Hazelnut Brandy Truffles

Hazelnut Brandy Truffles

These little gems are so intricately delicious, you will never want to eat the store bought varieties again! You can actually taste the goodness and freshness with every rich, velvety bite. They are actually very healthy, full of wholesome ingredients, loaded with healthy fats and protein and refined sugar free. We have added a drop of good quality brandy to give them a beautiful, festive aroma, but feel free to omit if you prefer. So simple and fun to make, you can have them on your Christmas table in no time. Perfect with a hot drink, after a meal, or even to toast with some bubbly!

Ingredients

100g hazelnut butter

50g chopped roasted hazelnuts, plus extra for rolling

40g organic skimmed milk powder (use soy milk powder for a vegan version)

30g raw cacao powder, plus extra for rolling

50ml organic maple syrup

1tsp instant coffee, dissolved in 4tbsp boiling water

5 medjool dates, pitted

2-3tbsp brandy 

A pinch of salt

Method

In a food processor, blend all ingredients until the mixture comes together in a ball. It should be a pliable thick paste. If it’s too dry, add a drop of water or milk. If it’s too soft, add a little more of the milk powder and chopped hazelnuts.

Place some cacao powder on a plate and some chopped hazelnuts on another. Take small portions of the mixture into your hands and shape into balls, before rolling them in the cocoa or hazelnuts. We like to make different shapes and sizes, so feel free to experiment and make them any way you please. If you have a stamp of sorts, you can use it to make some of the truffles into coins. Place them in a pretty lidded dish with some extra whole nuts for decoration and serve. Enjoy!

Notes

These truffles will keep well, covered, for at least a week, but they are unlikely to last this long! You can refrigerate them if you prefer a firmer texture.

The coffee here, adds balance to the flavour, but you can use decaf coffee if you prefer, or replace with plain water.