These lemon truffles are a burst of zesty, creamy goodness in every bite! With a rich white chocolate and cream cheese base, these truffles are infused with fresh lemon flavor and coated in powdered sugar for an elegant, melt-in-your-mouth treat. Perfect for parties, gifting, or when you want a refreshing dessert that’s easy to make.

I stumbled upon this recipe when looking for a new way to use fresh lemons, and these lemon truffles quickly became a favorite. They’re a deliciously bright treat, balancing the sweetness of white chocolate with a hint of tangy lemon. Ready to make these delightful little bites? Let’s dive into the details!

Why You’ll Love These Lemon Truffles

These lemon truffles are the perfect bite-sized dessert, and here’s why they’re going to be your new favorite treat.

Bright, Fresh Lemon Flavor: Infused with real lemon zest and juice, these truffles bring a fresh, vibrant citrus flavor that makes them stand out from richer chocolate truffles.
Smooth, Creamy Texture: Made with white chocolate and cream cheese, each truffle has a silky, melt-in-your-mouth consistency that feels luxurious with every bite.
No-Bake Simplicity: These truffles require no baking, making them quick and easy to prepare. A few simple ingredients and a bit of chilling time are all you need.
Perfect for Gifting or Parties: These lemon truffles are as beautiful as they are delicious. With their snowy powdered sugar coating, they make a lovely presentation for special occasions.

Ready to get started? Let’s go over the ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

Making these lemon truffles requires only a handful of ingredients, but each one plays an essential role in creating their unique flavor and texture.

White Chocolate: The base of these truffles, white chocolate provides a creamy sweetness that pairs beautifully with lemon. Use good-quality white chocolate for the best results, as it will melt smoother and taste better.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds richness and a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the white chocolate and enhances the lemon flavor. It also helps the truffles hold their shape.
Lemon Zest and Juice: Fresh lemon zest and juice provide the authentic lemon flavor in these truffles. The zest is especially important for getting a strong lemon aroma and taste, so don’t skip it!
Powdered Sugar: Rolled in powdered sugar, these truffles get a sweet, delicate coating that makes them look as good as they taste. It also adds a subtle layer of sweetness to each bite.
Butter (Optional): A small amount of butter helps smooth out the white chocolate and cream cheese mixture, making the truffles easier to roll and giving them a silkier texture.

No special equipment is needed, though a zester and a small cookie scoop can make preparation easier.

How To Make These Lemon Truffles

Creating these lemon truffles is simple and quick. Just follow these steps to make a batch of perfectly creamy, citrusy treats.

Melt the White Chocolate: Begin by melting the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 15- to 20-second increments and stirring in between until smooth. Let it cool slightly so it doesn’t melt the cream cheese when combined.
Combine the Cream Cheese and Lemon: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the lemon zest and juice until smooth and creamy. The lemon juice will thin out the cream cheese slightly, which helps it blend well with the white chocolate.
Add the White Chocolate: Slowly add the melted white chocolate to the cream cheese mixture, stirring continuously until fully combined. If the mixture seems too soft, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes to firm up before rolling.
Form the Truffles: Using a small cookie scoop or teaspoon, scoop portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place each truffle on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If the mixture becomes too sticky to roll, chill it in the fridge for a few minutes.
Coat in Powdered Sugar: Roll each truffle in powdered sugar until fully coated. For an extra layer, roll them once more after chilling for a snowy, even coating.
Chill and Serve: Place the truffles in the fridge to set for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps them firm up and enhances their flavor. Serve cold for the best texture and taste.

And there you have it—refreshing lemon truffles that are ready to enjoy or share!

Storage Options

These lemon truffles store beautifully, making them a great make-ahead dessert. Here’s how to keep them fresh.

In the Fridge: Store truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This will keep them firm and enhance their flavor. Place wax paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
In the Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the truffles in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge for about an hour before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

This lemon truffles recipe is easy to customize based on your preferences. Here are some fun variations to try.

Coconut Lemon Truffles: Add a small amount of shredded coconut to the mixture for a tropical twist, or roll the truffles in coconut flakes instead of powdered sugar.
Lemon Almond Truffles: Add a drop of almond extract to the mixture for a hint of nutty flavor. You can also roll the truffles in finely chopped toasted almonds for extra texture.
Lemon Raspberry Truffles: Add a few crushed freeze-dried raspberries to the mixture to give a hint of berry flavor and a lovely pink hue.
White Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of rolling in powdered sugar, drizzle melted white chocolate over the truffles for a smooth finish and extra sweetness.
Extra Zesty Truffles: For even more lemon flavor, roll the truffles in a mixture of powdered sugar and a small amount of lemon zest. This gives them an extra pop of citrus in every bite.

With these variations, you can make these lemon truffles unique each time. They’re a refreshing treat that’s sure to brighten any occasion!