Name: Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Cuisine: Australian
Ingredients: 125 ml (½ cup) heavy whipping/thickened cream; 200 g (7 oz) dark cooking chocolate (70% cocoa solids), finely chopped; ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ⅓ cup fruit mince (homemade or store-bought); 180 g (6 oz) milk cooking chocolate; 100 g (3 ½ oz) white cooking chocolate; 9 red glacé/candied cherries, halved

The rich aroma of warm spices mingled with dark chocolate always signals the holidays are near. This Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles Recipe is a festive twist on classic truffles, bursting with fruity mince and a dusting of cinnamon. They’re ridiculously easy to make but impressively delicious — trust me, you’ll want to have these at every holiday gathering.

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 my fair share of holiday sweets, and these Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles stand out because they balance festive fruitiness with luscious chocolate in every bite. They’re easy enough to whip up last minute but special enough to gift or serve with pride.

Rich, Decadent Flavor: The silky dark chocolate paired with spiced fruit mince creates a sophisticated taste that feels gourmet but is simple to achieve.
No-Bake Convenience: You don’t need fancy equipment or an oven—just patience to let the truffles chill and set perfectly.
Versatile Presentation: Whether dipped in milk or white chocolate or decorated with cherries, the truffles look as festive as they taste.
Great for Gifting: These handmade truffles travel well in a sealed container, making them a thoughtful edible gift anyone would appreciate.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles Recipe has a purpose — from cream for luscious texture to fruit mince for holiday cheer. Picking quality ingredients makes all the difference, so here’s why I choose what I do:

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: I always use full-fat cream for the smoothest, richest filling; the fat content helps the truffles set beautifully.
Dark Cooking Chocolate (70% cocoa solids): The deep chocolate flavor balances the sweetness of the fruit mince perfectly; higher cocoa content means less sugary sweetness.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, festive spice boost that pairs wonderfully with the fruit mince.
Fruit Mince: Homemade is my favorite, packed with dried fruits and a splash of festive spirit, but good-quality store-bought fruit mince works just fine.
Milk Cooking Chocolate: Used for the outer coating, it's creamy and sweet, complementing the darker interior.
White Cooking Chocolate: For decoration and contrast — plus, it adds a lovely creamy touch on top of the truffles.
Red Glacé/Candied Cherries: Halved to nestle atop each truffle for a pop of color and that traditional Christmas look.

📝

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 customize. I often mess around with coatings or add different spices to suit my mood or what I have on hand.

Variation: Sometimes I sprinkle chopped toasted nuts inside the truffle mix for extra crunch—I love how it adds texture without overwhelming the flavor.
Dairy-Free Option: I’ve experimented with coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and while the texture is slightly different, the truffles still hold together and taste fantastic.
Fruit Mince Swap: Using cranberry or cherry preserves mixed with dried fruit works well too if you don’t have traditional fruit mince on hand.

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: Warm the Cream and Melt the Chocolate

Start by gently heating your heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat until it’s just below boiling. No rushing—slow and steady lets the cream heat evenly without scorching. Once warmed, turn off the heat and stir in the finely chopped dark chocolate. Keep stirring gently until the mixture is glossy and smooth with no lumps.

Step 2: Stir in the Spices and Fruit Mince

Let the chocolate mixture cool for about 5 minutes so it’s not piping hot, then fold in your ground cinnamon and fruit mince. You want an even spread of fruit flavor in every bite, so take a moment to stir thoroughly.

Step 3: Chill Until Firm Enough to Shape

Pour the mixture into a small, lined dish and slide it into the fridge for 1½ to 2 hours. Patience is key here—chilling until firm enough to roll makes the next steps much easier.

Step 4: Scoop and Roll Truffles

Using a small ice cream scoop or a teaspoon, form the chilled mixture into compact little balls. If it feels too firm to roll by hand, let it sit at room temp for 5–10 minutes. Press and roll firmly to squeeze out air pockets and get a smooth surface. Place each onto a lined baking tray and pop back into the fridge for another 30 minutes to set.

