One of the flavors I love most about this time of year is peppermint. To me, the scent of peppermint and the sight of candy canes triggers all the thoughts and happy emotions of the season.
I knew I wanted to make a recipe making peppermint the star but the options were limitless and I had a very difficult time deciding what I want to make. I finally narrowed it down to candy cane truffles or candy cane brownies. You’re obviously reading a post about candy cane truffles so I don’t think I need to tell you how it ended. But I feel like I should explain why since I think brownies are never a bad idea. These truffles won because they only require 4 simple ingredient ingredients (and an optional fifth) and a few minutes of effort (plus 20-30 minutes in the freezer). There’s no baking and no waiting for the brownies to cool. Plus, anything dipped in chocolate is a winner in my book! But you can expect some peppermint brownies coming in the near future.
These truffles are simply amazing! There really aren’t words to say how yummy they are and I love that they use all natural ingredients (other than the candy canes) and not a bunch of artificial ingredients. If you’re looking for a decadent treat to take to the office or a holiday get together, these are perfect. I took a batch into my office and none came home with me! And all of the reviews were excellent!
These are the only ingredients you’ll need:
To make a dozen truffles, you’ll need 15 Medjool dates, 3/4 cup almonds, 1/4 cup cocoa, and 3 candy canes. I covered them in chocolate too but you can omit that if you want to cut the calories. They would be great without the chocolate but I’d recommend using it!
These are so simple to make too. First add the almonds to a high power blender. My Ninja works perfectly for this. After the almonds are chopped into a fine powder (just takes a few seconds), add in the pitted dates. Depending on your blender, you may want to add a few at a time so it doesn’t get overloaded. Part way through adding the dates, pour in the cocoa. Blend until you’ve got a sticky dough ball. Crush one or two candy canes into pieces and add to dough.
When all the ingredients are combined, roll into small balls and place on parchment paper. I made medium-ish balls and got 12 out of it but you could stretch that further by making them smaller. If you don’t want the chocolate shell, you can roll the balls in crushed candy cane.
Place in the freezer for 20 or 30 minutes.
Melt chocolate in the microwave and spoon on top of truffles. Before the chocolate hardens, sprinkle a few broken pieces of candy cane on top.
Pop one into your mouth and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 15 Medjool dates
- 3/4 cup almonds
- 1/4 cup cocoa
- 3 candy canes
- dark chocolate (optional, for coating)
Instructions
- Add the almonds to a high power blender.
- Add in the pitted dates and pour in the cocoa.
- Blend until you've got a sticky dough ball.
- Crush one or two candy canes into pieces and add to dough.
- When all the ingredients are combined, roll into small balls and place on parchment paper.
- If you don't want the chocolate shell, roll balls into crushed candy cane pieces.
- Place in the freezer for 20 or 30 minutes.
- Melt chocolate in the microwave and spoon on top of truffles.
- Before the chocolate hardens, sprinkle a few broken pieces of candy cane on top.

What is your favorite holiday treat? Tell me in the comments below!
Alli Smith says
December 21, 2015 at 8:00 amI’ve never met a truffle I didn’t like. I usually make OREO truffles and Cookie Dough truffles, but I would love to try your Candy Cane Truffles. They look festive and delicious.
Alli Smith recently posted…Merry Christmas 2015
Carmen Perez (listen2mama) says
December 21, 2015 at 8:48 amOh I love all truffles too, These look so good, what a great treat for Christmas Day! I love peppermint in my desserts.
Heather lawrence says
December 21, 2015 at 10:05 amI never enjoyed peppermint until this Christmas and I just can’t seem to get enough of it!
This looks delicious 🙂 What a perfect treat for Santa!
Lisa Johnston says
December 21, 2015 at 11:18 amI wouldn’t have thought about using date, but those look so good. Great recipe, and great photos.
Lisa Johnston recently posted…How to Get More Bang for Your Vacation Buck
Valerie says
December 21, 2015 at 2:47 pmThese look delicious! I am always looking for easy recipes that taste great.
Valerie recently posted…2015 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE – Pillowcape
Jeanine says
December 21, 2015 at 7:04 pmOh wow do these ever look and sound just amazing. What a fabulous idea, I’d love to make a batch (or 4) of these!
Chantal says
December 21, 2015 at 9:43 pmWow do these ever look yummy- and theyre so simple! I still have holiday baking to do and I’m sure my family would love these.
Camile says
December 21, 2015 at 9:51 pmThese look and sound delicious. I love anything with chocolate. These would be great to take to our Christmas dinner.
Breanna says
December 21, 2015 at 9:57 pmThese look SO good! And they are so pretty! What a bonus! 🙂 I need to make these this week. I think they’d be a hit at my family’s Christmas party!
Mistee Dawn says
December 21, 2015 at 11:01 pmOMG, these look amazing! I am definitely makeing some of these for the holidays! Thanks!
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Rachel says
December 22, 2015 at 12:00 amI like that you put a date in there. A bit of fruit with your chocolate. And 4 ingredients can’t be beat.
Vera Sweeney says
December 22, 2015 at 12:13 amI love truffles!! I may have to make these with our left over candy canes they sound delicious!
Vera Sweeney recently posted…5 Reasons Why Die Hard Is Most Definitely Part Of The 12 Days of #FoxChristmas
Miranda (Myrabev) says
December 22, 2015 at 5:15 amI have never made a truffle before and this one is looking particularly appetizing. I need to prepare something this christmas and can not wait to try this one out.
Miranda (Myrabev) recently posted…Tried & Tested: Hair & Eyes
nazma iqbal says
December 22, 2015 at 6:49 amawesome recepie.thanx for sharing you gave me great idea for christmas sweets.i enjoy a lot making suff at home so will definatly try these
Amanda || Growing Up Madison says
December 22, 2015 at 7:02 amOh these would be perfect for the holidays. I think I might make them but I know they won’t last.
Amanda || Growing Up Madison recently posted…Tips for Celebrating the New Year with Family
lisa @bitesforbabies says
December 22, 2015 at 8:27 amSuch a pretty dessert and I love that it is raw! I make raw date and nut balls/bars all the time…I love the addition of the candy cane crumble!
lisa @bitesforbabies recently posted…Smoky Bean Soup
Rebecca Swenor says
December 22, 2015 at 11:39 amThese look so delicious. I have never made truffles before so I will have to try making them. Yummy!!! Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Julie says
December 24, 2015 at 2:21 amI use my Ninja to make all sorts of cool stuff…I want to add these to my recipe list! They look amazing!