If you love the luscious combo of rich chocolate and zesty citrus, then you’re absolutely going to adore this Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe. These indulgent little treats are perfectly smooth, deeply chocolatey, with just the right pop of fresh orange zing. I’m excited to share my tried-and-true way of making them at home — trust me, once you get started, you’ll want to keep these around for every special occasion (or just because!). So let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into a recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

💛

Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance: The bittersweet dark chocolate pairs beautifully with fresh orange zest for a vibrant, sophisticated flavor.
Simple Method: Using a double boiler or microwave for melting the chocolate ensures a silky smooth ganache that’s easy to work with.
Customizable Coating: You can enrobe the truffles in dark chocolate, or even try something creative like edible gold leaf or orange peel for a festive touch.
Chill Time is Key: Letting the truffle mixture rest in the fridge thickens it perfectly, making rolling the truffles a stress-free experience.

Chocolate Orange Truffles, chocolate orange candies, citrus chocolate treats, homemade chocolate truffles, orange-flavored chocolates - A clear glass bowl filled with smooth, shiny dark brown melted chocolate sits on a white marbled surface. A woman’s hand holds a silver fork dipping a round, textured chocolate ball into the melted chocolate, coating it evenly. To the right, there is a white plate with eight matte-textured chocolate balls lined up in a neat arrangement. The scene captures a moment of chocolate making, with simple utensils and the focus on the rich, glossy chocolate coating process. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe plays an important role to get that indulgent texture and signature flavor. Picking good quality chocolate and fresh orange zest makes all the difference here. Let’s walk through why these ingredients come together so beautifully.

Chocolate Orange Truffles, chocolate orange candies, citrus chocolate treats, homemade chocolate truffles, orange-flavored chocolates - Flat lay of finely chopped dark chocolate pieces, a small white bowl of heavy cream, a few bright orange zest strips, smooth dark chocolate chunks for enrobing, fresh orange peel curls, delicate sheets of edible gold leaf arranged flat, all placed in simple white ceramic bowls and dishes, perfectly balanced and symmetrical arrangement on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Dark chocolate (50-70% cocoa): This provides the rich chocolate flavor and sets the foundation of the ganache. I always go for good quality chocolate since it really shines through in the finished truffles.
Heavy or double cream: Adds smooth creaminess and richness to the ganache, helping create that melt-in-your mouth texture.
Orange zest: The fresh zest injects a bright, aromatic citrus note that perfectly balances the deep chocolate taste.
Additional dark chocolate for coating: You’ll use this to enrobe your truffles, giving them a lovely glossy shell and extra chocolate hit.
Optional orange peel and edible gold leaf or glitter: These make fantastic garnishes for adding both visual appeal and an extra burst of fresh citrus flavor.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite things about this Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe is how easy it is to put your own spin on it! Whether you prefer a little more orange zest or want to experiment with different coatings, you can really customize these truffles to your liking.

Extra Citrus Kick: I sometimes add a splash of fresh orange juice or a little orange liqueur to the ganache for added brightness; just be careful not to add too much liquid, or you’ll affect the texture.
Dairy-Free Variation: I’ve tried substituting coconut cream for heavy cream — it yields a slightly different but still deliciously creamy truffle, perfect if you’re dairy-free.
Coating Alternatives: Instead of a chocolate shell, you might roll the truffles in cocoa powder, crushed nuts, or even toasted coconut for some fun textures.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe

Step 1: Finely Chop Your Chocolate

Start by chopping your dark chocolate into small, even pieces — this makes melting much easier and ensures you get that silky ganache without lumps. Reserve about half of this chopped chocolate to use later for coating your truffles. Trust me, patience here makes a big difference!

Step 2: Gently Heat Cream and Combine

Using either a double boiler setup (I like using my Instant Pot for this) or a microwave-safe bowl, warm the cream gently. Be mindful not to scorch it — you want it warm enough to melt the chocolate but not boiling. Once warm, stir in your chopped chocolate and orange zest. Fold patiently until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and the chocolate is completely melted.

Step 3: Chill the Mixture Thoroughly

Cover your bowl tightly with cling film to avoid condensation and pop the ganache into the fridge for about 3-4 hours. This step is crucial because it helps the mixture firm up into a thick, crumbly consistency that’s much easier to scoop and shape. I usually prep this the night before to save time.

Step 4: Roll the Truffle Centers

Once chilled, rinse your hands under cold water to cool them down and make the rolling less sticky. Take small spoonfuls of the ganache and roll them quickly into bite-sized balls. It can be a bit sticky, so keep your hands cold and work fast. Place the rolling truffles back in the fridge while you get ready to coat them.

Step 5: Melt Chocolate for Coating

Melt the reserved chocolate for coating in the microwave using 30-second bursts or with a double boiler; stir occasionally to avoid overheating. The chocolate should be smooth and fluid but not super hot — just warm enough to dip the truffles easily.

Step 6: Dip and Decorate

Using a fork, dip each chilled truffle into the melted chocolate coating, making sure it’s completely covered. I like to use a small skewer to gently push the truffle off the fork onto parchment paper. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle on your garnishes—fresh orange peel strips or a touch of edible gold leaf give a stunning finish. Then let them set completely at room temperature or chill them again.

💡

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe

Chop Chocolate Evenly: I learned that uneven chunks melt inconsistently, so take your time chopping for a silky ganache every time.
Control Your Temperature: Too hot cream or chocolate can seize the ganache, so warm gently and stir with patience.
Keep Hands Cool: Rinsing your hands with cold water before rolling keeps the ganache from sticking like crazy.
Set Time Matters: Don’t rush chilling – the texture changes completely, making rolling and coating so much easier.

