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 just something magical about the rich, velvety bite of these Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles. This Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles Recipe brings together the festive warmth of fruit mince with the indulgence of smooth chocolate, making it a standout treat for holiday celebrations or anytime you want a little seasonal cheer.

The image shows a close-up of a round dessert ball with three clear layers: the bottom is a smooth light brown base, the middle is a darker brown textured layer shaped like a sphere, and the top has white cream dripping down the sides. On the very top sits a shiny, deep red cherry. The dessert is placed on a round white stand on a white marbled surface. More similar dessert balls are in the background and foreground, some in a white bowl filled with dark red cherries. 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’m always looking for Christmas recipes that feel special but don’t take ages to make — these truffles fit the bill perfectly. They combine classic festive flavors with an easy, no-fuss method that anyone can master, even if you’re not a seasoned chocolatier.

Simplified Elegance: You get all the luxurious chocolate and seasonings of a fancy truffle without needing special equipment or hours in the kitchen.
Festive Flavor Punch: The fruit mince adds warmth and complexity that chocolate alone just can't match — trust me, it’s my holiday secret weapon.
Customizable Coating: With milk and white chocolate in the mix, you can dress them up exactly how you like, and I’ll share how to keep that finish perfect.
Perfect Make-Ahead Treat: These truffles keep beautifully in the fridge (and even freeze well), making your holiday gifting and entertaining stress-free.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles Recipe lies in how each ingredient complements the others — creamy, bold chocolate meeting rich cream and the spiced bite of fruit mince. When you pick high-quality ingredients, the result feels like a true festive indulgence.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with thickened cream, finely chopped blocks of dark cooking chocolate, a small white bowl of ground cinnamon powder, a small white bowl of homemade fruit mince with visible raisins and chopped dried fruits, a simple white ceramic plate with even pieces of milk cooking chocolate, another small white bowl with smooth white cooking chocolate chunks, and a neat arrangement of nine halved bright red glacé cherries, 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: Full-fat cream gives these truffles that melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s impossible to resist. Don’t swap it for a lower-fat version or you’ll lose that luscious creaminess.
Dark cooking chocolate (70% cocoa solids): The bittersweet depth of this chocolate balances the sweetness from fruit mince and cream perfectly — go for good quality, and you'll taste the difference.
Ground cinnamon: Just a pinch adds that warm, festive spice note that links everything together deliciously.
Fruit mince: I swear by my homemade version for flavor, but good store-bought (vegetarian-friendly, if that’s your preference) works great too. It’s the star player that brings the Christmas spirit in every bite.
Milk cooking chocolate: Melting this for coating gives a smooth, sweet finish that’s less intense, so the dark truffle center shines.
White cooking chocolate: For drizzling or topping, it creates a classy contrast and invites you to get creative with garnishes.
Red glacé/candied cherries: Aside from being a classic holiday flavor, these cherries add that festive pop of color and a juicy bite on top of the truffles.

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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

One of my favorite things about this Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles Recipe is how easy it is to tweak — I often swap milk chocolate for dark chocolate if I'm feeling indulgent, or add a splash of brandy to the fruit mince for an extra festive kick. You can really make it yours!

Variation: I once experimented by adding finely chopped toasted nuts into the truffle mix for extra crunch — it was a hit at the office party.
For a vegan twist: Try using coconut cream and vegan chocolate; just keep an eye on the melting points and textures as they differ slightly.
Spiced up: Adding a dash of ground nutmeg or cloves complements the cinnamon beautifully if you want a deeper spice profile.

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

A white plate holds several round chocolate balls, each covered in a smooth milk chocolate layer. On top, a white chocolate drip flows down the sides of each ball, with a shiny bright red cherry set neatly on top. One chocolate ball is cut in half and placed on top, showing a dense, fudgy texture inside with small bits of nuts or fruit. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, and in the background, there is a small white bowl filled with a chunky dark brown spread. The overall look is neat, shiny, and rich with contrasting colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Gently Warm the Cream and Melt the Chocolate

Start by adding the cream to a small saucepan and heating it over low heat — be patient here, you want it just below boiling, not bubbling away. When it’s hot enough, turn off the heat and stir in the finely chopped dark cooking chocolate until it’s completely melted and silky smooth.

