These White Chocolate Lemon Truffles are a perfect blend of creamy white chocolate and bright, zesty lemon, making them an elegant dessert or delightful homemade gift. With their velvety smooth texture and vibrant citrus flavor, these truffles are as refreshing as they are indulgent.
Easy to make, these bite-sized treats come together with a handful of ingredients and a little chilling time. Rolled in powdered sugar for a sweet, delicate finish, they’re the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Serve them at gatherings, give them as gifts, or keep them on hand for a special treat any time!
Why You’ll Love It:
Bright and Refreshing Flavor: The zingy lemon zest and extract pair beautifully with the smooth white chocolate.
Simple Yet Sophisticated: With just a few ingredients, you can create truffles that feel gourmet.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve them at parties, give them as gifts, or enjoy them as a personal indulgence.
Key Ingredients:
White Chocolate Chips: These form the creamy base of the truffles. Use high-quality white chocolate for the best flavor and texture.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
Lemon Zest: Infuses the butter and cream with a natural citrus aroma and fresh flavor.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Combines with the butter to create a luscious, silky mixture.
Lemon Extract: Intensifies the citrus flavor, making the truffles irresistibly zesty.
Yellow Food Coloring (Optional): Gives the truffles a vibrant lemon-inspired hue. Skip it if you prefer a more natural look.
Powdered Sugar: Creates a light, sweet coating that complements the tangy lemon flavor and prevents stickiness.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the White Chocolate
Measure Chocolate Chips:
Place 1 cup of white chocolate chips into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
Set the bowl aside for later use.
Step 2: Infuse the Butter and Cream
Melt Butter:
In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat.
Add Lemon Zest:
Stir in the zest of 1 lemon to infuse the butter with citrus flavor.
Heat with Cream:
Add 3 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream to the saucepan and continue to stir.
Heat the mixture until it is just about to boil (tiny bubbles should appear around the edges).
Step 3: Combine with White Chocolate
Strain and Pour:
Pour the hot butter and cream mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into the bowl of white chocolate chips to remove the zest.
Enhance Flavor and Color:
Add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon extract for a concentrated citrus flavor.
(Optional) Add 2-3 drops of yellow food coloring for a vibrant appearance.
Mix Until Smooth:
Stir the mixture gently until all the white chocolate chips have melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Step 4: Chill the Mixture
Refrigerate:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid.
Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until firm enough to shape.
Step 5: Shape the Truffles
Scoop Portions:
Use a teaspoon to scoop out small portions of the firm chocolate mixture.
Roll into Balls:
Roll each portion between your palms to form bite-sized balls.
Work quickly to prevent the mixture from melting.
Step 6: Coat the Truffles
Prepare Powdered Sugar:
Place 1/4 cup of powdered sugar into a shallow dish.
Roll Truffles:
Roll each truffle in the powdered sugar until evenly coated.
Step 7: Set the Truffles
Arrange on Tray:
Place the coated truffles on a parchment-lined tray.
Chill Again:
Refrigerate the truffles for at least 30 minutes to firm them up and meld the flavors.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Present the Truffles:
Arrange the truffles on a serving plate or package them in gift boxes for a thoughtful treat.
Enjoy:
Serve chilled or at room temperature. These truffles are perfect with tea, coffee, or as an elegant dessert.
Serving Suggestions:
For Entertaining: Serve these truffles on an elegant platter alongside tea, coffee, or a light dessert wine.
As a Gift: Package the truffles in decorative tins or small gift boxes lined with parchment paper. Add a ribbon for a charming touch.
Everyday Treat: Keep a stash in the fridge for whenever you crave something sweet and citrusy. They’re perfect for satisfying a mid-afternoon sweet tooth!
Storage and Meal Prep Tips:
Refrigeration
Store truffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Serving Tip: Allow them to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
Truffles can be frozen for up to 1 month. Place them in a single layer on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
Thawing Tip: Let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Make-Ahead Option
You can prepare the chocolate mixture up to 2 days in advance. Chill it in the refrigerator and roll into truffles when ready to serve.
Variations:
Coconut Lemon Truffles
After rolling the truffles, coat them in shredded coconut instead of powdered sugar for a tropical twist.
Lemon-Lavender Truffles
Infuse the cream with dried culinary lavender before combining it with the chocolate for a floral note.
White Chocolate Lime Truffles
Swap lemon zest and extract for lime zest and juice for a tangy, lime-inspired variation.
Dark Chocolate Lemon Truffles
Replace white chocolate with dark chocolate for a bold, rich flavor that still features the citrusy brightness of lemon.
Ginger-Lemon Truffles
Add a pinch of ground ginger to the chocolate mixture for a warm, spicy kick that complements the lemon.
Conclusion:
These White Chocolate Lemon Truffles are a delightful fusion of simplicity and elegance. With their creamy texture, tangy lemon flavor, and stunning presentation, they’re sure to impress anyone lucky enough to enjoy them.
Make a batch today—you’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear! Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them yourself, these truffles are a citrus-inspired treat you’ll come back to again and again.
Looking for more sweet ideas? Try recipes like Orange Creamsicle Fudge or Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies for even more citrusy indulgence!
White Chocolate Lemon Truffles: A Citrus-Inspired Sweet Treat
Ingredients
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup butter
- zest of 1 lemon
- 3 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 tsp lemon extract
- 2-3 drops yellow food coloring optional
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Place 1 cup of white chocolate chips into a medium-sized mixing bowl and set aside for later use.
- In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Stir in the zest of 1 lemon to infuse the butter with citrus flavor. Add 3 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream and heat until tiny bubbles appear around the edges, just before boiling.
- Pour the hot butter and cream mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into the bowl of white chocolate chips to remove the zest. Add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon extract and 2-3 drops of yellow food coloring (optional). Stir gently until the chocolate chips are melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for about 30 minutes, or until the mixture is firm enough to shape.
- Use a teaspoon to scoop out small portions of the firm chocolate mixture. Roll each portion between your palms to form bite-sized balls, working quickly to prevent melting.
- Place 1/4 cup of powdered sugar into a shallow dish. Roll each truffle in the powdered sugar until evenly coated.
- Place the coated truffles on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm them up and meld the flavors.
- Arrange the truffles on a serving plate or package them in gift boxes. Serve chilled or at room temperature. These truffles pair perfectly with tea, coffee, or as an elegant dessert.