Festive vegan truffles shaped like Santa hats for holiday gifting
These no-bake vegan Santa hat truffles are the ultimate holiday treat! Made with just two ingredients for the base, they're shaped into adorable mini hats with coconut fur and marshmallow poms. Perfect for festive parties, gift tins, and family gatherings.
Whether you're hosting a Christmas dinner or preparing edible gifts for neighbors, these truffles are a festive, kid-friendly solution. The no-bake method saves oven space while delivering professional-looking results in minutes.
With a 2-ingredient base (dark chocolate and coconut oil), these truffles are vegan, dairy-free, and customizable. Add festive touches like edible glitter, red candies for a jingle bell effect, or gold leaf for an elegant twist.
The process is simple: melt chocolate, roll into triangular shapes, add coconut fur, and top with marshmallow poms. Chill for 30 minutes, and your holiday dessert is ready to serve or gift!
Pair these truffles with snowball cookies and tiramisu cups for a complete dessert board that appeals to all ages. Their handmade quality and festive presentation make them a hit at community gatherings.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ No-Bake Convenience
Skip the oven entirely with this no-bake method. Perfect for holiday baking when oven space is limited.
💰 2-Ingredient Base
Only dark chocolate and coconut oil are needed for the base, making these truffles simple and affordable to make.
👥 Kid-Friendly Assembly
The rolling and decorating steps are perfect for involving children in holiday baking.
🌟 Gift-Ready Presentation
Store in decorative tins or cellophane bags for an instant edible gift that impresses.
No-Bake Vegan Santa Hat Truffles
Festive vegan truffles shaped like Santa hats for holiday gifting
🛒 Ingredients
- - 2 cups dark chocolate (70% cacao), chopped
- - 1/4 cup coconut oil
- - 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- - 24 mini vegan marshmallows
- - Edible glitter (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
Melt Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt chocolate with coconut oil in the microwave (30-second intervals, stirring) or using a double boiler until smooth.
💡 Use a silicone spatula to ensure even melting.
Chill Mixture: Transfer to the fridge for 15-20 minutes until firm enough to roll but still pliable.
💡 Chill time is critical for proper shaping.
Roll Truffles: Scoop 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll into triangular shapes (1.5 inches per side). Work quickly to prevent melting.
💡 Use parchment paper to keep hands clean.
Add Coconut Fur: Press each truffle into shredded coconut to coat the base, creating a 'fur' texture.
💡 For extra texture, use a fork to press coconut firmly onto the truffle.
Top with Pom-Poms: Place a mini marshmallow at the apex of each truffle to form the Santa hat pom-pom.
💡 For stability, dip the marshmallow in melted chocolate before placing.
Chill & Serve: Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
💡 For gift tins, line with parchment paper and add festive bows.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Dark Chocolate
Use 70% cacao for rich flavor. Choose vegan-certified chocolate to avoid dairy.
Substitutions: Carob chips or dairy-free chocolate melts.
Coconut Oil
Adds moisture and helps the chocolate set properly. Use refined for neutral flavor.
Substitutions: Vegan butter or shea butter.
Shredded Coconut
Creates the 'fur' texture. Use sweetened or unsweetened based on preference.
Substitutions: Crushed pistachios or chopped pecans for a nutty twist.
Mini Marshmallows
Provide the festive pom-pom topping. Ensure vegan certification.
Substitutions: Small vegan chocolate balls or coconut balls.
Pro Tips for Perfect Truffles
❄️ Chilling Technique
Chill the chocolate mixture in 15-minute increments, stirring between sessions for smoother texture.
✨ Frosting Tip
Dip marshmallows in melted chocolate before placing for better adhesion and decorative effect.
🎄 Presentation Hack
Arrange truffles in a festive tin with red and green tissue paper for instant gift-ready packaging.
📸 Photo Tip
Use a 60-degree window light for natural highlights and soft shadows in photos.
Variations & Customizations
Nutty Santa Hats
Replace coconut with crushed pistachios for a nutty twist. Add a dusting of edible gold for luxury.
Red & Green Edition
Color the chocolate with natural food coloring for a festive red-and-green color scheme.
Mini Jingle Bell
Shape truffles into bell shapes and add red candies for a jingle bell design.
Gluten-Free Option
Use certified gluten-free chocolate and marshmallows for dietary restrictions.
Serving suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Snowball cookies (vanilla meringue with coconut)
- Mini tiramisu cups with vegan mascarpone
- Chocolate-dipped strawberries for a fresh contrast
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Hot cocoa with marshmallows or spiced chai tea complements the chocolate base.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare truffles up to 2 weeks in advance. Store in an airtight container separated by parchment paper.
Refrigerator Storage
Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. Best served at room temperature for optimal texture.
Freezer Storage
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating Instructions
No reheating needed. Store at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Why are my truffles melting?
A: Chocolate may not have set properly. Chill for an additional 30 minutes before handling.
Q: How to fix runny chocolate mixture?
A: Add more chopped chocolate in 1-tablespoon increments until desired consistency is reached.
Q: Can I use store-bought truffles?
A: Yes! Dip store-bought vegan truffles in coconut and add marshmallow poms for a shortcut version.
Q: How to fix uneven shapes?
A: Use a triangular cookie cutter as a template for consistent sizing.
Final Thoughts
These no-bake vegan Santa hat truffles are the perfect combination of festive charm and practicality. With a 2-ingredient base and simple assembly, they’re ideal for holiday baking novices and experts alike. Whether you’re gifting them in decorative tins or serving at a party, these truffles are sure to impress with their handmade quality and festive presentation.
Try pairing them with snowball cookies and tiramisu cups for a complete dessert board that appeals to all ages. The no-bake method ensures you’ll have more time to enjoy the holidays rather than spend them in the kitchen. Pin this recipe now and become the star of your next holiday gathering!
