Ginger Spice Truffle Balls

By definition, truffles, the chocolate kind not the fungus, are made of chocolate and cream only. These I call truffle balls, which are a throwback to the rum balls of the 1950’s.

I enjoy making truffle balls, because for one thing they’re way easier than real truffles. They’re also more “stable” and less temperamental, because of a cookie or cake base.

When I make truffle balls, I typically make a batch or two, freeze them, and then whip them out for when I have company. You can’t do that with real truffles.

This truffle recipe I came up with when I was doing the food for a charity event benefiting our local SPCA. So many people loved these things and fortunately I kind of remembered what I’d done, and thus, a recipe was born.

Ginger Spice Truffle Balls

6 ounces gingersnap cookies
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate
4 ounces unsalted butter
2 tablespoons strong coffee
2 tablespoons spiced rum
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
3 tablespoons sifted powdered sugar

Run the cookies though the food processor until fine crumbs. Place them in a large bowl and set aside.

In the top of a double boiler, place the chocolate, butter, coffee, and rum. Over gently simmering water, melt the ingredients completely. Stir in the cinnamon and ginger. Remove from over the heat and let cool for a few minutes.

Pour the chocolate mixture over the cookie crumbs. Using a rubber spatula, combine the chocolate and the crumbs completely. Cover the bowl with foil, and place the bowl in the refrigerator for about four hours.

When you are ready to make the truffle balls, get the bowl out of the refrigerator.

In a small bowl, mix together the cocoa powder and powdered sugar well. Have a small spoon and a re-sealable bag handy.

Using the spoon, grab a little of the chocolate-cookie mixture and rub it with both of your hand in a circular motion to make a ball. It shouldn’t be larger than 1″ in diameter. Roll the truffle ball in the coating and place it in the bag. Continue with the remaining chocolate-cookie mixture. You can pour the remaining coating mixture into the bag if you wish.

Refrigerate the truffles or freeze them.

If you freeze them, thaw in the refrigerator first, then put them in a bowl about 30 minutes or so to warm up before serving.

It’s just as easy to double the recipe. Or triple it.

These are really nice for company. Just have some ready to eat at room temperature, and nobody has to eat a slice of cake to please the hostess/host!

By Published On: January 11th, 202144 Comments on Ginger Spice Truffle Balls

About the Author: Chef Mimi

As a self-taught home cook, with many years in the culinary profession, I am passionate about all things food-related. Especially eating!

44 Comments

  1. Travel Gourmet January 11, 2021 at 6:13 AM - Reply

    These sound gorgeous! And such beautiful photos, Mimi. Happy new year!

    • chef mimi January 24, 2021 at 8:35 AM - Reply

      Thank you Kay!

  2. angiesrecipes January 11, 2021 at 7:01 AM - Reply

    These truffles look absolutely irresistible, Mini. I love those beautiful shots too.

    • chef mimi January 11, 2021 at 8:30 AM - Reply

      Thanks so much Angie!

  3. Dorothy's New Vintage Kitchen January 11, 2021 at 8:36 AM - Reply

    I bet these are delicious and not unlike my mother’s rum balls which were also made of ground cookies and nuts. I remember opening a tin of them and the aroma of rum was very intense!

    • chef mimi January 11, 2021 at 8:40 AM - Reply

      I’m sure they’re basically the same thing. I love switching out the cookies, and adding different flavorings and liqueurs or liquors. They’re just fun!

      • Dorothy's New Vintage Kitchen January 11, 2021 at 8:41 AM

        They are fun and not as messy as either truffles or cookies!

      • chef mimi January 11, 2021 at 8:41 AM

        Yes, and so much easier to make!

  4. David Scott Allen January 11, 2021 at 11:11 AM - Reply

    Love these! I remember loving rum balls when I was younger, and I think I’d like these even more. The complexity of flavors combined with the texture sounds amazing.

    • chef mimi January 11, 2021 at 12:16 PM - Reply

      Thank you! They actually really fun to create!

  5. Ronit Penso Tasty Eats January 11, 2021 at 11:39 AM - Reply

    These look quite irresistible. Ginger and chocolate is such an interesting combination.

    • chef mimi January 24, 2021 at 8:36 AM - Reply

      There’s nothing quite like crystallized ginger, is there. I put it in granola for a little zing, but like you, love it with chocolate!

  6. Liz @ spades, spatulas, and spoons January 11, 2021 at 6:58 PM - Reply

    I am pinning this one! How wonderful, and easy too. I cannot wait until we can have guests in the house again.

    • chef mimi January 11, 2021 at 6:59 PM - Reply

      Aint’ that the truth?!! I almost had four friends over on NYE, but then I cancelled. I chickened out, and I don’t regret it, but I miss friends! (As does everyone else!)

