12 Days of Christmas Recipes, Day Four: Chocolatey Cheesecake Truffles

Sweet treats for grandkids to help make for the holiday season. Make these ahead and store in the fridge for desserts when all you really want is a sweet biteful after a big dinner. Crushed candy canes can be used as well as a colorful coating to roll the truffles.

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips           250 mL

1 pkg (250 g) cream cheese, softened       1

1/2 cup icing sugar                                    125 mL

½ cup Oreo cookie crumbs                      125 mL

1 tbsp pure vanilla                                       15 mL

Pinch of salt

Coatings: Oreo cookie crumbs, Skor Bits, flaked desiccated coconut

In microwaveable dish, melt ½ cup of the chocolate chips. Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and icing sugar until smooth. Add Oreo crumbs, vanilla, salt, melted chocolate chips and remaining ½ cup chocolate chips. Mix until well combined.

Cool in freezer until dough is firm, about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, in three separate bowls, place about 1/3 cup each of Oreo cookie crumbs, Skor Bits and coconut.

Using a teaspoon as a measure, roll chilled dough into bite-sized rounds. Roll each ball in one of the garnishes until well coated. Return to freezer to chill thoroughly, about 15 minutes.

Store in airtight container in fridge. Makes about 40 truffles.

– Bonnie Baker Cowan