Introduction

These Juicy Orange Chocolate Christmas Truffles combine rich dark chocolate with a bright hint of orange zest, creating a festive treat that’s both indulgent and refreshing. Perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting, these truffles are easy to make and irresistibly delicious.

The image shows several round truffles arranged closely together on a wooden board, which is placed on a white marbled surface. There are two types of truffles: some are coated in a fine layer of cocoa powder, giving them a dusty, rusty brown color with a slightly cracked texture, while others are covered with shredded white coconut flakes, which create a rough and textured outer layer with a mix of white and light brown tones. Small coconut flakes are scattered around the wooden board, adding extra detail. The scene is shot up close, showing the contrast between the smooth cocoa coating and the textured coconut coating on the truffles. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

90 ml (around 1/3 cup plus 2 teaspoons) heavy cream
200 g (7 oz) dark cooking chocolate (40% cocoa), finely chopped
1 teaspoon finely grated orange peel
1/3 cup chocolate sprinkles

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the equipment and ingredients by lining a small, flat dish (about 13 x 18 cm or 7 x 5 inches) with non-stick baking paper. Place the chocolate sprinkles in a small bowl and line a baking tray with non-stick baking paper for later use.
Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine the cream and orange zest. Heat over low heat until the cream is just below boiling point. Remove from heat, add the chopped chocolate, and stir gently until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Step 3: Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared dish, smoothing it evenly. Chill in the refrigerator for about 2 hours until firm enough to handle.
Step 4: Using a small ice cream scoop or teaspoon, scoop out about 3 level teaspoons of the mixture and roll into compact balls. If too firm, let sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes. Keep your hands cool and dry during rolling to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Coat each chocolate ball in the chocolate sprinkles by tossing them in the bowl, ensuring an even covering. Place the coated truffles on the prepared baking tray.
Step 6: Refrigerate the truffles for at least 30 minutes until firm. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, separating layers with baking paper if stacking.

Tips & Variations

For an extra festive touch, try rolling the truffles in crushed nuts or desiccated coconut instead of sprinkles.
If you prefer a stronger orange flavor, add a few drops of orange extract along with the zest.
Ensure the cream does not boil to prevent it from curdling; heating gently over low heat works best.
Use an ice pack or chilled surface to cool your hands while rolling to keep the mixture from melting.

Storage

Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To prevent them from sticking together, separate layers with non-stick baking paper if stacking. When ready to serve, you can let the truffles sit at room temperature for a few minutes for a softer texture.

How to Serve

The image shows several round chocolate truffles placed on a thick, round wooden board with bark edges. The truffles have two different coatings: some are covered in a fine layer of brown cocoa powder, giving them a smooth, matte texture, while others are coated in shredded white coconut, creating a rough, textured look. The truffles are arranged in clusters, with the coconut-covered ones mostly in the front and cocoa-covered ones slightly behind. The background is blurred, showing hints of orange and red berries, and the board sits on a white marbled surface with scattered coconut flakes around it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate for dark chocolate, but the flavor will be sweeter and less intense. Adjust the orange zest amount to your taste to balance the sweetness.

Can these truffles be frozen?

Truffles can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place them in an airtight container with layers separated by baking paper. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving to maintain their texture.