Step 2: Add Your Festive Flavors

After letting the chocolate-cream mixture cool slightly for about 5 minutes, stir in the ground cinnamon and your fruit mince. Make sure to mix evenly — this little step ensures each truffle bursts with that perfect blend of spice and fruit in every bite.

Step 3: Chill and Shape Your Truffles

Pour the mixture into a lined small flat dish — I like using a 13x18 cm Pyrex for an even thickness. Then pop it in the fridge for about 1½ to 2 hours until it's firm enough to scoop. When ready, use a small ice cream scoop or spoon to portion out and roll balls, pressing them gently to compact as you go.

Step 4: Coat with Chocolate and Decorate

For the coating, melt your milk and white chocolates separately, either over a double boiler or carefully in the microwave, stirring often. Timing here is key — let the chocolate cool slightly so it’s warm but won’t melt your truffles. Then dip each truffle in milk chocolate, drain excess, and set it on your tray. If you want, add a touch of white chocolate and top with a cherry half for that perfect festive look.

Top Tip

From my experience making these truffles season after season, a few little tricks make all the difference between a so-so batch and stunning, glossy truffles every time.

Don’t rush the cooling: Allow the chocolate mixture to cool just enough before adding fruit mince or dipping — too hot and everything melts; too cold and it’s hard to stir properly.
Use parchment paper with texture: Scrunch your baking paper before lining the dish for easier removal; this little hack saved me more times than I can count.
Work quickly but gently: When rolling balls or coating truffles, handle the mixture carefully to keep them compact and smooth without making a sticky mess.
Save leftover chocolate: You’ll often have some chocolate left after dipping — mix it with nuts or sprinkles and set on parchment for mini treats that use up every bit.

How to Serve Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles Recipe

Christmas fruit mince truffles - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with halved red glacé cherries on top because they look so festive against the dark chocolate, but a dusting of edible gold dust or finely chopped pistachios works beautifully too — anything green and red instantly amps up the holiday vibe!

Side Dishes

For a party spread, these truffles pair wonderfully with a glass of rich red wine or spiced mulled cider. They also make a comforting finale alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or warm chai tea during cozy winter gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

I love arranging these truffles on a rustic wooden board lined with holly leaves for Christmas get-togethers. For gifting, try wrapping them individually in festive foil or placing them in pretty cupcake liners inside a decorated box — adding a handwritten note always wins smiles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your truffles are set, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. I separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll happily keep fresh for up to a week, sometimes disappearing even sooner in my kitchen!

Freezing

These truffles freeze well for up to three months — just pop them in an airtight container. They might develop a slight white bloom on the chocolate, but honestly, that doesn’t affect the taste. Remember to thaw slowly in the fridge before serving to keep them perfect.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t really necessary here, but if you want to soften frozen truffles for a moment, let them sit at room temperature or warm gently in the fridge until they regain their creamy texture. Avoid microwaving, or the chocolate might seize or melt unevenly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Store-bought fruit mince works well. Just choose one that you really enjoy the taste of, preferably vegetarian-friendly if that matters to you. Homemade is my preference for flavor, but quality store-bought is a great shortcut.

What type of chocolate is best for coating the truffles?

Milk cooking chocolate is my go-to for coating these truffles because it’s smooth and sweet, providing a nice balance to the rich dark chocolate center. You can also use tempered chocolate for a glossy finish if you’re comfortable with that technique. White chocolate adds a lovely decorative contrast.

How long do these truffles keep?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the truffles stay fresh for up to a week. You can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw them properly in the fridge before enjoying for best texture.

Can I add alcohol to these truffles?

Definitely! Adding a splash of brandy, rum, or your favorite festive spirit to the fruit mince is a classic way to boost flavor. Just be mindful that too much liquid can affect the consistency, so start with a tablespoon or so and adjust to taste.

Final Thoughts

These Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles Recipe have become part of my holiday tradition, a small joy to share with friends and family as the festive season rolls around. They’re easier than they look, incredibly satisfying, and bring that warm seasonal spirit right to your fingertips — just popping one into your mouth feels like a little celebration. I really hope you give them a go and enjoy every delicious bite as much as I do!