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This decadent twist on classic scotcheroo bars transforms the beloved dessert into bite-sized truffles that perfectly balance sweet chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and crunchy cereal. Creating these truffles has become my go-to solution for holiday gifting and potlucks where finger foods reign supreme.
The first time I made these truffles was for a neighborhood cookie exchange when I needed something impressive without turning on the oven. The reaction was immediate—everyone wanted the recipe by the end of the night, and now they've become my signature contribution to gatherings year-round.
Ingredients
- Corn flakes cereal: Provides the essential crunch factor that makes scotcheroos so addictive. Look for fresh cereal without any staleness for the best texture.
- Creamy peanut butter: Creates the rich base that holds everything together. Choose a commercial brand like Skippy or Jif for consistent results.
- Butterscotch chips: Deliver that classic scotcheroo flavor. The Nestle brand tends to melt most smoothly in my experience.
- Light corn syrup: Helps bind ingredients and adds necessary sweetness. Karo brand works perfectly here.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Form the truffle coating that adds richness and helps seal in freshness. Higher quality chips melt more smoothly.
- Powdered sugar: Creates the delicate outer coating that makes these look like professional confections. Sift it first for the best finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the cereal:
- Crush the corn flakes gently until pieces are pea-sized or smaller. Avoid pulverizing into dust—some texture is key for authentic scotcheroos. I find placing them in a zip-top bag and using a rolling pin gives perfect control over the crushing process.
- Create the binding mixture:
- Combine the peanut butter, butterscotch chips, and corn syrup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each interval until completely melted and smooth. This typically takes 1-2 minutes total. The mixture should look glossy and uniformly blended with no visible chip pieces remaining.
- Form the base:
- Add the crushed corn flakes to your peanut butter mixture and stir until thoroughly combined. The texture should be thick enough to hold its shape when scooped. The warmth from the melted mixture will slightly soften the cereal, creating the perfect consistency for forming. Every piece of cereal should be coated completely.
- Shape the truffles:
- Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the mixture and roll between your palms to form neat balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place each formed truffle on a wax paper-lined tray with small spaces between each one. Clean hands work best when slightly damp to prevent sticking.
- Chill for setting:
- Place the entire tray of formed truffles in the freezer for one hour. This crucial step ensures they maintain their shape during dipping and creates the dense, fudgy texture that makes these truffles special. They should feel firm to the touch when ready.
- Dip in chocolate:
- Melt the semisweet chocolate chips in the microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each until completely smooth. Working quickly with chilled truffles, dip each ball completely in the melted chocolate and return to the wax paper-lined tray. A fork works well for dipping with minimal mess.
- Apply sugar coating:
- Once the chocolate coating has fully hardened, roll each truffle in powdered sugar until evenly coated on all sides. This final touch adds a beautiful snowball appearance and a delicate sweetness that complements the rich interior perfectly.
One of my favorite things about these scotcheroo truffles is their versatility. My family particularly loves the butterscotch flavor that takes me back to childhood—my grandmother made traditional scotcheroo bars for every family gathering. Now my own children help crush the cereal and roll the truffles, creating new memories around this reimagined classic.
Perfect Consistency Tips
Achieving the right texture for your truffle base is crucial for success. If your mixture seems too dry or crumbly and won't hold together, add a bit more peanut butter or corn syrup in small increments until it reaches the perfect scoopable consistency. Conversely, if the mixture feels too soft to form balls, incorporate additional crushed cornflakes until it firms up. The ideal texture should be similar to a thick cookie dough that holds its shape when scooped.
Creative Variations
These truffles welcome customization to suit different tastes or dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, substitute Rice Krispies or gluten-free Chex cereal for the cornflakes. Chocolate lovers might prefer using chocolate peanut butter instead of regular, which deepens the flavor profile beautifully. For special occasions, try rolling some truffles in finely chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or colorful sprinkles instead of powdered sugar for visual variety when presenting on a dessert tray.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your presentation by placing each truffle in a mini cupcake liner before arranging on a serving platter. They make an elegant addition to a dessert charcuterie board alongside fresh berries, shortbread cookies, and chocolate dipped pretzels. For holiday gifting, stack them in a clear cellophane bag tied with ribbon, or place in small decorative boxes lined with parchment paper. They pair wonderfully with coffee after dinner or with cold milk for an afternoon treat.
Storage Wisdom
These truffles maintain their best texture and flavor when stored in a single layer in an airtight container. If you need to stack them, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. While they can remain at room temperature for up to three days, storing them in the refrigerator extends freshness and creates a delightful fudge-like texture many people prefer. For longer storage, these truffles freeze beautifully for up to three months—simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of cereal?
Yes! You can substitute cornflakes with other crunchy cereals like Rice Crispies or Chex for a similar texture and flavor.
- → How do I make the mixture stickier if it's too dry?
If the mixture feels dry, drizzle in some additional corn syrup or peanut butter to make it easier to form into balls.
- → Can I skip the chocolate coating?
The chocolate coating adds richness, but you can skip it and roll the truffles in powdered sugar alone or leave them plain.
- → How should I store Scotcheroo Truffles?
Store the truffles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, you can store them in the refrigerator.
- → Can I melt the chips without a microwave?
Yes! You can melt the butterscotch and chocolate chips over a double boiler on the stove, stirring constantly until smooth.
- → What’s the best way to dip the truffles in chocolate?
Using a fork or a dipping tool allows you to roll each truffle in melted chocolate, ensuring they are evenly coated before setting them down to harden.