Homemade Valentine's Chocolates

This Chef John recipe for the best Valentine's Day chocolates makes decadent truffles tossed in cocoa powder with a hint of spicy chipotle pepper.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 5 mins
• Total Time: 20 mins
• Calories: 48 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 pinch salt
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, or as needed
• 0.5 cup heavy whipping cream
• 0.5 pound high-quality dark chocolate, chopped
• 0.125 teaspoon ground dried chipotle pepper

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place cocoa powder in a small bowl.

Step 2

Place chocolate squares into cocoa powder and toss gently to coat.

Step 3

Place chocolate into a bowl; add chipotle pepper and salt.

Step 4

Heat cream in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until it comes to a boil. Pour over chocolate and let stand for 3 minutes. Stir gently until chocolate mixture is completely smooth.

Step 5

Pour chocolate mixture out onto a sheet of plastic wrap on a work surface. Pick up one edge of the plastic and roll chocolate into a rough log shape. Continue to roll, wrapping chocolate in the plastic. Refrigerate until chilled and firm, 30 to 60 minutes.

Step 6

Unwrap chocolate and cut in half crosswise; cut each half into halves lengthwise. Rough-cut candy into 1/2-inch squares.