Speculoos Balls – Chocolates for Christmas deliver a delightful combination of rich flavors and festive cheer. These sweet, no-bake treats are not only indulgent but also brimming with warmth and holiday spirit. By incorporating the aromatic spices of Gewürz-Spekulatius and the creaminess of peanut butter, you can create a decadent treat that is both satisfying and a healthier alternative to traditional Christmas sweets. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or snuggling up with on cozy nights, these bites are sure to bring joy to your holiday season.
Why make this Speculoos Balls – Chocolates for Christmas recipe
- Protein-rich: Each heavenly bite packs a nutritious punch, thanks to the peanut butter.
- Quick prep: With minimal cooking time, these chocolates can come together in just a few easy steps.
- Meal-prep friendly: You can easily whip these up in advance to have on hand for holiday parties or snacking.
- Low-carb: Enjoy the flavors of Christmas without the heavy carb load.
- Kid-approved: These treats are sure to delight kids and adults alike with their delicious taste.
"I made these Speculoos Balls for our holiday party, and they were gone in minutes! Everyone loved them!" – Sarah, Happy Chef
How to make Speculoos Balls – Chocolates for Christmas
Making Speculoos Balls – Chocolates for Christmas is a simple process that requires no baking. With the help of a food processor and a few mixing bowls, you can create these delicious treats effortlessly. Gather your ingredients, and be ready to indulge in a delightful chocolate experience. For more quick recipes, explore our Healthy 20 Minute Chicken Stir-Fry.
Ingredients
- 250 g Gewürz-Spekulatius*
- 200 g Erdnussbutter
- 200 g Schokolade (Zartbitter)
- 5 g Kokosfett
- Abgeriebene Schale einer Bio-Orange
- Grobes Meersalz
These ingredients come together to create a distinctive flavor profile that celebrates the essence of holiday baking. For anyone with allergies or dietary preferences, you can substitute peanut butter with almond or cashew butter. You might also want to explore variations using different types of chocolate or additional spices for a personal touch. The enchanting flavors of Speculoos Balls – Chocolates for Christmas will surely become a holiday staple.
Directions
- Zuerst 250 g Gewürz-Spekulatius* fein zermahlen, am besten mit einem Multizerkleinerer oder Standmixer.
- Nun 200 g Erdnussbutter und die abgeriebene Schale einer Bio-Orange hinzufügen und alles zu einem Teig kneten, dieser fühlt sich sandig und fettig an.
- Anschließend portionsweise den Teig (ca. 10 g) zwischen den Handflächen vorsichtig zu kleinen Kugeln formen.
- Danach für mindestens eine Stunde in den Kühlschrank stellen.
- Die gekühlten Kugeln nun noch einmal zwischen den Handflächen und mit geringem Druck schön glatt und rund rollen.
- Hiernach 200 g Schokolade mit 5 g Kokosfett im Wasserbad schmelzen und gut miteinander verrühren.
- Die Kugeln mit einer Pralinengabel in die Schokolade tauchen und dann auf ein Abtropfgitter setzen.
- Mit einigen groben Meersalzkörnern bestreuen und komplett trocknen lassen, am besten über Nacht.
- Die fertigen Pralinen in kleine Pralinenförmchen aus Papier setzen und in einem luftdichten Behälter kühl aufbewahren.
For a delicious addition to your treats, consider pairing these chocolates with a warm cup of spiced cider or a robust coffee. You can also serve them atop a rustic wooden platter for a charming presentation. Not only are these Speculoos Balls – Chocolates for Christmas a great snack, they fit perfectly into your holiday dessert table alongside festive gingerbread cookies.
How to serve Speculoos Balls – Chocolates for Christmas
To elevate your serving options, consider placing the Speculoos Balls – Chocolates for Christmas in decorative tins or trays, garnished with sprigs of mint or slices of orange for a festive touch. These treats could also be a wonderful inclusion in holiday gift baskets. A note on nutrition: enjoying these treats moderately can fit well into your holiday indulgences. For more delicious options, check out our Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough.
How to store
Keep your Speculoos Balls – Chocolates for Christmas fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will last for about 2 weeks. If you want to extend their life, you can freeze the chocolate balls for up to 3 months. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
For safe storage timing, see USDA FoodData Central.
Tips to make
- Make sure your peanut butter is creamy to help the ingredients bind together smoothly.
- If you’re short on time, you can skip the rolling step after cooling; they still taste great!
- Use a heatproof bowl for melting chocolate to prevent burning and achieve a silky texture.
- Experiment with different toppings such as crushed nuts or coconut flakes for added flavor and texture.
- Keep the size of the balls uniform for even setting and beautiful presentation.
Variations
- Substitute almond butter or any nut butter for a delicious twist.
- Try dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate for an intense flavor.
- Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture for an extra festive kick.
- Incorporate dried fruit like cranberries or cherries for a mix of flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cookie instead of Gewürz-Spekulatius?
Yes, you can use any spiced cookie or even graham crackers as a substitute for Gewürz-Spekulatius to make your Speculoos Balls – Chocolates for Christmas.
How long do these chocolates last?
If stored properly, Speculoos Balls – Chocolates for Christmas can last for about two weeks in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze the chocolate balls?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to three months. Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper.
Discover more about chocolate and health on Healthline.
Speculoos Balls – Chocolates for Christmas will surely add a festive touch to your holiday gatherings. Don’t forget to share your experiences and any creative twists you make on this recipe in the comments! Happy holidays!
Speculoos Balls – Chocolates for Christmas
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 250 g Gewürz-Spekulatius *Use a spiced cookie or graham crackers as substitutes.
- 200 g Erdnussbutter Use creamy peanut butter for best results.
- 200 g Schokolade (Zartbitter) Dark chocolate can be used for a more intense flavor.
- 5 g Kokosfett Helps in melting the chocolate perfectly.
- 1 zested Abgeriebene Schale einer Bio-Orange Fresh zest enhances the flavor.
- Grobes Meersalz For sprinkling on top.
Instructions
Preparation
- Finely grind 250 g Gewürz-Spekulatius using a food processor.
- Add 200 g Erdnussbutter and the zest of one organic orange, and knead into a dough that feels sandy and oily.
- Form the dough into small balls, about 10 g each, between your hands.
- Chill the balls in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
- Once chilled, roll the balls again between your hands to make them smooth.
- Melt 200 g of chocolate with 5 g of coconut fat in a heatproof bowl over a water bath.
- Dip the balls into the melted chocolate using a praline fork and set them on a cooling rack.
- Sprinkle with coarse sea salt and let them dry, preferably overnight.
- Once dry, place the chocolates in small paper molds and store in an airtight container.