Buttercream Bonbons: A Sweet Memory Dipped in Chocolate

The scent of butter, sugar, and vanilla always takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen during the holidays. Every year, she’d transform her countertop into a bonbon assembly line, her hands moving with practiced ease as she dipped perfect spheres of buttercream into melted chocolate. These weren’t just candies; they were edible tokens of love, each bite a sweet reminder of family gatherings and cherished traditions. Now, I carry on that tradition, hoping to create similar memories for my own loved ones with these delightful treats.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours
• Yields: 60 Bon Bons
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or almond or orange or rum or cherry extract)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons shortening

Equipment Needed

• Large bowl
• Electric mixer
• Waxed paper
• Baking sheets
• 1-quart saucepan
• Toothpicks
• Airtight container

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the softened butter and softened cream cheese.
2. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and cream cheese at medium speed until smooth and fully combined. This ensures a creamy, lump-free base for your bonbons.
3. Add the vanilla extract (or your extract of choice) to the mixture. Continue to beat until well mixed. This step infuses the buttercream with a delightful aroma and flavor.
4. Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the powdered sugar while beating continuously. It’s important to add the sugar slowly to prevent a powdery mess and to ensure it incorporates evenly into the mixture.
5. Beat until the powdered sugar is completely mixed into the butter and cream cheese. At this stage, assess the consistency of the mixture. If it’s too soft to handle, cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour, or until it firms up enough to hold its shape. Chilling will make it easier to form the bonbons.
6. Once the buttercream is firm enough to handle, shape rounded teaspoonfuls of the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each portion between your palms to create a smooth, uniform shape.
7. Place the formed bonbons on baking sheets lined with waxed paper. This will prevent them from sticking and make removal easier.
8. Cover the baking sheets loosely and refrigerate the bonbons until they are firm. This chilling process is crucial; aim for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. The firmer the bonbons, the easier they will be to dip in chocolate.
9. While the bonbons are chilling, prepare the chocolate coating. In a 1-quart saucepan, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and shortening over low heat.
10. Stir the chocolate and shortening constantly until smooth and completely melted. Be patient and keep the heat low to prevent the chocolate from burning or seizing.
11. Once the chocolate is melted and smooth, remove it from the heat.
12. Insert a toothpick into a chilled buttercream bonbon.
13. Holding the toothpick, dip the bonbon completely into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated.
14. Let any excess chocolate drip back into the saucepan. A gentle tap can help remove excess chocolate and create a smoother finish.
15. Carefully place the chocolate-covered bonbon onto a fresh baking sheet lined with waxed paper.
16. Gently remove the toothpick. You can use another toothpick to smooth over the small hole left by the first toothpick.
17. Repeat the dipping process until all the bonbons are coated with melted chocolate.
18. Place the sheet of chocolate-covered bonbons in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm and set.
19. Once the chocolate is firm, place the bonbons in an airtight container, with a sheet of waxed paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking to one another.
20. Store the container in the refrigerator, or in the freezer for up to 2 months, until ready to serve.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Flavor Infusion: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different extracts! Almond, orange, rum, or cherry extract can all create unique and delicious flavor profiles. Consider adding a tiny pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the buttercream for a warm, festive touch.
• Nutty Delight: For added texture and flavor, finely chop your favorite nuts (such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds) and mix them into the buttercream before shaping the bonbons.
• Chocolate Tempering: For a glossy, professional-looking chocolate coating, consider tempering your chocolate. This process involves carefully heating and cooling the chocolate to stabilize the cocoa butter, resulting in a smooth, shiny finish that doesn’t melt easily at room temperature.
• Double Boiler Method: If you’re concerned about burning the chocolate, use a double boiler instead of melting it directly in a saucepan. This provides a more gentle and controlled heat source.
• Bonbon Size: For uniform bonbons, use a small cookie scoop or measuring spoon to ensure each portion is the same size.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Buttercream bonbons are best served chilled, allowing the chocolate to snap and the buttercream to melt in your mouth. Arrange them artfully on a platter for a festive presentation. These bonbons can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. When freezing, ensure they are tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn. There is no need to reheat. Simply remove from the fridge or freezer about 10 minutes before serving to slightly soften the buttercream.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	81 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	37 kcal	46%
Total Fat	4.2 g	6%
Saturated Fat	2.4 g	12%
Cholesterol	5.6 mg	1%
Sodium	15.8 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	11.6 g	3%
Dietary Fiber	0.3 g	1%
Sugars	10.9 g	43%
Protein	0.4 g	0%

Variations & Substitutions

• Dark Chocolate Delight: Replace the semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer, more intense flavor.
• White Chocolate Dream: Use white chocolate chips for a sweet and creamy coating. You can even add a few drops of food coloring to the melted white chocolate to create colorful bonbons.
• Vegan Bonbons: Substitute the butter and cream cheese with vegan alternatives. Look for high-quality vegan butter and cream cheese that melt and behave similarly to their dairy counterparts.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn’t contain any wheat-based ingredients.
• Extract Alternatives: Try using lemon, peppermint, or anise extract for completely different flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why is it important to chill the bonbons before dipping them in chocolate?
A: Chilling the bonbons ensures that they are firm and hold their shape when dipped in the warm chocolate. This prevents the buttercream from melting and mixing with the chocolate, resulting in a smoother, more even coating.

Q: Can I use a different type of chocolate for the coating?
A: Absolutely! Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate can all be used to create a variety of flavors. Just be sure to adjust the amount of shortening as needed to achieve a smooth, dippable consistency.

Q: How can I prevent the chocolate from seizing when melting it?
A: To prevent seizing, ensure that the saucepan is completely dry before adding the chocolate and shortening. Avoid overheating the chocolate, and stir constantly to distribute the heat evenly. If the chocolate does seize, try adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil or shortening to help smooth it out.

Q: Can I add decorations to the bonbons after dipping them in chocolate?
A: Yes! Sprinkles, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of contrasting chocolate can add a festive touch. Add the decorations immediately after dipping the bonbons, while the chocolate is still wet, so they adhere properly.

Q: How long will the bonbons last?
A: Buttercream bonbons can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Be sure to layer them with waxed paper to prevent sticking.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe inspires you to create your own batch of Buttercream Bonbons and perhaps start a new holiday tradition. These little bites of joy are not only delicious but also a wonderful way to share your love and creativity with family and friends. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors and decorations to make them your own. And most importantly, have fun in the kitchen! I encourage you to share your creations and any feedback you have – I’d love to see what variations you come up with. Consider serving these bonbons with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of dessert wine for the perfect holiday indulgence.