Skip to main content

Chocolate, Pistachio, and Tahini Truffles

4.2

(26)

A tray of truffles.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Astrid Chastka, Food Styling by Anna Hampton

The perfect party treat, these two-bite truffles can easily be made ahead of time and are a wonderful accompaniment to a glass of bubbly. In this version, tahini (ground sesame paste) replaces the traditional heavy cream for a nuttier flavor.

Cooks' Note

Truffles can be rolled in a variety of toppings, such as cocoa powder, powdered sugar, chopped candy, or spices.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    1 hour, 30 minutes

  • Yield

    Makes 26 truffles

Ingredients

1 cup tahini
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
1 cup shelled roasted, salted pistachios
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons toasted white sesame seeds

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat tahini, chocolate, honey, salt, cinnamon, and orange zest in a medium heatproof bowl set over a medium saucepan of barely simmering water (bottom of bowl should not touch water), stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between bursts, until melted and smooth.

    Step 2

    Carefully pour tahini mixture into a glass or metal tall-sided baking pan (an 8x8" pan works well). Chill until truffle base is firm, 60–70 minutes.

    Step 3

    Meanwhile, finely chop pistachios by hand or with a food processor. Mix pistachios and sesame seeds in a medium bowl.

    Step 4

    Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Scoop tahini mixture by the tablespoonful and quickly roll into 1" balls between the palms of your hands. Toss in pistachio-sesame mixture until coated. Using a spoon, gently transfer to prepared sheet.

  2. Do Ahead

    Step 5

    Truffles can be made 5 days ahead; cover and chill. Let sit at room temperature 15 minutes before serving.

Read More
Reminiscent of a classic diner dessert, this chocolate cream pie offers pure comfort in a cookie crust.
Layer homemade custard, ripe bananas, and vanilla wafers under clouds of whipped cream for this iconic dessert.
This chicken salad nails it—creamy, herby, and endlessly riffable.
There are many things that appeal about a Basque cheesecake—it's crustless (one less job) and is meant to look “rustic” with its wrinkled and jagged sides.
A strip of lemon zest balances this refreshing spring classic.
Originally called omelette à la neige (snow omelet) in reference to the fluffy snow-like appearance of the meringue, île flottante (floating island) has a lengthy history that dates back to the 17th century.
Native American people made these with cornmeal dumplings, simmering them with wild grapes, which were harvested at their peak sweetness.
Yeasted pancakes mixed with saffron and cardamom (called chebab) are typical of Gulf countries, but I must confess I much prefer these lacy thin crepes.