Name: Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Cuisine: Western
Ingredients: 125 ml heavy whipping cream (thickened cream); 200 g dark cooking chocolate (70% cocoa solids), finely chopped; ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ⅓ cup fruit mince (homemade or store-bought); 180 g milk cooking chocolate; 100 g white cooking chocolate; 9 red glacé/candied cherries, halved

There’s something just magical about biting into a tiny, rich ball of festive flavor—that’s exactly why I adore this Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles Recipe. These truffles are a delightfully indulgent spin on classic fruit mince, wrapped in luscious chocolate and perfect for sharing or sneaking a few at midnight!

The image shows a small round dessert placed on a smooth white marble stand. The dessert has a glossy dark brown base, covered by a thick layer of matte milk chocolate with a soft texture. On top, there is a drizzle of white cream that flows down the sides softly. A shiny, deep red cherry sits at the very top, its surface smooth and reflective. In the background, there are several similar desserts and a white bowl filled with shiny dark red cherries, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made these truffles every Christmas for years now, and they never fail to impress. They’re the perfect combination of velvety chocolate and spiced fruit mince that melts in your mouth—fancy yet effortless to whip up, even if you’re squeezed for time.

Simple ingredients: You don’t need a pantry full of fancy stuff; the recipe leans on great chocolate and your favorite fruit mince.
No baking required: Just a little melting, mixing, and chilling makes these ready to enjoy.
Perfect festive gift: They look gorgeous and taste impressive, so they’re ideal for homemade holiday presents.
Flexible and fun: You can personalize them easily, whether you want to add more spice or decorate differently.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in the Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles Recipe plays a role in creating that smooth, rich taste with a hint of festive spice. Here’s why I trust these ingredients every year—and a few shopping tips to help you pick the best.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of thickened cream, a small white ceramic bowl filled with finely chopped dark chocolate chunks, a small white ceramic bowl with ground cinnamon powder, a small white ceramic bowl containing glossy homemade fruit mince, a small white ceramic bowl with smooth milk chocolate pieces, a small white ceramic bowl holding white chocolate chunks, and nine halved vibrant red glacé cherries arranged neatly, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Heavy whipping cream: This adds the luscious creaminess that balances the richness of the chocolate and softens the texture for easy rolling.
Dark cooking chocolate (70% cocoa solids): It delivers depth of flavor without being overly sweet, allowing the fruit mince to really shine.
Ground cinnamon: Just a pinch adds warmth and festive spice, perfectly complementing the fruit mince.
Fruit mince: Whether homemade or store-bought, it brings juicy bursts of dried fruits and those classic Christmas spices that make this recipe special.
Milk cooking chocolate (for coating): Sweetens the truffles and creates that smooth shiny shell for the perfect bite.
White cooking chocolate: Used to add a festive touch when decorating, plus it contrasts beautifully against the milk chocolate.
Red glacé/candied cherries: These halved cherries dress up the truffles with a burst of color and sweetness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing things up with this Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles Recipe, especially when I want to adjust the spice level or add different toppings. You can easily tailor them to your taste or dietary needs!

Spice it up: Sometimes I add a hint of nutmeg or allspice for an extra festive kick—it’s a nice way to put your own signature on the truffles.
Alcohol twist: A splash of brandy or rum stirred into the mixture can elevate these truffles into a truly grown-up treat.
Vegan swap: Use coconut cream and dairy-free chocolate alternatives to make these suitable for vegan friends without losing any richness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles Recipe

A white plate holds a stack of round chocolate balls topped with a smooth layer of white chocolate that drips slightly down the sides. Each ball is crowned with a shiny, dark red cherry. One ball is cut in half and placed on top, showing a dense, dark brown inside with small bits of nuts and fruit. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Gently heat the cream and melt the chocolate

Start by warming your heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat, just until it’s steaming and almost at boiling point—watch closely so it doesn’t scorch. Then, remove it from the heat and add the finely chopped dark chocolate. Stir patiently until it’s all melted into a smooth, glossy mixture. I find this step sets the silky base for your truffles, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Mix in the spices and fruit mince, then chill

Once the chocolate-cream mixture is smooth, let it cool for about 5 minutes before stirring in the ground cinnamon and your fruit mince. Make sure the fruit mince is evenly distributed—this is where the festive magic happens! Pour the mixture into a lined dish and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour and a half to two hours. It needs to firm right up so you can roll it without it sticking to your hands.