Step 5: Melt the Coating Chocolates

Melt the milk chocolate over a gentle double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring often. Do the same with the white chocolate. Aim to keep the chocolate warm and fluid but not hot enough to melt the truffles when dipped.

Step 6: Coat and Decorate the Truffles

Dip each truffle in the warm milk chocolate, rolling it gently with forks to cover completely. Set them back on the tray to firm up. If the coating chocolate thickens too much, you can reheat it gently. Once the milk chocolate hardens, dot a little white chocolate on the top and nestle half a red glacé cherry for that perfect festive look.

Step 7: Chill Until Set and Store

Pop the coated truffles in the fridge to set fully, then store in an airtight container for up to a week. Layer with baking paper if you’re stacking them so they don’t stick together.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few little tricks that make this Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles Recipe foolproof and extra delicious. Let me share these so you have smooth, perfect truffles every time:

Scrunch Your Parchment Paper: To line your dish perfectly, I scrunch the baking paper before unfolding it in the pan—this helps prevent wrinkles and makes removing the truffles easier.
Be Gentle with Heat: When melting chocolate, avoid steam or water contact, or it may seize. Stir often and remove from heat just before fully melted for a silky texture.
Use a Small Ice Cream Scoop: It helps get uniform-sized truffles that chill evenly—a game changer when you want them looking consistent for gifting.
Don’t Rush Chilling: Cutting corners on chilling can cause the truffles to collapse or not set properly. Trust the time needed, and you’ll have beautifully shaped treats.

How to Serve Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles Recipe

Christmas Mince Truffles - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping each truffle with a half red glacé cherry for that instantly festive look. Sometimes I drizzle extra white chocolate across the top or sprinkle finely chopped pistachios for a pop of green and crunch. It’s all about the contrast that makes these gorgeous.

Side Dishes

These treat-sized truffles pair well with light sides—think a warm cup of spiced mulled cider or rich hot chocolate. For holiday platters, I like serving them alongside gingerbread cookies and a cheese board with dried fruit and nuts, creating a lovely sweet-savory balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I arrange the truffles in mini cupcake liners on a festive tray or tiered stand. Another fun idea is hollowing out a small Christmas ornament and nestling a few truffles inside as an edible gift—always a hit with friends and family!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, making it easy to prep ahead or enjoy over several days. Just separate layers with parchment to prevent sticking.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen these truffles for up to three months. Just wrap them well in airtight containers to avoid freezer burn. When thawed, you might notice slight “bloom” on the chocolate coating (those white streaks)—but they’re perfectly safe and taste just as good.

Reheating

When you want to enjoy frozen truffles, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. Avoid microwaving as it could melt the chocolate unevenly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! While I prefer homemade for the freshest flavor, good-quality store-bought fruit mince will work well. Just pick one with a flavor profile you enjoy and is vegetarian-friendly if that’s important to you.

What’s the best way to melt chocolate for coating?

I recommend using a double boiler to gently melt your chocolate to avoid burning or seizing. Stir frequently and remove from heat when it’s almost melted, letting residual heat finish the job. If you’re short on time, short bursts in the microwave with stirring in between work too.

Can I make these truffles ahead of time?

Yes! These truffles actually benefit from some resting time. You can prepare them a few days in advance and keep them refrigerated in an airtight container. They’ll develop more depth of flavor and are perfect for holiday entertaining when you want treats ready to serve.

What’s the secret to getting smooth truffles without cracks?

The key is properly chilling the mixture so it’s firm but pliable before rolling. Also, handling the truffles minimally with slightly warm hands helps avoid cracks. If the mixture becomes too stiff, letting it sit at room temp for a few minutes softens it back up for rolling.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Fruit Mince Truffles Recipe holds a special spot in my holiday heart. They’re the perfect balance of nostalgic fruit mince flavors and rich chocolate indulgence, wrapped up in bite-sized joy. I’m confident they’ll become a favorite in your festive lineup, bringing smiles with every decadent bite. Give them a try—you’ll be glad you did!