If you’re a fan of matcha green tea, these Green Tea Truffles are the perfect treat for you. These bite-sized delights combine the rich creaminess of white chocolate with the delicate, earthy flavor of matcha powder. They’re easy to make, customizable, and elegant enough to serve at gatherings or gift to loved ones. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this no-bake recipe will have you creating decadent truffles in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Smooth & Creamy Texture: Made with a luxurious white chocolate ganache infused with butter for extra richness.
- Delicate Matcha Flavor: The subtle bitterness of matcha balances perfectly with the sweetness of white chocolate.
- Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, these truffles are simple to prepare.
- Customizable Coatings: Dust them with matcha powder, dip them in melted chocolate, or roll them in crushed pistachios for added flair.
- Perfect for Gifting: Packaged in a decorative box, these truffles make an impressive homemade gift for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Matcha Ganache:
- High-quality white chocolate (finely chopped)
- Heavy cream
- Unsalted butter (for creaminess)
- Culinary-grade matcha green tea powder
- Vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Optional Coatings:
- Extra matcha powder (for dusting)
- Melted white chocolate (for dipping)
- Crushed pistachios or shredded coconut (for texture)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Matcha Ganache
Start by heating the heavy cream and butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Warm the mixture until it’s steaming but not boiling—this ensures the cream doesn’t scorch, which could affect the flavor.
While the cream heats, place the finely chopped white chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Once the cream is ready, pour it over the chocolate and let it sit for 1-2 minutes. This allows the chocolate to soften slightly, making it easier to whisk into a smooth ganache.
After the resting period, stir the mixture gently until the chocolate is fully melted and combined with the cream. Sift in the matcha powder to avoid clumping, then add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together until the ganache is smooth, glossy, and vibrant green.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the ganache to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate the mixture for 1-2 hours, or until it’s firm enough to scoop.
2. Shape the Truffles
Once the ganache is chilled, use a small spoon or cookie scoop to portion out the mixture. Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth, round balls. If the mixture becomes too soft to handle, chill it briefly before continuing.
For perfectly round truffles, chill the shaped balls in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before coating. This step helps them hold their shape during the coating process.
3. Coat the Truffles
Now comes the fun part—customizing your truffles! Here are some ideas for coatings:
- Matcha Powder: Dust the truffles lightly with extra matcha for an elegant, matte finish.
- Melted White Chocolate: Dip the truffles halfway or fully into melted white chocolate for a glossy look.
- Crushed Pistachios: Roll the truffles in finely chopped pistachios for a nutty crunch.
- Shredded Coconut: Add tropical flair by rolling the truffles in unsweetened or sweetened coconut flakes.
Place the coated truffles on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate them for 30 minutes to set.
Serving and Storage Tips
These Green Tea Truffles are best enjoyed chilled but can be served at room temperature for a softer texture. Let them sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to enhance their creamy consistency.
Storage Guidelines:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
For gifting, arrange the truffles in mini cupcake liners and place them in a decorative box or tin. Add a ribbon for a personal touch, and include a note about their flavors for recipients who may be unfamiliar with matcha.
Variations to Try
Looking to experiment? Here are some creative twists:
- Dark Chocolate Matcha Truffles: Substitute dark chocolate for white chocolate to create a richer, bittersweet contrast with the matcha.
- Coconut Matcha Truffles: Roll the truffles in shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
- Matcha Honey Truffles: Stir in a teaspoon of honey into the ganache for a hint of natural sweetness.
- Nutty Matcha Truffles: Mix finely chopped almonds or cashews into the ganache for added crunch.
- Vegan Option: Use dairy-free white chocolate and coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a plant-based version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Yes, but the matcha flavor will be less pronounced due to the stronger taste of milk chocolate.
How do I prevent matcha from clumping?
Sift the matcha powder before adding it to the ganache to ensure a smooth, lump-free texture.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! These truffles store beautifully in the fridge or freezer, making them ideal for advance preparation.
Why is my ganache too soft?
If the ganache is too soft, chill it longer or add more chocolate to thicken the mixture.
How do I get perfectly round truffles?
Chill the ganache before rolling, and use a small cookie scoop to portion evenly sized balls.
Can I make these without butter?
Yes, but butter adds a velvety richness that enhances the texture.
What’s the best matcha to use?
High-quality culinary-grade matcha is recommended for its vibrant color and balanced flavor.
Can I dip them in dark chocolate instead of white?
Of course! Dark chocolate provides a bold contrast to the earthy matcha flavor.
How do I get a smooth chocolate coating?
Let melted chocolate cool slightly before dipping to prevent the truffles from melting.
Are these caffeinated?
Yes, matcha contains caffeine, though in smaller amounts than coffee.
Final Thoughts
These Green Tea Truffles are a delightful fusion of creamy white chocolate and aromatic matcha green tea. Their elegant appearance and sophisticated flavor profile make them a standout dessert for any occasion. Plus, with endless customization options, you can tailor them to suit your preferences or impress your guests.
Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing them as gifts, these truffles are sure to leave a lasting impression. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in the luxurious goodness of matcha-infused chocolate today!
Green Tea Truffles
Ingredients
- 8 oz white chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 teaspoons culinary-grade matcha green tea powder
- 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch salt
- 1/2 cup matcha powder, cocoa powder, or powdered sugar (for coating)
- Optional melted white chocolate (for dipping)
- Optional crushed pistachios or shredded coconut (for coating)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the heavy cream until it’s steaming but not boiling.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the matcha powder until smooth. Add the unsalted butter, vanilla extract (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.
- Place the finely chopped white chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Pour the warm matcha cream mixture over the chocolate and let it sit for 1-2 minutes.
- Whisk gently until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the ganache to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours, or until firm enough to scoop.
- Once chilled, use a small spoon or cookie scoop to portion out the mixture. Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth, round balls.
- For perfectly round truffles, chill the shaped balls in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before coating.
- Coat the truffles as desired: roll in matcha powder, dip in melted white chocolate, or coat with crushed pistachios or shredded coconut.
- Place the coated truffles on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 2 months.
