There’s something magical about the combination of earthy matcha and creamy white chocolate. These Matcha White Chocolate Truffles aren’t just treats—they’re an experience. The vibrant green tea powder cuts through the sweetness of white chocolate, creating a balanced flavor profile that dances on your palate. These bite-sized delights are perfect for gifting, entertaining, or treating yourself to a moment of pure indulgence.
What makes these truffles special is their versatility. Elegant enough for a sophisticated dinner party yet simple enough to satisfy a weeknight craving. The slight bitterness of matcha perfectly complements the velvety sweetness of white chocolate, creating a harmonious blend that even those who aren’t matcha enthusiasts find irresistible. Plus, their gorgeous green hue adds a pop of color to any dessert spread.
I first discovered my love for matcha-infused confections during a trip to Kyoto, where traditional tea houses serve wagashi (Japanese confections) alongside ceremonial matcha. The balanced flavor profile struck me as something that would translate beautifully into Western desserts. After many attempts to perfect the ratio of matcha to white chocolate, I’m thrilled to share this foolproof recipe that captures that same harmony.
The secret to these truffles lies in using high-quality ingredients. Ceremonial or culinary-grade matcha powder makes a significant difference in the final flavor. The vibrant green color and complex flavor profile of good matcha powder can’t be replicated with lower-quality alternatives. Similarly, using real white chocolate (with cocoa butter listed in the ingredients) rather than white chocolate chips will yield a smoother, more luxurious truffle.
Matcha White Chocolate Truffles
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 24 truffles
Ingredients:
- 10 oz (280g) high-quality white chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup (80ml) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons high-quality matcha powder, plus extra for coating
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional, for coating)
- 1/4 cup white chocolate sprinkles (optional, for coating)
Before diving into the preparation, ensure all your ingredients are ready and measured. The process moves quickly once you start, and having everything prepared will make the experience much more enjoyable. Let’s create these little gems of flavor that balance the earthy notes of matcha with the creamy sweetness of white chocolate.
Instructions:
1. Place the finely chopped white chocolate in a heat-resistant bowl. The finer you chop the chocolate, the more evenly it will melt. Set aside while you prepare the cream mixture.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium-low heat until it just begins to simmer around the edges. Do not let it come to a full boil as this can affect the texture of your ganache.
3. Remove the cream from heat and whisk in the matcha powder until completely dissolved. This step is crucial for ensuring no matcha clumps remain in your truffles. The heat from the cream helps the matcha incorporate smoothly.
4. Pour the hot matcha-infused cream over the chopped white chocolate. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes to allow the chocolate to begin melting, then gently stir until smooth and completely combined. If some chocolate pieces remain unmelted, you can place the bowl over a pot of barely simmering water (double boiler method) and stir until fully melted.
5. Add the room-temperature butter, vanilla extract, and salt to the white chocolate mixture. Stir until the butter is fully incorporated and the ganache is silky smooth. The butter adds a beautiful richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, making sure the wrap touches the surface of the ganache to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the mixture is firm enough to scoop and shape.
7. Once chilled, use a melon baller or small cookie scoop to portion the ganache. Quickly roll each portion between your palms to form smooth balls. If the mixture becomes too soft to work with, return it to the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to firm up again.
8. Prepare your coating options: place additional matcha powder, powdered sugar, or white chocolate sprinkles in separate small bowls. Roll each truffle in your desired coating, tapping off any excess. The contrast between the pale green truffle and the vibrant matcha coating creates a beautiful visual effect.
9. Place the finished truffles on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for another 30 minutes to set completely. This final chilling helps the truffles maintain their shape when served.
10. Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For the best flavor and texture, allow them to come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.
These truffles make wonderful gifts when packaged in small boxes or cellophane bags tied with ribbon. They’re perfect for holidays, special occasions, or as a thoughtful homemade present for the tea lover in your life. The beautiful green color makes them especially fitting for spring celebrations, St. Patrick’s Day, or Christmas holiday platters.
For an elegant presentation at dinner parties, try placing each truffle in a small paper candy cup and arranging them on a serving platter with fresh berries or edible flowers. The contrast of colors creates a stunning visual display that will impress your guests before they even taste these delectable treats.
Recipe Notes and Tips:
• Quality matters: The better the quality of your white chocolate and matcha, the better your truffles will taste. Look for white chocolate with cocoa butter listed as an ingredient, not vegetable oils.
• Temperature control: If your hands run warm, run them under cold water before rolling the truffles to prevent the ganache from melting too quickly.
• Flavor variations: Try adding a teaspoon of finely grated orange zest or a few drops of peppermint extract to the ganache for interesting flavor combinations that complement the matcha.
• Texture contrast: For an added dimension, consider mixing in 2 tablespoons of toasted and finely chopped pistachios or white chocolate crisps into the ganache before chilling.
The journey of creating these Matcha White Chocolate Truffles is as enjoyable as the destination. The process of melting, mixing, and shaping can be meditative—a moment of calm creativity in our busy lives. And the result? A sophisticated confection that bridges cultures and flavors in the most delicious way possible. Whether you’re a matcha enthusiast or a curious newcomer to this ancient Japanese ingredient, these truffles offer a delightful introduction to the wonderful world of tea-infused desserts.
Nutrition Information (per truffle):
Calories: 95
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 1g