If you love cozy fall flavors and sweet little bites that melt in your mouth, youโre going to adore this Spiced Pumpkin Truffles Recipe. These little gems balance creamy white chocolate with the warm spices of pumpkin pie and a crunchy cinnamon sugar coatingโitโs pure seasonal magic. Whether youโre looking for a festive treat to share with friends or a simple way to impress at a party, these truffles are fan-freaking-tastic and surprisingly easy to whip up at home. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Fall Flavor: The pumpkin puree and warming spices create a cozy, nostalgic taste you wonโt get tired of.
- No-Bake and Easy: You donโt need an oven, which makes this a quick and stress-free dessert to prepare anytime.
- Kid-Friendly and Decorative: The mini pumpkin design option adds a fun touch thatโs a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Customizable Spicing: You can tweak the pumpkin pie spice or swap in cinnamon to match your preferred flavor vibe.
Ingredients Youโll Need
This Spiced Pumpkin Truffles Recipe mixes just the right things to balance smooth sweetness with a hint of spice and a little crunch. I always recommend using high-quality ingredients here because they really shine through in such a simple treat.
- White Chocolate: Use a good quality white baking bar or couverture chocolate for smooth melting and the best flavorโavoid standard chips as they can be gritty.
- Pumpkin Puree: Make sure itโs pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, so you can control the spices and sweetness yourself.
- Powdered Sugar: This helps sweeten the mixture evenly and keeps the truffles smooth.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice or Ground Cinnamon: Use what you love! I mix it up depending on what Iโm feeling for the spice level.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Adds a lovely texture and that classic, slightly nutty edge that pairs brilliantly with pumpkin.
- Granulated Sugar & Ground Cinnamon for Coating: This simple cinnamon sugar gives that extra pop of flavor and a slight crunch on the outside.
- Mini Chocolate Chips (Optional): Perfect for decorating the truffles to look like tiny pumpkinsโsuper cute!
Variations
I love how flexible this Spiced Pumpkin Truffles Recipe is. You can customize it to match whatโs in your pantry or your mood, making it your own festive creation every time.
- Spice it Up or Down: Iโve swapped pumpkin pie spice for just cinnamon or even added a pinch of nutmeg and cloves to make it extra cozy.
- Chocolate Twist: Once, I dipped these truffles lightly in melted dark chocolate for a richer, more decadent flavor that my family went crazy for.
- Nutty Crunch: Adding finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts into the mixture gives a lovely texture if you want to mix things up a bit.
- Vegan Option: Using vegan white chocolate and ensuring your sugar is vegan-friendly works just as well; I tried this for a friend and it was a hit!
How to Make Spiced Pumpkin Truffles Recipe
Step 1: Melt the White Chocolate Gently
Start by melting the white chocolate slowlyโeither in the microwave in short bursts or over a double boiler. I like to do 10 seconds at a time in the microwave, stirring between each burst so it doesnโt burn. Once melted and silky smooth, set it aside to cool for about 5 to 10 minutes. This chilling step is key because if the chocolateโs too hot when you mix it with the pumpkin puree, it can scramble or seize up.
Step 2: Mix Pumpkin, Sugar, and Spice
In a large bowl, combine your pumpkin puree with powdered sugar and pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon. I love this step because it sets the base flavorโyouโll find that getting this balanced is the secret to those perfectly spiced truffles. If your pumpkin pie spice is a bit strong, start with lessโyou can always add more after tasting the mixture.
Step 3: Combine Chocolate and Dry Ingredients
Pour the slightly cooled melted white chocolate into your pumpkin mixture and stir gently until everythingโs well combined. Then fold in the graham cracker crumbsโI like to add them bit by bit until I get a thick, soft dough thatโs easy to scoop but not overly sticky. If yours feels too wet, adding a little more crumbs helps firm it up.
Step 4: Chill Until Firm
Cover your bowl tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for 1-2 hours. The dough needs to firm up enough to roll easily without sticking all over your fingers. This waiting game is always worth itโIโve seen people rush this step and end up with a wreck, so I promise the patience is rewarded.
Step 5: Roll and Coat Your Truffles
Mix your cinnamon sugar coating in a shallow bowl. Then scoop out tablespoon-sized chunks of your chilled dough and roll them between your hands into smooth balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar until fully coated. For a cute touch, I like using a toothpick to gently press ridges into the sides to mimic a pumpkinโs natural grooves, then I press a mini chocolate chip on top as the stem. Your friends will ask where you bought them!
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Place the truffles on a baking sheet lined with parchment and chill again until firmโabout 30 minutes. Keep them refrigerated until ready to serve as the white chocolate softens at room temperature. Theyโll hold up best and taste freshest this way!
Pro Tips for Making Spiced Pumpkin Truffles Recipe
- Choosing Your Pumpkin: I learned that using 100% pumpkin pureeโnot pie fillingโgives you full control over sweetness and spice balance, so be picky!
- Chocolate Melting Technique: Melting white chocolate slowly and stirring often prevents it from seizing, trust me, patience here pays off.
- Chill, Chill, Chill: Donโt rush chilling steps; firm dough is easier to work with and gives the best results.
- Make Them Mini or Jumbo: Experiment with truffle sizeโthe smaller melts fast and feels like candy, bigger ones are more decadent. Find your sweet spot!
