Name: Dairy-Free Chocolate Peppermint Truffles
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 7 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon full-fat coconut milk, stirred well; 9 ounce vegan dark chocolate, very finely chopped; 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract; 1 pinch kosher salt; 1/3 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder, for garnish (optional); 1/3 cup crushed peppermint candies, for garnish (optional)

There’s something magical about holiday treats that bring everyone together, no matter their dietary needs. The first time I whipped up a batch of Dairy-Free Chocolate Peppermint Truffles, it was for a family gathering where I wanted everyone – from my lactose-intolerant aunt to my vegan cousin – to feel included. I’ll never forget the moment my kids’ eyes lit up when they saw those little chocolate gems rolled in crushed peppermint. The rich, creamy texture from coconut milk fooled everyone into thinking they contained dairy! These truffles became more than just a dessert – they turned into our family’s sweet reminder that holiday joy tastes best when shared. And the best part? They’re ridiculously simple to make, yet feel indulgent enough for any festive occasion.

A close-up of several Dairy-Free Chocolate Peppermint Truffles, some dusted with cocoa powder and others with crushed peppermint candy.

Why You’ll Love These Dairy-Free Chocolate Peppermint Truffles

Trust me, these little chocolate gems will steal the show at any holiday gathering. Here’s why they’ve become my go-to festive treat:

Creamy dreamy texture – The coconut milk creates such a luscious melt-in-your-mouth experience, no one will believe it’s dairy-free!
Super simple to make – Just 5 ingredients and no baking required. Even my kids can help roll them (though we usually end up with more chocolate on their faces than in the truffles).
Festive peppermint magic – That cool minty kick paired with rich chocolate just screams holidays. They’re like edible Christmas ornaments!
Perfect for gifting – Package them in cute little boxes or tins for neighbors and teachers. I’ve found they disappear faster than I can wrap them!
Allergy-friendly – Naturally gluten-free and vegan, so everyone at the party can indulge. No more sad faces at the dessert table!

These truffles prove you don’t need dairy to make decadent holiday treats. They’re so good, they might just become your new tradition too! For another festive peppermint treat, try our Chocolate Peppermint Bread – it’s another family favorite.

Ingredients for Dairy-Free Chocolate Peppermint Truffles

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these dreamy truffles. I like to measure everything out before starting – it makes the process so much smoother when you’re not scrambling mid-recipe!

7 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon full-fat coconut milk, stirred well (that creamy layer on top is gold!)
9 ounce vegan dark chocolate, very finely chopped (I’ll share my favorite brand below)
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (trust me, this little bottle packs a punch)
1 pinch kosher salt (it makes all the flavors pop)

Optional garnishes:

1/3 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder, for rolling
1/3 cup crushed peppermint candies, for that festive crunch

A plate of Dairy-Free Chocolate Peppermint Truffles, topped with crushed candy cane pieces. One truffle is broken in half to show the rich chocolate interior.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Let’s talk about the stars of the show! For the vegan dark chocolate, I swear by the 70% variety – it gives that perfect balance of sweetness and depth. If you’re in a pinch, almond milk can stand in for coconut milk, but your truffles won’t be quite as creamy. The peppermint extract is non-negotiable in my book – it’s what gives these their holiday magic! Though if you’re feeling adventurous, a splash of orange extract makes a lovely variation. And don’t skip the salt – it’s the secret weapon that makes the chocolate taste even richer.

How to Make Dairy-Free Chocolate Peppermint Truffles

Okay, let’s get rolling – literally! Making these truffles is so easy, you’ll wonder why you ever bought store-bought ones. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have perfect little chocolate bites in no time.

Heat the coconut milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until it just starts to simmer. You’ll see tiny bubbles around the edges – that’s your cue to turn off the heat. Don’t let it boil or you’ll lose that creamy texture we love!
Add the chopped chocolate all at once and stir gently until it’s completely melted and smooth. This might take a minute or two – be patient! The mixture should look glossy and dreamy when it’s ready.
Transfer to a bowl and stir in the peppermint extract and salt. The salt might seem odd, but it makes the chocolate taste even richer. Pop it in the fridge for 2-3 hours until firm but still pliable – you should be able to scoop it without it being rock hard.
Time to roll! Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion the mixture, then roll between your palms to form balls. If they start sticking, chill your hands for a minute under cold water (just dry them well first!).
Finish with flair by rolling in cocoa powder or crushed peppermint while they’re still slightly sticky. I like to do half and half for variety – they look so pretty on a holiday platter!

