Few flavor pairings feel as timeless and indulgent as chocolate and orange. The bold richness of dark chocolate meets the bright sparkle of citrus to create a treat that’s both sophisticated and comforting. These Chocolate Orange Truffles capture that magic in a simple no-bake recipe that looks elegant yet comes together with ease. Perfect for holiday dessert trays, edible gifts, or a little personal indulgence, they’re the kind of sweet that never lasts long once set on the table.
Chocolate Orange Truffles
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest avoid the white pith
- 1½ teaspoons orange extract or use Grand Marnier/Cointreau for variation
- 12 oz dark chocolate chips 60–70% cacao recommended
- ½ cup granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Place the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1 minute until hot but not boiling.
- Whisk in the orange zest and orange extract until fully infused.
- Add the dark chocolate chips to the hot cream mixture. Stir until smooth and fully melted. Microwave in 15-second bursts if needed.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30–35 minutes until the mixture is firm enough to scoop.
- Using a tablespoon scoop, portion the ganache and roll into balls with your palms.
- Roll each truffle in granulated sugar until completely coated.
- Place truffles on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Why Chocolate Orange Truffles Are So Special
For many people, chocolate and orange bring back memories of holiday traditions—think of chocolate oranges that you break apart, or fancy boxed truffles from gourmet shops. Making them at home, though, is much easier than you might imagine. With just a few ingredients, you can create truffles that look store-bought but taste even better.
What makes this recipe shine is the infusion of fresh orange zest and pure orange extract, which brighten up the dark chocolate ganache. Rolled in sugar for a sparkly, snowy finish, they’re festive enough for any holiday table.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need for these holiday truffles:
- Heavy Cream (⅔ cup + 2 tablespoons): This forms the creamy base of the ganache. You can substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- Fresh Orange Zest (1 tablespoon): Adds fresh citrus notes. Make sure to zest only the orange skin, not the bitter white pith.
- Orange Extract (1½ teaspoons): Pure extract gives a stronger flavor than juice. You could use Grand Marnier or Cointreau for an adult twist.
- Dark Chocolate Chips (12 oz): Go for quality chocolate here; 60–70% cacao works best. Semi-sweet chocolate chips will make a slightly sweeter truffle.
- Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Used for rolling the truffles. For a gourmet variation, try cocoa powder, powdered sugar, or even crushed nuts.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chocolate Orange Truffles
1. Heat the Cream
Place the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1 minute. It should be hot but not boiling.
2. Add Flavor
Whisk in the orange zest and orange extract until the cream is infused with bright citrus flavor.
3. Melt the Chocolate
Add the dark chocolate chips to the hot cream mixture. Stir gently until smooth and fully melted. If needed, microwave in 15-second bursts until no chunks remain.
4. Chill the Ganache
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30–35 minutes. The mixture should firm up enough to scoop and roll.
5. Form the Truffles
Using a tablespoon scoop, portion out the chocolate ganache and roll into small balls between your palms.
6. Coat in Sugar
Roll each truffle in granulated sugar until completely coated. This gives them a snowy, sparkling look.
7. Chill & Serve
Place the coated truffles on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Serving Size: 20 truffles
Calories per truffle: ~138 kcal
Total Time: 40 minutes (10 prep + 30 chill)
Toppings & Variations for Chocolate Orange Truffles
- Cocoa Powder Coating: Roll in unsweetened cocoa powder for a classic look.
- Nut Coating: Finely chop pistachios, almonds, or hazelnuts for a crunchy coating.
- Chocolate Dipped: Dip the chilled truffles in melted white chocolate for a two-tone finish.
- Festive Sprinkles: Add red and green sprinkles for a Christmas twist.
For another fun holiday candy idea, check out these Crockpot Candy Clusters or festive Red Velvet Cake Pops.
How to Store Chocolate Orange Truffles
- In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- In the Freezer: Freeze on a tray, then transfer to a container. Keep frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
They’re great make-ahead treats, making them ideal for holiday parties or edible gifts.
Health Benefits of Oranges in Desserts
You might think of truffles as indulgent, but the addition of orange brings more than just flavor. Oranges are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, which help boost immunity and support overall wellness (Healthline). So while these are definitely a dessert, you’re still getting a touch of nutritional goodness with every bite.
For more orange-inspired desserts, try this refreshing Orange Creamsicle Float or a creamy No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Pie.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for truffles?
Yes, but the flavor and texture will change. Milk chocolate has a higher sugar and fat content, which makes the truffles creamier and sweeter. If you go this route, you might want to reduce the amount of orange extract so the citrus doesn’t overpower the milder chocolate. For balance, add a small pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavors.
How do I make truffles without orange extract?
No orange extract? No problem! You can rely solely on fresh orange zest for flavor. Zest two oranges instead of one to boost the natural citrus aroma. Another option is to add a splash of orange liqueur (like Grand Marnier or Cointreau), which gives the truffles a more adult, sophisticated edge. Just keep in mind that alcohol-based flavorings won’t be as concentrated as extract, so adjust to taste.
Do truffles need to be refrigerated?
Yes, truffles should always be stored in the refrigerator because they contain cream, which is perishable. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent them from absorbing other odors from the fridge. For best texture, let them sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving—this allows the chocolate to soften slightly and release its full flavor.
Can I make truffles ahead of time for the holidays?
Absolutely! Truffles are one of the best make-ahead desserts. You can prepare them several days before an event, store them in the fridge, and they’ll still taste fresh. If you’re planning further in advance, freeze the truffles on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a sealed container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. To serve, simply thaw in the fridge overnight.
What’s the best coating for truffles?
there are several delicious coating options depending on the finish you want:
Granulated sugar: Adds sparkle and a crunchy bite, perfect for holiday trays.
Cocoa powder: A classic choice that balances sweetness with a touch of bitterness.
Powdered sugar: Provides a snowy, festive look with extra sweetness.
Chopped nuts: Almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios add crunch and color.
Chocolate drizzle: Dip or drizzle with melted white or milk chocolate for a bakery-style finish.
Mix and match coatings for variety if you’re serving them at a party.
6. Are Chocolate Orange Truffles gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chocolate. Most high-quality dark chocolate chips are naturally gluten-free, but always check the packaging for hidden additives or cross-contamination warnings. Since the recipe doesn’t use flour, it’s an excellent option for gluten-free guests. For extra peace of mind, roll the truffles in gluten-free toppings such as cocoa powder, sugar, or certified GF nuts.
Bringing It All Together
Holiday desserts don’t have to be complicated. These Chocolate Orange Truffles prove that with just a handful of ingredients, you can make something elegant, festive, and delicious. They’re creamy, zesty, and perfectly indulgent—just the thing to brighten your holiday table.
Once you try them, you might find yourself making double batches—one for gifting and one for yourself. And when you share them with friends, don’t forget to spread the joy on Facebook and Pinterest to inspire others to make them too!
For more fruity holiday desserts, you might also love these tropical Pineapple Christmas Balls or this rustic Mirabelle Plum Cake.