Step 3: Scoop and shape the truffles

Once set, use a small ice cream scoop or a teaspoon to portion out your truffles. Roll each ball with your hands—if the mixture feels too firm, leave it to soften for a few minutes. When rolling, press gently to compact the texture; this stops your truffles from crumbling. Place them on your lined tray and chill again for at least 30 minutes. This step helps them hold their shape when coating.

Step 4: Melt the coating chocolates carefully

Time for the fun part. Gently melt your milk and white cooking chocolates separately over a bain-marie or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently. Be careful not to let any steam or water get into the chocolate—that’s the quickest way to make it seize! Let both chocolates cool slightly before dipping, or they’ll melt your truffles.

Step 5: Dip, decorate, and chill

Dip each chilled truffle into the milk chocolate using two small forks to coat completely. Tap off any extra chocolate, then return to your tray. If the chocolate firms up, gently re-warm it. For the finishing touch, I love adding a tiny spoonful of cooled white chocolate on top with half of a bright red glacé cherry—such a classic festive look! Pop everything back in the fridge until set.

Top Tip

From many seasons of making these, here are some tips I find invaluable for perfect, professional-feeling Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles every time.

Keep your hands cool: If you find the truffle mixture sticking too much while rolling, cool your hands under cold water and dry well before shaping each batch.
Use quality chocolate: It may seem obvious, but better chocolate melts smoother and gives a better finish and taste—especially important when mixing with fruit mince.
Don’t rush chilling times: I’ve learned that cutting corners on chilling results in misshapen truffles or sticky messes—patience really pays off here.
Double-check your fruit mince: Choose one with a good balance of fruit and spice; it makes all the difference for that authentic Christmas flavor.

How to Serve Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles Recipe

Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually stick to halved glacé cherries on top because their juicy sweetness and festive red color add that warm holiday charm. Sometimes, I sprinkle chopped pistachios or dust a little edible gold glitter over the truffles for an extra sparkle when serving guests.

Side Dishes

These truffles pair beautifully with a cup of spiced mulled wine or a rich, creamy coffee—perfect for cozy winter evenings. I’ve also served them alongside a cheese board with some sharp cheddar and crackers, which surprisingly works really well to contrast the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like arranging these truffles in cupcake liners on decorative platters or stacking them in a clear jar tied with a festive ribbon—makes a stunning edible gift. One year, I even presented them on a mirrored tray sprinkled with cinnamon sticks and sprigs of rosemary for a rustic Christmas feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You’ll want to separate layers with non-stick baking paper so they don’t stick together. They keep beautifully for up to a week, making them a great make-ahead treat for busy holiday days.

Freezing

These truffles freeze well for up to three months, which is super helpful if you want to prepare them far in advance. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in layers with parchment and store in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. When you thaw them in the fridge, their texture and flavor stay mostly intact—though the chocolate can sometimes develop a white sheen (“bloom”). It still tastes delicious though!

Reheating

Since these are truffles, I don’t recommend reheating them like a hot dish. Instead, let them come to room temperature for 20 minutes before eating to enjoy the fullest flavor and soft texture. If your chocolate coating feels too hard, holding them briefly in your hands warms them gently and releases the richness beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought fruit mince for this recipe?

Absolutely! While I love using homemade fruit mince for its fresh flavors, good-quality store-bought fruit mince works wonderfully in this recipe too. Just make sure it’s tasty and vegetarian-friendly if that matters to you.

What’s the best way to prevent the chocolate from seizing during melting?

The key is to keep any water from coming into contact with the chocolate. Use a dry bowl over simmering water or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently. Avoid steam and ensure your utensils are completely dry.

How long should I chill the mixture before rolling the truffles?

Chilling the mixture for at least 1 ½ to 2 hours in the refrigerator is important to get it firm enough to scoop and roll cleanly. If it’s too soft, the truffles will be sticky and difficult to shape.

Can I make these truffles ahead for holiday parties?

Definitely! These truffles keep well in the fridge for up to a week and freeze easily for up to three months. They’re excellent for prepping early and bringing out to share at parties or giving as gifts.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles Recipe is one of those holiday treats that feels like a warm hug in chocolate form. It’s easy enough to make with whatever fruit mince you love, yet special enough to impress your friends and family. I hope you enjoy the process as much as the sweet, spiced payoff. Grab your chocolate, stir up some seasonal joy, and share these little treasures—you won’t regret it!