Truffle Mice - 1st Annual Christmas Cookie Exchange

Maybe it's Christmas magic but for some reason, the humble mouse takes on a special charm around the holidays. These often maligned little creatures suddenly appear everywhere in various Yuletide incarnations; stores brim with mice ornaments decked in holiday finery, mice star as charming characters in holiday books and their likeness is even made into culinary treats.

So when I was lucky enough to be included in The Everyday Home's 1st Annual Cookie exchange to share a  holiday cookie recipe, I immediately thought of these sweet confections inspired by our furry friends.  

There are hundreds of sweet "mice" treat recipes online in a variety of delicious styles and flavors. I simply adapted a classic truffle, popping on almond ears, a tail and friendly face. Though perhaps technically not a cookie, but seeming more than a candy, truffles are an easy and festive addition to your holiday treat repertoire. There are dozens of basic truffle recipes, I adapted mine from this version from the the Cook Republic, increasing the amount of coconut for easier modeling.

White Chocolate Coconut Mouse Truffles

for the truffles

1 1/2 cup Coconut Flakes*

1 cup white Chocolate chips (or bars, broken up)

1/2 cup Heavy Cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

(coconut or almond extract works too)
extra coconut for rolling

for the accents

slivered almonds

colorful string licorice 

(the string variety wasn't unavailable at my store

so I cut regular twizzlers to size)
mini chocolate chips
sprinkles

Truffles are best stored in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy or give away.

Melt white chocolate and cream over low heat, stirring occasionally until smooth. 

Add vanilla extract and remove pot from heat to cool slightly. 

Add coconut flakes, stirring well and chill in refrigerator until firm (about an hour)

*I quickly ground coconut in my mini food processor to create a finer, fluffier consistency 

(sometimes shredded coconut can be a bit stringy)

Once firm, scoop out a spoonful of truffle mixture and roll in plain coconut forming mouse shaped bodies. (Add more coconut if necessary to retain shape or if truffle mixture becomes too sticky). Add slivered almonds for ears. 

I placed my mice in mini paper baking cups for easy handling and gifting.

Pop on mini chip eyes, a sprinkle nose and licorice tails. 
You may need to reshape mice as you go.

These treats are fun to display with other sweets or fruit. 

A whimsical accent is "pound cake" cheese. 

Simply slice a wedge of your favorite store bought or homemade pound cake (lemon adds an authentic yellow hue) and form holes in different sizes with a melon baller, straw or cocktail stirrer.

A Sweet Gift

Charming packaging turns these into a sweet holiday gift. 

Simply add your own label to craft store treat boxes or tins and pop on a ribbon. 

 I created this label using images from the The Graphics Fairy and The Old Design Shop.

Line a candy box with wax paper and pop in mice and a mini pound cake "cheese"

Variations on a Theme

Not a fan of rodents? Truffles also make fun snowman: using black licorice for arms, orange licorice for a nose and mini chocolate chip buttons or...
Pressed for time? Simply roll mixture in coconut and pop in a fun snowflake liner for easy truffle "snowballs".


These are such an easy and versatile treat.
 Using different extracts or flavorings, you can adapt them 
to different occasions.

Looking for a more grown up version? 
Try a Guiness and Bailey's Irish Cream truffle 
(I made some for St. Patrick's Day) 
or 
 lavender chocolate version for an afternoon tea.

Also On the Cookie Tour Today!

Cottage at the Crossroads

Majhoff takes a Wife

Country Design Style

House on the Way

Fresh Idea Studio

And for even more fun cookie recipes check out the rest of the 1st Annual Cookie Exchange featuring a week's worth of sweet treats perfect for the holidays.
simply click cookie schedule, check out a great pecan cranberry recipe and then and scroll down for links.