White chocolate limoncello truffles are the perfect sweet treat that combines the creamy richness of white chocolate with the refreshing zest of lemon and the delightful hint of limoncello liqueur. These little bites of happiness are perfect for special occasions, casual get-togethers, or simply when you want to indulge in a little luxury at home. As I made these truffles for a recent family gathering, the compliments flowed as freely as the dessert itself. Soft, creamy, and mildly boozy, they’re sure to impress friends and family.

Why you’ll love this dish

There are countless reasons to give these truffles a try. First and foremost, they are incredibly simple to prepare, making them an excellent choice for those who may not be confident in their baking skills but still want to create something special. An amalgamation of sweet and tart flavors, they fit perfectly into a variety of occasions—whether it’s an elegant dinner party or a cozy festive gathering.

"These truffles were a hit! The balance of the creamy white chocolate with the tangy lemon and limoncello made for a delightful contrast. Everyone couldn’t get enough!"

How this recipe comes together

This recipe is broken down into several straightforward steps that will guide you through creating these luxurious treats. It starts with melting the chocolate and ends with decorating your truffles for a beautiful presentation. Here’s what to expect: you’ll melt the chocolate base, mix in flavorings, chill the mixture, form truffles, dip them in more chocolate, drizzle for decoration, and finally let them set. It’s a process that balances just enough technique with wonderful flavors, ensuring a rewarding experience.

What you’ll need

To make these tantalizing white chocolate limoncello truffles, ensure you gather:

For the Filling:

12 oz (340g) of finely chopped white chocolate
3 tbsp unsalted butter
¼ cup heavy cream
¼ cup limoncello
1 tsp lemon zest
½ tsp vanilla extract
A pinch of salt

For the Coating:

12 oz (340g) of melted white chocolate

For the Drizzle:

2 oz (56g) of melted white chocolate
Optional: candied lemon zest or powdered sugar for garnish

Feel free to swap out the limoncello for another flavored liqueur or even a non-alcoholic essence for a family-friendly version.

Directions

Let’s dive into the delicious process of crafting these truffles:

Melt the Chocolate Base: In a heatproof bowl, combine the finely chopped white chocolate and unsalted butter. Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it just simmers. Pour the cream over the chocolate mixture and let it sit for 2 minutes to soften.
Mix in the Flavor: Gently stir until the chocolate and butter melt completely and become smooth. Add in the limoncello, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until everything is combined.
Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 2 hours or until it’s firm enough to scoop.
Form the Truffles: Using a small cookie scoop or teaspoon, portion out the chilled mixture. Roll into smooth balls and place on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze for 30 minutes to set.
Dip in White Chocolate: Melt the 12 oz of white chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Use a fork or dipping tool to coat each truffle in melted chocolate, allowing the excess to drip off before placing back on the tray. Let the coating set completely.
Drizzle and Decorate: Melt the remaining 2 oz of white chocolate, and drizzle it over the truffles in thin lines. Optionally, sprinkle with candied lemon zest or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Let Them Set: Allow the truffles to sit at room temperature until the drizzle is firm, or refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to speed up the process.

Best ways to enjoy it

These truffles shine when paired with a cup of coffee, a glass of dessert wine, or even a refreshing herbal tea. You can present them on a beautiful platter, dusted with powdered sugar, alongside a few slices of fresh lemon or a sprig of mint for a pop of color. They’re also delightful as gifts—simply box and wrap them up for a thoughtful homemade present.

Storage and reheating tips

To keep your truffles fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you want to prolong their life, they can be frozen for up to three months. Just ensure they’re well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn. Thaw them in the refrigerator before enjoying!

Helpful cooking tips

Ensure your chocolate is finely chopped for even melting—this prevents clumping and helps achieve that silky smooth texture.
If you find your truffles are too soft to roll, simply return them to the fridge for an additional 15-30 minutes.

Creative twists

Don’t hesitate to experiment! You can try infusing the filling with other flavors like orange liqueur for an alternative citrus twist or swap in dark chocolate for a more intense flavor. Adding a hint of mint extract can also create a refreshing twist!

Common questions

How long does it take to prepare these truffles?
The actual hands-on preparation time is around an hour, but don’t forget to factor in chilling time of about 2 hours.

Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for white chocolate, you can use dark or milk chocolate for a different flavor profile.

Are there any non-alcoholic substitutes for limoncello?
Yes, you can replace limoncello with lemon juice or lemon extract to keep the flavor without the alcohol. Just adjust to taste, as lemon juice is less sweet.

Enjoy your delightful journey into making these exquisite white chocolate limoncello truffles!

White Chocolate Limoncello Truffles

These delightful white chocolate limoncello truffles combine the creamy richness of white chocolate with refreshing lemon zest and limoncello liqueur, perfect for special occasions or indulgent treats.

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Prep Time 1

Total Time 2

Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Servings 24 truffles

Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients

For the Filling

12 oz finely chopped white chocolate
3 tbsp unsalted butter
¼ cup heavy cream
¼ cup limoncello Can be swapped for another flavored liqueur or a non-alcoholic essence.
1 tsp lemon zest
½ tsp vanilla extract
a pinch salt

For the Coating

12 oz melted white chocolate

For the Drizzle

2 oz melted white chocolate Optional: candied lemon zest or powdered sugar for garnish.

Instructions

Melt the Chocolate Base

In a heatproof bowl, combine the finely chopped white chocolate and unsalted butter. Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it just simmers. Pour the cream over the chocolate mixture and let it sit for 2 minutes to soften.

Mix in the Flavor

Gently stir until the chocolate and butter melt completely and become smooth. Add in the limoncello, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until everything is combined.

Chill the Mixture

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 2 hours or until it's firm enough to scoop.

Form the Truffles

Using a small cookie scoop or teaspoon, portion out the chilled mixture. Roll into smooth balls and place on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze for 30 minutes to set.

Dip in White Chocolate

Melt the 12 oz of white chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Use a fork or dipping tool to coat each truffle in melted chocolate, allowing the excess to drip off before placing back on the tray. Let the coating set completely.

Drizzle and Decorate

Melt the remaining 2 oz of white chocolate, and drizzle it over the truffles in thin lines. Optionally, sprinkle with candied lemon zest or a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Let Them Set

Allow the truffles to sit at room temperature until the drizzle is firm, or refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to speed up the process.

Notes

These truffles pair excellently with coffee, dessert wine, or herbal tea. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze for up to three months.

Keyword Limoncello, No Bake, Sweet Treats, Truffles, White Chocolate