How to Serve Spiced Pumpkin Truffles Recipe
Garnishes
I adore topping mine with a tiny mini chocolate chip โstemโ and those gentle ridges made with a toothpickโit makes them look like actual mini pumpkins and adds visual flair. If you want to switch it up, try a little drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a dusting of extra cinnamon sugar right before serving.
Side Dishes
These truffles pair wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced tea or your favorite pumpkin latte. I often serve them alongside light finger sandwiches or a cheese board for a festive gathering where their sweet spice contrasts nicely with savory bites.
Creative Ways to Present
For Halloween or Thanksgiving, I like arranging the truffles in a rustic wooden tray lined with autumn leaves or on a pretty tiered dessert stand surrounded by cinnamon sticks and mini gourdsโadds that cozy seasonal vibe that wows your guests. Wrapping a few in cellophane tied with twine also makes for charming edible gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I always keep leftover Spiced Pumpkin Truffles refrigerated in an airtight container. They hold their shape beautifully for up to a week, so you can prep in advance or savor them slowly. Just make sure theyโre chilled well before serving again.
Freezing
Freezing works like a charm for these truffles! I place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip bag. They stay great for up to 3 months. When you want a treat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
Since these are no-bake truffles, reheating isnโt necessary. But if they get too firm chilled, simply let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to soften that bite without losing their texture.
FAQs
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Can I substitute the white chocolate with regular or dark chocolate?
You can substitute with milk or dark chocolate, but keep in mind the flavor and color will change significantly. White chocolate adds a creamy sweetness that perfectly complements the pumpkin spices, so the overall flavor profile will be less traditional if you use dark chocolate.
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How do I make sure my truffles donโt turn out too sticky?
Using pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling or watery organic versions) is essential. Also, chilling the dough thoroughly and adjusting the graham cracker crumbs to get a firm enough dough helps prevent stickiness. If itโs too sticky, add a bit more crumbs until itโs manageable.
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Can I make these truffles ahead for a party?
Absolutely! The truffles keep well in the fridge for up to a week and freeze beautifully if made several weeks ahead. Just remember to bring them to room temperature a bit before serving for the best flavor and texture.
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Whatโs the best way to melt white chocolate without burning it?
Melting white chocolate in short bursts in the microwave (around 10 seconds) and stirring in between is key. Alternatively, use a double boiler to gently melt it without direct heat. Avoid rushing this step to keep it smooth and avoid clumps.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Spiced Pumpkin Truffles Recipe turns out every single timeโthe balance of creamy white chocolate, perfectly spiced pumpkin, and crunchy cinnamon sugar is just addicting. When I first made them, I was surprised by how simple the process was but how impressive they looked and tasted. Theyโve become a go-to fall treat that Iโm always excited to share with friends and family. I canโt wait for you to try making these in your kitchenโonce you do, I bet theyโll become your seasonal favorite too!
Spiced Pumpkin Truffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 20 truffles 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Spiced Pumpkin Truffles combine creamy white chocolate with pumpkin puree and warm pumpkin pie spices, rolled in a cinnamon sugar coating for a delightful autumn-inspired treat. Perfect for seasonal celebrations or as a cozy dessert snack, these no-bake truffles are easy to make and beautifully festive.
Ingredients
For the pumpkin truffles:
- 4 ounces (115g) good quality white chocolate
- 1/3 cup (80g) pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups (195g) graham cracker crumbs
For the cinnamon sugar coating:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Mini chocolate chips (optional โ for decorating)
Instructions
- Melt the chocolate: Melt white chocolate in the microwave in 10 second bursts stirring between each until smooth, or melt over a double boiler by gently simmering water and stirring chocolate in a heat-safe bowl until fully melted and smooth. Set aside to cool for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Combine pumpkin mixture: In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, and pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon) until well combined creating the base flavor for the truffles.
- Add melted chocolate: Stir the slightly cooled melted white chocolate into the pumpkin mixture thoroughly to blend all flavors.
- Incorporate graham cracker crumbs: Fold in the graham cracker crumbs gradually until the mixture forms a thick, soft dough.
- Chill the dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 1 to 2 hours until it firms enough to scoop and handle.
- Prepare cinnamon sugar coating: In a shallow bowl, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon evenly to coat the truffles later.
- Form and coat truffles: Using about 1 tablespoon of dough, roll into smooth balls with your hands. Roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Optional pumpkin decoration: Create pumpkin-like ridges by pressing a toothpick, skewer, or knife gently into the sides of each truffle. Press a mini chocolate chip on top to mimic a pumpkin stem.
- Chill before serving: Store the finished truffles in the refrigerator until youโre ready to serve for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use high-quality white chocolate such as bakerโs or couverture chocolate bars for smooth melting and rich flavor. Avoid regular white chocolate chips, which donโt melt as evenly.
- Ensure pumpkin puree is 100% pumpkin without additives or spices for better control over taste and texture. Avoid pumpkin pie filling or overly watery organic purees to prevent sticky truffle dough.
- When melting chocolate in the microwave, use short bursts and stir frequently to avoid burning.
- Double boiler method ensures gentle heat to prevent chocolate from seizing.
- Mini chocolate chips used for decoration add a cute finishing touch resembling pumpkin stems but are optional.
- Store truffles in the refrigerator to maintain their shape and freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
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