If you’re looking for a sweet, decadent treat that combines the richness of caramel with the refreshing bite of peppermint, then Caramel Peppermint Crisp Truffles are just what you need. These melt-in-your-mouth truffles are made with a smooth caramel filling, a hint of peppermint, and a crunchy peppermint crisp coating. The balance of sweet and minty flavors is a holiday dream come true, and they’re perfect for gifting or enjoying during your festive celebrations.
What makes these truffles so special is their luxurious texture. The soft, creamy caramel centers contrast beautifully with the crunchy peppermint coating, making each bite a delightful combination of smooth and crispy. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or treating yourself, these truffles are a perfect indulgence during the holiday season.
I first made Caramel Peppermint Crisp Truffles when I wanted to create a festive treat that felt special but wasn’t too complicated to make. The combination of rich caramel and the refreshing mint is always a winner, and these truffles quickly became a favorite. You can make them ahead of time and store them for later, making them a great option for holiday treats.
Why These Caramel Peppermint Crisp Truffles Will Be Your New Favorite
- Sweet and minty: The soft caramel center paired with a hint of peppermint makes these truffles perfectly balanced in flavor.
- Crunchy coating: The peppermint crisp coating adds a delightful crunch to the truffles, making each bite exciting and flavorful.
- Perfect for the holidays: These truffles are ideal for holiday parties, gift-giving, or simply treating yourself to a festive treat.
- Simple to make: Despite their decadent appearance, these truffles are easy to make and require just a few ingredients.
- Customizable: You can adjust the level of peppermint to suit your taste or add a drizzle of chocolate for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Caramel Center:
- 1 cup caramel candies (or 1/2 cup homemade caramel sauce)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
For the Peppermint Crisp Coating:
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies or peppermint bark
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate (for dipping, optional)
How to Make Caramel Peppermint Crisp Truffles
- Prepare the caramel filling:
In a microwave-safe bowl or on the stove, melt the caramel candies with heavy cream until smooth and creamy. Stir in the peppermint extract and mix well. Allow the caramel mixture to cool for about 10-15 minutes to thicken slightly. - Form the truffle centers:
Once the caramel has cooled a bit, scoop out small spoonfuls of the caramel mixture and roll them into smooth balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the caramel balls on a parchment-lined tray or plate. Put the tray in the refrigerator to chill for about 30 minutes, or until the caramel balls are firm. - Prepare the peppermint crisp coating:
While the caramel centers are chilling, crush the peppermint candies or peppermint bark into small, coarse pieces. You can do this by placing them in a sealed bag and gently smashing them with a rolling pin. Alternatively, use a food processor to crush the candies. - Dip the truffles in chocolate (optional):
If you want to add a chocolate coating, melt the semi-sweet or milk chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or on a double boiler. Dip each chilled caramel ball into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the dipped truffles back onto the parchment paper. - Coat with peppermint crisp:
While the chocolate is still wet, roll each truffle in the crushed peppermint pieces, ensuring it is completely coated. If you opted not to dip them in chocolate, you can coat the chilled caramel balls directly in the peppermint crisp for a lighter option. - Chill the truffles:
Return the truffles to the refrigerator to set for another 30 minutes, or until the chocolate coating has hardened, and the truffles are firm. - Serve and enjoy:
Your Caramel Peppermint Crisp Truffles are now ready to enjoy! Serve them chilled or at room temperature for the best texture.
Tips
- Make ahead: These truffles can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Adjust the peppermint: Feel free to adjust the amount of peppermint extract to suit your taste. If you love mint, you can add a little more for an extra refreshing flavor.
- Use quality caramel: For the best flavor, use high-quality caramel candies or homemade caramel sauce. If you’re short on time, store-bought caramel works great too.
- Add a drizzle: For a little extra decadence, drizzle the truffles with more melted chocolate before serving.
Substitutions and Variations
- Non-dairy version: Use dairy-free caramel and non-dairy chocolate to make these truffles vegan-friendly.
- Add nuts: For an added crunch, try rolling the truffles in crushed nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, instead of peppermint.
- Chocolate variations: You can experiment with different types of chocolate for the coating, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate, to suit your preference.
Make a Healthier Version
- Lower sugar: Use sugar-free caramel candies and dark chocolate with a high cocoa percentage to reduce the sugar content.
- Coconut truffles: Replace the caramel filling with a mixture of coconut cream and dark chocolate for a coconut peppermint version of these truffles.
Closing
And there you have it! Caramel Peppermint Crisp Truffles are the perfect combination of sweet, minty, and crunchy. With their smooth caramel centers and festive peppermint coating, these truffles are sure to become a holiday favorite. Whether you’re gifting them to friends or enjoying them yourself, they’re a delicious and elegant treat. Don’t forget to let us know how your truffles turn out, and be sure to check out more of our holiday treats for even more sweet inspiration!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these truffles ahead of time?
Yes! These truffles can be made a few days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. - Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce if you prefer, but for best results, I recommend using caramel candies or homemade caramel for a richer flavor. - How do I store leftover truffles?
Store leftover truffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture. - Can I make these truffles without the chocolate coating?
Yes, you can skip the chocolate coating and simply roll the caramel centers in crushed peppermint for a lighter version of the truffle. - Can I use a different type of peppermint candy?
Yes! You can use peppermint bark, candy canes, or any other peppermint candy you like. Just crush them into small pieces before rolling the truffles in them. - Can I freeze these truffles?
Yes, you can freeze the truffles for up to 2 months. Store them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw them in the fridge before serving. - Can I add more peppermint extract?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of peppermint extract to your taste. If you like a stronger mint flavor, feel free to add a little more. - Can I use dark chocolate for the coating?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate pairs wonderfully with the sweet caramel and peppermint, giving the truffles a richer, deeper flavor. - Can I use regular sugar instead of powdered sugar?
Powdered sugar is best for the caramel filling as it gives the right texture. Regular granulated sugar might make the filling grainy. - How do I get the peppermint coating to stick?
Make sure the chocolate coating is still slightly warm when rolling the truffles in the peppermint. If you’re not using chocolate, you can roll the truffles in the crushed peppermint right after they’ve been chilled.