Why make this recipe
Speculoos Balls are a delightful treat that captures the festive spirit of Christmas. With their unique flavors and easy preparation, they make a perfect gift or snack during the holiday season. The combination of spiced gingerbread cookies and creamy peanut butter creates a rich and satisfying taste that everyone will enjoy. Plus, they are fun to make and can be a great activity to share with friends and family.
How to make Speculoos Balls
Ingredients:
- 250 g Gewürz-Spekulatius (spiced gingerbread cookies)
- 200 g peanut butter
- 200 g dark chocolate
- 5 g coconut fat
- Zest of one organic orange
- Coarse sea salt
Directions:
- First, finely grind 250 g of Gewürz-Spekulatius using a food processor or blender.
- Next, add 200 g of peanut butter and the zest of one organic orange to the crushed cookies, and mix everything together to form a dough that feels sandy and oily.
- After that, take small portions of the dough (about 10 g each) and gently roll them into small balls between your palms.
- Then, place the balls in the refrigerator for at least one hour to chill.
- Once chilled, roll the balls again between your palms with slight pressure to make them smooth and round.
- Next, melt 200 g of dark chocolate with 5 g of coconut fat in a water bath, mixing well until smooth.
- Dip each ball into the melted chocolate using a praline fork, then place them on a cooling rack.
- Sprinkle some coarse sea salt on top and allow them to dry completely, preferably overnight.
- Finally, place the finished chocolates in small paper chocolate cups and store them in an airtight container in a cool place.
How to serve Speculoos Balls
Serve Speculoos Balls as a festive treat during family gatherings or holiday parties. They can be displayed on a dessert table or given as gifts in cute little boxes. Their unique flavors make them a delightful surprise for anyone who tries them!
How to store Speculoos Balls
Keep the Speculoos Balls in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to two weeks. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container.
Tips to make Speculoos Balls
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor.
- You can adjust the amount of orange zest to suit your taste.
- Ensure the kitchen tools you use for melting chocolate are dry to prevent the chocolate from seizing.
Variation
For a different flavor, try using milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate. You can also replace peanut butter with almond butter for a nuttier taste.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These chocolates can be made a few days in advance and stored in an airtight container.
What if I can’t find Gewürz-Spekulatius?
You can substitute it with another type of spiced cookie or gingerbread cookies.
Are there any nut-free alternatives?
Yes, you can use sunflower seed butter or any nut-free spread in place of peanut butter.
Speculoos Balls - Chocolates for Christmas
Equipment
- Food processor
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
Speculoos Balls
- 200 g speculoos cookies
- 100 g cream cheese
- 200 g dark chocolate
- 1 tsp coconut oil optional
Coating
- 50 g desiccated coconut
- 50 g crushed speculoos
Instructions
Preparation
- Crush the speculoos cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or by hand.
- Combine the crushed speculoos with cream cheese in a bowl, mixing until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into small balls of desired size and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up.
Coating
- Melt the dark chocolate with coconut oil (if using) in a microwave or over a double boiler until smooth.
- Dip each chilled speculoos ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Roll the chocolate-coated balls in desiccated coconut or crushed speculoos for a decorative finish.
- Place the finished balls back on the parchment paper and refrigerate until the chocolate has set, about 30 minutes, before serving.