes or until the chocolate has set. Enjoy!

healthy chocolate peppermint truffles stacked inside a white bowl, beside a bowl of crushed candy canes and chocolate chips

Kaylie’s tips

Adjust the peppermint extract to your preference. The intensity of peppermint extract can vary depending on the brand. I recommend adjusting the amount to your own taste. One teaspoon should be plenty, but feel free to add more as needed.

Not a fan of candy canes? No worries! There are several other ways to decorate these holiday truffles. Once the chocolate sets, you can add a drizzle of white chocolate over the top. Other great ideas include Christmas sprinkles, cacao nibs, or coconut shreds.

Store the truffles in a sealed container. You can keep them at room temperature or stored inside the refrigerator. They will also last up to 3 months in the freezer.

healthy chocolate peppermint truffles stacked in a white bowl with a bite taken out of the middle truffle

More vegan Christmas recipes

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