Chocolate Truffle

A chocolate truffle is a small, bite-size chocolate with a soft, rich center, usually ganache, that is either rolled in cocoa powder or finished in a thin chocolate shell. The name comes from its resemblance to the prized truffle fungus: the original French versions were lumpy, irregular balls dusted in cocoa that looked like freshly dug truffles.

Three classic styles

• French truffles — a ball of ganache rolled by hand and dusted in cocoa powder. Rustic, soft and intensely chocolatey.
• Belgian-style truffles — a creamy center inside a thin, crisp chocolate shell, closely related to the Belgian praline.
• American-style truffles — typically larger, with a firmer center and a thicker shell, often enrobed or molded.

What makes a great truffle

Look for a shell thin enough to give way easily, a center that melts smoothly with no graininess, and a filling that is balanced rather than cloyingly sweet. The contrast between a crisp outside and a creamy inside is the whole point, so mouthfeel matters as much as flavor.

How to enjoy and store truffles

• Let chilled truffles sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before eating so the center softens and the flavors open up.
• Keep them sealed, cool and away from strong odors.
• Because creamy centers contain more moisture than solid chocolate, truffles generally have a shorter shelf life than bars.

Polkadot chocolate truffles

The Polkadot truffle collection follows the shell-and-center style, using Belgian chocolate around flavored fillings. Choose the Cookies and Cream Truffles for a white chocolate shell with a cookies-and-cream center, or the Blueberry Jam Truffles for dark chocolate with a fruity heart. For a broader overview of the line, see Polkadot Chocolate Truffles.