These Chocolate Truffles with Condensed Milk are made with only 3 ingredients! They are lusciously creamy, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious - No heavy cream!
If you are looking for healthier truffles, try our avocado truffles or the almond butter truffles recipe next!
Why You'll Love These Truffles with Condensed Milk
Most chocolate truffle recipes made with sweetened condensed milk use just cocoa powder and condensed milk. While this creates a creamy mixture, it can also leave you with a sticky dough that's tricky to roll. Adding melted chocolate is a game-changer! It adds a richer chocolate flavor and smoother texture while helping the mixture firm up at room temperature, making it much easier to roll and shape without sticking to your hands.
These truffles are delicious and make a lovely homemade chocolate treat to gift to friends, family, teachers, coworkers, and neighbors, similar to the Christmas fudge. They're simple to make and perfect for sharing during the holidays or anytime you want to give someone a little something sweet!
-maria doss
★★★★★
"These are so good! I had half of a can of sweetened condensed milk to use up and this was the perfect way to do that! I will make these again!"
-ASHLYN
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Traditional chocolate truffles are made with ganache, a mixture of melted chocolate and heavy cream. Once chilled, the ganache is rolled into balls and coated with cocoa powder or other toppings. The result is a smooth, velvety truffle with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a rich chocolate flavor.
Truffles made with sweetened condensed milk generally have a slightly different texture. They tend to be chewier, more like soft fudge than traditional truffles, and can taste sweeter because of the added sugar.
For this recipe, I use both melted chocolate and cocoa powder to get the best of both worlds. The melted chocolate adds richness and helps the truffles firm up, while the cocoa powder deepens the chocolate flavor. I've also reduced the amount of sweetened condensed milk to keep them from becoming overly sweet. The result is a rich, chocolatey truffle with a smoother, less chewy texture that's closer to a traditional chocolate truffle. This is similar to our peanut butter fudge, but we use cocoa powder instead of the peanut butter.
Ingredients For Truffles with Condensed Milk
Scroll down to the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and amounts.
- Chocolate – For the best results, opt for high-quality chocolate like Ghirardelli semi-sweet chips or finely chopped Giradelli semi-sweet chocolate bars, which melt smoothly.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – Just ½ cup of sweetened condensed milk provides the perfect amount of sweetness and creaminess for this truffle recipe. It binds the ingredients together into a smooth, pliable mixture while eliminating the need for heavy cream or butter.
- Cocoa Powder – Dutch-processed cocoa powder has a smoother, more mellow flavor compared to natural cocoa.
Tips for Success
- Roll the truffles in cocoa powder right after shaping them. The outside will still be slightly sticky, helping the cocoa powder cling to the truffles.
- Be patient while the mixture firms up. The resting time depends on the room temperature. It may take about an hour on a cold winter day but over 3 hours on a hot summer day.
- Use good-quality chocolate, such as Ghirardelli, for the best flavor and a smooth texture.
Truffles FAQ'S
For the best-tasting chocolate truffles, start with good-quality chocolate. I recommend brands like Ghirardelli or Guittard, or any good-quality chocolate bar that you can finely chop. They melt smoothly and give the truffles a rich, chocolatey flavor.
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate works best for this recipe because it balances the sweetness of the condensed milk. Milk chocolate can make the truffles overly sweet and may affect how firmly the mixture sets, so I recommend sticking with semi-sweet or dark chocolate.
Since these chocolate truffles are made without heavy cream, they can last longer than traditional ganache-based truffles. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate them for up to 1 month. For the best texture and flavor, let refrigerated truffles come to room temperature before serving.
Can you freeze chocolate truffles? Yes! Place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw the truffles at room temperature until softened.
Chocolate Truffles with Condensed Milk
Ingredients
- 4 ounces semi sweet chocolate chips (½ cup plus 1 tablespoon) I like to use Ghiradelli
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup cocoa powder plus more for coating
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Melt. Place 4 ounces of chocolate chips and ½ cup condensed milk in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 40 to 60 seconds (stirring every 25 seconds), until completely melted. Remove the bowl and stir until very smooth.
- Finish dough. Stir in ¼ cup cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and ⅛ teaspoon salt, until thoroughly combined. Set aside at room temperature for 1 to 4 hours, or until it reaches a soft dough consistency.👉 The mixture may firm up in about an hour on a cold winter day, but can take longer in warmer summer weather.
- Roll into balls. Scoop out a tablespoon of the mixture and gently roll it between your hands to form a smooth ball. Immediately roll it in cocoa powder while the outside is still slightly sticky, so the coating adheres well. Set aside for a few hours to firm up.
Notes
- Skip vanilla extract and use almond or coconut extract.
- Spike the ganache with a little alcohol, like Chambord, whiskey or rum.
- Mix in a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper powder for some heat.
Nutrition
Nutritional information, based on third-party calculations, should be seen as estimates, not guarantees, as various factors like product types, brands, processing methods, and more can alter the nutritional content in recipes.
How to make truffles with condensed milk?