A plate of Dairy-Free Chocolate Peppermint Truffles dusted with cocoa powder and crushed candy canes.

See? Told you it was easy! These truffles are perfect for when you need a last-minute dessert that still looks fancy. If you love no-bake treats, you’ve got to try our No-Bake Oreo Balls next – they’re another family favorite.

Tips for Perfect Dairy-Free Truffles

Here are my hard-earned secrets for truffle success: First, use a cookie scoop for perfectly even portions – no more lopsided truffles! If your hands warm the mixture too much while rolling, chill them for a minute in ice water (just dry thoroughly first). Roll in cocoa powder immediately after shaping for the best coating – waiting makes it slide right off. And if your mixture gets too soft? No worries! Just pop it back in the fridge for 15 minutes and try again. Easy peasy!

Serving and Storing Dairy-Free Chocolate Peppermint Truffles

Here’s the thing about these truffles – they’re best enjoyed at room temperature, when the chocolate can really melt in your mouth. I like to pull them out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving. That cool peppermint flavor with the slightly softened chocolate? Absolute perfection!

For storage, just pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep beautifully for up to a week – if they last that long in your house! Mine usually disappear within days. If you want to make them ahead for holiday gifting, they freeze like a dream too. Just layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy.

Nutritional Information for Dairy-Free Chocolate Peppermint Truffles

Now, I know what you’re thinking – “These truffles taste too good to be healthy!” And you’re right, they’re still a treat. But here’s the scoop on what’s in each little bite. Remember, these numbers are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients.

Per truffle (and trust me, you’ll want more than one!):

120 calories – Perfect for when you need just a little chocolate pick-me-up
8g fat (5g saturated) – That’s the good stuff from coconut milk and dark chocolate
12g carbs – With 2g fiber to help balance things out
2g protein – A little bonus from the chocolate
0 cholesterol – Another win for dairy-free treats!

The best part? These truffles are naturally gluten-free and vegan, so you can feel good about sharing them with almost anyone. Just don’t tell them how easy they were to make – let them think you slaved away in the kitchen!

A plate of dairy-free chocolate peppermint truffles topped with shredded coconut and crushed candy canes.

FAQs About Dairy-Free Chocolate Peppermint Truffles

I get so many questions about these truffles every holiday season! Here are the answers to the ones that pop up most often:

Can I use fresh mint instead of peppermint extract?

Oh honey, I wish it were that simple! Fresh mint just doesn’t pack the same punch as extract. You’d need a crazy amount to get that festive peppermint zing, and all that extra liquid would throw off your truffle texture. Stick with the extract – just a half teaspoon gives you that perfect holiday flavor without making your truffles soggy.

Help! My mixture is too soft to roll. What do I do?

Don’t panic – this happens to me sometimes too! Just pop the bowl back in the fridge for another 30 minutes. If you’re really in a hurry, you can stick it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes (but set a timer so it doesn’t freeze solid!). Next time, make sure your coconut milk isn’t too warm when you add it to the chocolate – that’s usually the culprit.

Are these truffles gluten-free?

Absolutely! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making these perfect for holiday gatherings where dietary restrictions are a concern. Just double-check your peppermint candies if you’re using them as garnish – some brands sneak in gluten. For more gluten-free Christmas baking ideas, I’ve got you covered!

Can I make these sugar-free?

You sure can! Just swap in sugar-free dark chocolate and skip the peppermint candy garnish. The coconut milk adds natural sweetness, so you might not even miss the sugar. I’ve made them this way for my diabetic uncle, and he couldn’t believe they were sugar-free!

How far in advance can I make these?

These truffles are perfect for making ahead! They’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to a week, or you can freeze them for 2 months. I like to make a double batch in early December so I always have some on hand for unexpected guests or last-minute gifts. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving – that’s when the chocolate really shines!

More Festive Dairy-Free Desserts to Try

If you loved these truffles (and I know you did!), you’ve got to try some of my other favorite holiday treats. They’re all dairy-free, easy to make, and guaranteed to bring smiles to your holiday table:

Vegan Christmas Desserts – My go-to collection of plant-based sweets that’ll wow everyone at your gathering. The gingerbread cookies are always the first to disappear!
Sugar-Free Christmas Desserts – Perfect for when you want all the holiday flavor without the sugar rush. The chocolate avocado mousse is shockingly delicious!

Trust me, once you start making dairy-free desserts, you’ll never miss the dairy. These recipes prove holiday treats can be indulgent, festive, and inclusive all at once!