Easy Italian Coffee Truffles (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Truffle Base

01 - 1 1/2 cups ladyfingers, crushed into fine crumbs
02 - 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
03 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar
04 - 1 tablespoon espresso powder
05 - 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ For Coating

06 - 1/2 cup chocolate chips
07 - 1/2 cup cocoa powder for rolling

# Instructions:

01 - Grab a bowl and toss in your crushed ladyfingers, mascarpone, powdered sugar, espresso powder, and vanilla. Mix everything together until it's nice and smooth. You want it well combined but don't go crazy - overworking mascarpone can make it grainy.
02 - Scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form little balls. If the mixture sticks to your hands too much, dust your palms with a tiny bit of cocoa powder. Place them on a parchment-lined plate or tray as you go.
03 - Pop your tray of truffle balls in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to coat. If you're in a rush, stick them in the freezer for 10 minutes instead.
04 - Put your chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them in 20-second bursts, stirring well between each zap. Keep going until the chocolate is smooth and totally melted. Be careful not to overheat it or it'll seize up!
05 - Now for the fun part! You've got options here. Either dip the chilled balls into the melted chocolate using a fork to let excess drip off, OR roll them in cocoa powder for a more traditional tiramisu look. I usually do some of each!
06 - If you went with the chocolate coating, you can dust those with a little cocoa powder too while they're still wet. Makes them look extra fancy with minimal effort. Set them back on the parchment paper.
07 - Pop the truffles back in the fridge for about 15 minutes to let everything firm up. Then transfer them to an airtight container if you're not serving them right away (though honestly, I always sneak a couple right then and there).

# Notes:

01 - If your mixture gets too soft while you're rolling the balls, just stick it back in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up again.
02 - These little beauties will keep in the fridge for up to a week, but I doubt they'll last that long!
03 - Can't find ladyfingers? Vanilla wafers work great too. Just crush them up the same way.