How to Serve Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe

Chocolate Orange Truffles, chocolate orange candies, citrus chocolate treats, homemade chocolate truffles, orange-flavored chocolates - A white plate is filled with one layer of round dark chocolate balls stacked in a pyramid shape. Each chocolate ball is smooth and shiny with small pieces of orange peel on top. The plate is placed on a gold wire rack, which sits on a white marbled surface. There is a clear glass with a red stem filled with water next to the plate, and the background is softly blurred with yellow and red lights and a hint of green suggesting a festive setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m all about simple yet elegant garnishes. Fresh orange peel adds a vibrant pop of color and citrus aroma I just adore. When I’m feeling fancy, a touch of edible gold leaf or shimmering edible glitter really makes these truffles look festive. You can also roll them in chopped nuts or cocoa powder for texture.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving these as part of a dessert spread, I love pairing the truffles with a light, fruity sorbet or a simple espresso. The freshness of the sorbet cuts through the richness, while espresso brings out the chocolate notes—truly heavenly!

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or celebrations, I like presenting my truffles in mini decorative paper cups or arranging them in a pretty box layered with parchment paper. You can also stack them tiered on a dessert stand with sprigs of fresh mint and orange slices for a wow factor that’ll impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover truffles in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep beautifully for up to a week. Make sure they’re not crowded so their coatings don’t stick together. Bringing them to room temperature before eating really brings out their flavor and texture.

Freezing

Freezing works great for these truffles. I wrap each truffle individually in parchment and then place them in a sealed container or freezer bag. When I’m ready to indulge, I thaw them in the fridge overnight. The texture remains silky and fresh, almost like they’re just made!

Reheating

No reheating needed here — these truffles are best enjoyed cool or at room temperature. If you find the coating a bit hard after chilling, just let them sit on the counter for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the truffles?

Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate, but keep in mind this will make the truffles sweeter and less intense in cocoa flavor. Adjust the amount of orange zest accordingly to balance the sweetness. I personally prefer dark chocolate for its rich, bittersweet note that complements the orange perfectly.
How do I prevent the chocolate coating from seizing?

Make sure the chocolate is melted gently and doesn’t come into contact with water, as even a drop can cause seizing. Use dry utensils and keep the heat low during melting. Stir frequently and melt in short bursts if using a microwave to avoid overheating.
What’s the best way to shape the truffles if the mixture is too sticky?

Chill the ganache thoroughly until firm before rolling. Rinsing your hands in cold water and keeping them cool while rolling helps a lot. If it’s still sticky, pop the mixture back in the fridge for another 30 minutes to an hour.
How long can I store these truffles?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, these truffles keep well for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them as described above for up to 3 months without losing quality.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe is one of those gifts I love to make myself each holiday season. There’s something so satisfying about the perfect marriage of silky chocolate and refreshing orange zest, all wrapped up in a delicate chocolate shell. Whether you’re making them for friends, family, or just to treat yourself (hey, you deserve it!), these truffles never fail to impress. I hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do — and if you have your own tweaks, I’d love to hear about them!

Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 67 reviews

Author: Sarah
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 25 truffles
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: European

Print Recipe

Description

These Christmas Truffles with Chocolate Orange combine a rich dark chocolate center infused with zesty orange, coated in smooth dark chocolate for a festive and indulgent treat perfect for the holiday season.

Ingredients

Truffle Centre

300 gram dark chocolate approx 50-70% cocoa
300 millilitres heavy cream or double cream
1 tablespoon orange zest

Decoration

200 gram dark chocolate to enrobe the truffles
orange peel optional
edible gold leaf or glitter

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the chocolate: Finely chop 300 grams of dark chocolate, reserving half (150 grams) to coat the truffles later for easy melting and incorporation.
Heat the cream: Using a double boiler setup with an Instant Pot inner pot or a saucepan with simmering water over low heat, gently warm 300 millilitres of heavy or double cream in a heatproof bowl, making sure the bowl does not touch the simmering water.
Combine chocolate and zest: Stir the chopped chocolate and 1 tablespoon of orange zest into the warm cream gently until evenly melted and combined, forming a smooth mixture.
Cool down: Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then cover with cling film to prevent condensation and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours until it becomes a thick, crumbly consistency.
Form truffles: Rinse your hands under cold water, then take small amounts of the chilled mixture and roll into balls; the mixture will be sticky, so frequently rinsing hands is recommended.
Chill truffles: Place the formed truffles back in the refrigerator to firm up while preparing the coating.
Melt coating chocolate: Melt 200 grams of dark chocolate in the microwave in 30-second bursts or using the double boiler method until smooth.
Coat truffles: Dip each truffle into the melted chocolate using a fork to fully enrobe them, then transfer to parchment paper; use a small skewer to gently push the truffle off the fork.
Add decoration: While the coating is still wet, optionally add pieces of orange peel or edible gold leaf or glitter for a festive touch.
Set the coating: Allow the chocolate coating to completely set at room temperature or in the fridge before storing the truffles in an airtight container.

Notes

Refer to the detailed ingredient notes and step-by-step images in the original post for extra guidance.
Try eggless chocolate mousse to use up leftover cream and chocolate for a complementary dessert.
For more variety, experiment with other truffle flavors like coconut balls.
Use cling film directly on the truffle mixture surface to prevent condensation during chilling.
Keep hands cold while rolling truffles to prevent sticking and maintain shape.