  7. Jovina Coughlin January 11, 2021 at 10:18 PM - Reply

    Will be great to make for Valentine’s Day.

    • chef mimi January 12, 2021 at 7:38 AM - Reply

      Yeah! I honestly hadn’t thought of that, but they’re a nice little treat of chocolate.

  8. Tandy | Lavender and Lime January 12, 2021 at 1:58 AM - Reply

    That is such a great idea to freeze them. However, I might be tempted to melt them in my mouth all the time :)

    • chef mimi January 12, 2021 at 7:38 AM - Reply

      Ha! Have your husband hide them in the freezer!

  9. The Parmigiana Whisperer January 12, 2021 at 6:21 AM - Reply

    sounds lovely! I love these shots!!

    • chef mimi January 12, 2021 at 7:37 AM - Reply

      Thanks so much!

  10. Raymund January 12, 2021 at 1:47 PM - Reply

    That looks rich and decadent!

    • chef mimi January 12, 2021 at 2:21 PM - Reply

      Not terribly rich, but very very good!

  11. Ann Coleman January 12, 2021 at 1:48 PM - Reply

    Those sound delicious! Why is it reading your blog so often makes me hungry???? LOL!

    • chef mimi January 12, 2021 at 2:21 PM - Reply

      Ha! I think that’s a compliment, and I’ll take it!

  12. Bites Of Better January 12, 2021 at 4:55 PM - Reply

    This is a great idea! Simple and looks very pretty

    • chef mimi January 12, 2021 at 5:58 PM - Reply

      Very simple, fun to make, and great to eat!

  13. Debra January 12, 2021 at 9:19 PM - Reply

    These look fabulous, Mimi. I look forward to giving them a try! I think that could be very soon. :-)

    • chef mimi January 13, 2021 at 6:55 AM - Reply

      They’re so easy and fun to make. And you can really mix up the ingredients!

  14. cookingontheweekends January 12, 2021 at 9:28 PM - Reply

    Wow, these sound like fun to make, and how delicious! Love those gorgeous roses, too. :-) ~Valentina

    • chef mimi January 13, 2021 at 6:55 AM - Reply

      Thank you! I happened to have them from an arrangement my family sent on Thanksgiving!

  15. kitchenriffs January 13, 2021 at 9:31 AM - Reply

    We haven’t made rum balls in years. And haven’t ever had a rum ball with all this flavor packed into in. Genius recipe — thanks.

    • chef mimi January 13, 2021 at 9:51 AM - Reply

      Aw, thank you! They’re so fun to create!

  16. 2pots2cook January 14, 2021 at 6:22 AM - Reply

    Beautiful photos ! Beautiful recipe !

    • chef mimi January 14, 2021 at 6:55 AM - Reply

      Thank you so much!

  17. spicedblog January 14, 2021 at 6:24 AM - Reply

    Ah, you had me at ginger spice! I love the seasonings you used in these truffle balls, Mimi. My Mom used to make rum balls, but gosh that was 30 years ago now. This sounds like a wonderful riff on the classic rum ball!

    • chef mimi January 14, 2021 at 6:55 AM - Reply

      Yes, basically a rum ball, and you can use rum, or any liquor or liqueur. Plus any kind of cake or cookie base with the chocolate. So much fun to create!

  18. Linger January 14, 2021 at 10:56 AM - Reply

    Hi Mimi. These truffle balls look ridiculously scrumptious! And wow, gingersnaps, what an interesting addition along with all of the other lovely ingredients. My mouth is watering just reading through your post. These are perfect for Valentine’s Day coming up. Thanks so much for sharing.

    • chef mimi January 14, 2021 at 12:10 PM - Reply

      Great idea! Plus it’s not like eating a whole slice of cake. Just a little fun bite!

  19. Katherine | Love In My Oven January 15, 2021 at 11:08 AM - Reply

    These look delicious! Chocolate and ginger goes very well together, and I’ll never turn down a truffle! :)

    • chef mimi January 15, 2021 at 1:38 PM - Reply

      They are a nice combination!

  20. Karen (Back Road Journal) January 22, 2021 at 8:47 AM - Reply

    I’ve pinned your delicious little treats, Mimi. I agree with you, guests at my house usually prefer a small bite of something sweet rather than a large slice of cake.

    • chef mimi January 23, 2021 at 7:24 AM - Reply

      Guests rarely get dessert at my house (well, in the old days) because I prefer cooking a great meal than fiddling with a dessert, so yes, these are really handy, especially for a party or buffet. And you can really change up the flavors!

  21. Anonymous November 27, 2023 at 10:53 AM - Reply

    This recipe is a must-try for me. How many balls does this recipe produce? Thank you.

    • Chef Mimi November 27, 2023 at 5:47 PM - Reply

      Around 2 dozen.

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