You can find full printable recipe below, but here is a quick overview of the procedure along with step-by-step photos.
- Place chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk (or milkmaid) in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 40 to 60 seconds, stirring every 25 seconds, until completely melted. Stir until very smooth.
3 & 4. Stir in cocoa powder, vanilla extract and salt, until thoroughly combined. Set aside at room temperature for 1 to 4 hours, or until it becomes a soft dough consistency.
5. Scoop up a tablespoon measure, roll it into smooth balls, and then immediately roll it in cocoa powder while the outside is still sticky.
Easy Topping Ideas for Chocolate Truffles
One of the best parts about making homemade chocolate truffles is how easy they are to customize. These topping ideas add texture, flavor, and a festive touch—perfect for Christmas, gifts, or party platters.
- Cocoa Powder – A classic choice. Use Dutch-processed or unsweetened cocoa for a rich, bittersweet finish.
- Chopped Nuts – Finely chopped toasted walnuts, pistachios, pecans, or hazelnuts add crunch and nutty flavor.
- Shredded Coconut – Roll in sweetened or unsweetened coconut for a chewy, tropical twist.
- Sprinkles – Colorful sprinkles or edible glitter make them fun and festive, especially for Christmas.
- Freeze-Dried Fruit Powder – Powdered raspberries or strawberries add tangy flavor and a pop of color.
- Crushed Cookies or Biscuits – Roll in crushed Oreos, graham crackers, or digestives for a cookies-and-cream vibe.
More Easy Chocolate Balls to Try
If you’re looking for quick and easy chocolatey treats that deliver on flavor and texture, these recipes are perfect for everything from Christmas platters to healthy snacking.
- With their ultra-creamy texture and melt-in-your-mouth finish, almond butter truffles are a dream come true for almond and chocolate lovers alike.
- Instead of heavy cream, avocado truffles use fresh avocado for a velvety, rich texture—this clever swap not only makes them lighter but also adds healthy fats.
- Packed with wholesome ingredients like almond flour, almond butter, and maple syrup, these no-bake brownie bites taste like classic brownies but are completely guilt-free and naturally sweetened.
- No bake oatmeal balls combine mashed avocado with rolled oats, dried cranberries, and coconut for a sweet, chewy, and chocolatey bite that's both nutritious and satisfying.
- A better-for-you version of the classic Buckeye candy, healthy peanut butter balls are made with almond flour and naturally sweetened with maple syrup—an easy no-bake sweet treat that feels indulgent but is secretly wholesome.
MADE THIS RECIPE AND LOVED IT? 💚 Please leave a ⭐️STAR rating and COMMENT below- I love to hear your feedback! Tag me with your creations on Instagram and find me on Facebook.
Hi, I’m Maria! I share easy, flavor-packed dinners, high-protein meals, and irresistible baking ideas. If you’ve ever asked, “Don’t know what to cook tonight?” you’re in the right place. And yes—there’s plenty here for breakfast, snacks, and dessert too. More about maria ->
monika
Can these be coated in melted chocolate or will they melt? My plan was to roll the chilled chocolate mass into ball, freeze them, then dip them in melted chocolate and re-freeze them.
Thoughts?
Maria Doss
Hi Monica, These are much more sturdier than normal truffles (made with melted chocolate and cream). Refrigerate rolled balls for several hours, dip in melted chocolate and then chill again. Freezing is not necessary. Hope it helps, happy holidays:)
Ashlyn
These are so good! I had half of a can of sweetened condensed milk to use up and this was the perfect way to do that! I will make these again!
Maria Doss
Hi Ashlyn, Glad you liked it, Maria
Isabel
I want to try this! Can I rest the dough in the fridge instead? so it sets faster, thanks!
Maria Doss
Hi Isabel, Absolutely!! We would recommend stirring every 10 to 15 minutes to make sure it firms up uniformly, Maria
Mary Ann
Can brandy be substituted or in addition to vanilla?
Maria Doss
Hi Mary,
If you like Brandy, then feel fry to substitute instead of vanilla - Maria
AJ
Can I substitute fresh squeezed orange juice for the vanilla?
Maria Doss
If you are looking for orange flavored truffles, then we will suggest using 1/2 to 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest instead. Orange juice will tend to dilute the mixture and not let them firm up. Hope it helps - Maria
Helen Lorenc
Can I use Bakers chocolate square instead of cocoa?
Maria Doss
Hi Helen, Baker's, Semi Sweet Baking Chocolate Squares should work instead of the semi sweet chocolate chips - Maria
Pri
Hi!
I love your recipe and have used it multiple times to make hazelnut truffles.
This time I want to set it in a tin and cut into squares, what size baking tin would you recommend?
My second question is how to edit the recipe to add alcohol.
Maria Doss
Hi Pri, Glad you love this recipe. You could try a parchment lined standard loaf pan (8 X 4 inch) for this recipe. If you like to add alcohol, then skip vanilla extract and and use up to 1 tablespoon of your favorite alcohol. Hope it helps - Maria