Ingredients
Base
- 5.5 oz (160g) ladyfingers, about 17-18 cookies
- 9 oz (250g) Mascarpone cheese
- 1/4 tsp (1g) salt
- 1/3 cup (75ml) coffee, cooled to room temperature
- 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp (5g) vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp coffee liqueur, amaretto, or dark rum (optional)
Topping
- 2 tsp Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp instant coffee powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Coffee Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the cooled coffee with the optional coffee liqueur, amaretto, or dark rum if using. Stir gently to mix the flavors.
- Soak the Ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture for about 1-2 seconds, making sure they absorb some liquid but do not become soggy. Set aside on a plate.
- Make the Mascarpone Mixture: In a mixing bowl, blend the mascarpone cheese, salt, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This will be the rich filling for the truffles.
- Combine and Chill: Crumble the soaked ladyfingers into the mascarpone mixture, folding gently but thoroughly to create a cohesive dough-like consistency. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes to firm up.
- Shape the Truffles: Once chilled, scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them between your palms to form bite-sized balls. Work quickly to prevent the mixture from warming too much.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the unsweetened cocoa powder with the instant coffee powder to create the coating.
- Coat the Truffles: Roll each truffle in the cocoa and coffee powder mixture until fully covered. Place finished truffles on a tray lined with parchment paper.
- Final Chill: Refrigerate the finished truffles for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and the texture to firm up before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly brewed coffee cooled to room temperature.
- Adjust the amount of liqueur to your taste or omit for a non-alcoholic version.
- Handle the mixture with cool hands or chill your hands periodically for easier shaping.
- Store truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
- For a decorative touch, try dusting some truffles with pure powdered sugar instead of the cocoa-coffee powder mix.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian