Lastly, don’t rush the decorating step. I’ve tried piping the ribbons too quickly before the coating set, and they sank or smeared. I’ve also waited too long and had the drizzles slide off. Timing is everything—slightly tacky is perfect, fully wet or fully dry is not.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving these Christmas Present Truffles on a big holiday platter with candy canes, chocolate-covered pretzels, and sugar cookies. The bright red, white, and green colors make the whole platter look festive and inviting. Every time I bring them to a party, people flock to the tray and instantly ask, “How did you make these?!”
When I’m gifting them, I place six or eight truffles in a small decorative tin or a white bakery box with a red ribbon. They look like actual presents inside the box, which feels like the cutest little theme within a theme. I’ve given them to teachers, neighbors, coworkers, and friends, and they always get the biggest smile.
For holiday dessert tables, I like setting them on mini cupcake liners so they’re easy to pick up. The liners also protect the coating from fingerprints, which keeps them looking polished and pretty. If you’re hosting a cookie exchange, these truffles stand out from the typical cookies in the best possible way.
And on Christmas Eve, I love making a small plate of these truffles as part of our family dessert tradition. Paired with hot cocoa or mulled cider, the combination of creamy red velvet and sweet candy coating feels absolutely magical.
Variations & Customizations
One fun variation is to swap the green candy melts for gold or silver. I did this for a New Year’s Eve party once, and the truffles instantly looked elegant and luxurious, like little sparkling gems.
Another version I love is using peppermint Oreos instead of red velvet Oreos. The peppermint flavor is subtle but refreshing, and when coated in white candy melts with crushed candy canes sprinkled on top, they look like tiny winter wonderland gifts.
If you want a more intense chocolate flavor, you can skip the red velvet Oreos entirely and use all chocolate cookies. Dip them in white coating and drizzle with red and green, and you still get the holiday look, but with a richer taste. I’ve done this for chocolate lovers, and they always rave about the flavor.
You can even create themed “presents” for different holidays—pastel colors for Easter, orange and black for Halloween, or pink and red for Valentine’s Day. The basic truffle recipe is so flexible that you can adapt it to any celebration.
How to Store, Freeze & Reheat
I always store Christmas Present Truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to a week, though they never last that long in my house. Refrigeration keeps the cream cheese filling safe and helps the candy coating stay firm and shiny.
Freezing works incredibly well for these truffles. I freeze them on a baking sheet until they’re firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They last up to two months this way. When I’m ready to serve them, I thaw them in the fridge for several hours or overnight. The texture stays perfect—creamy inside, crisp on the outside.
One thing I’ve learned is not to freeze them after decorating if you used intricate piped bows. Freezing can cause condensation, which may smudge small details. It’s better to coat them first, freeze, thaw, and then decorate if you want very precise designs.
These truffles are not meant to be reheated, but if the candy coating looks dull after thawing, letting them sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes brings back some of the shine. They never lose their delicious flavor, though, no matter how you store them.
Nutrition Information
Even though these truffles are definitely a holiday indulgence, I appreciate that they’re small, portion-controlled treats that give you all the sweetness you crave in just a few bites. The cream cheese adds richness, the cookies provide structure, and the candy coating adds that festive crunch.
I love that the ingredients are simple and straightforward—no complicated steps, no special techniques, just delicious, familiar flavors transformed into something beautifully festive. It’s one of those treats that feels fancy without being intimidating.
If you want to lighten them slightly, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese, though the texture will be a bit softer. You can also dip them in dark chocolate melts instead of candy melts, which reduces the sweetness. I’ve tried both variations, and they’re still delicious.
The best part is that these truffles deliver so much holiday joy with such minimal effort. They’re the kind of dessert that makes people smile even before they take their first bite.
FAQ Section
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of candy melts?
You can, but chocolate chips don’t always melt as smoothly and may require tempering. Candy melts give a prettier, more stable finish.
Do the truffles have to be refrigerated?
Yes—because of the cream cheese, they should be kept chilled until serving.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely! They keep well for a week and freeze beautifully, making them perfect for early holiday prep.
Why are my candy melts clumpy?
They likely overheated or came into contact with water. Melt slowly and avoid steam or moisture.
Can I add sprinkles instead of drizzle?
Yes! Sprinkles are adorable and easy—just add them before the coating sets so they stick.
Conclusion
These Christmas Present Truffles have become one of my favorite holiday traditions because they’re festive, fun to make, and absolutely delicious. Every time I bite into that creamy red velvet center wrapped in shiny Christmas colors, I feel like a kid again opening gifts under the tree. Whether you’re making them for a party, gifting them to someone you love, or simply enjoying them as a cozy December treat, I hope these little edible presents bring joy and sweetness to your holiday season just like they do to mine.