Name: Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 90 ml thickened/whipping cream (⅓ cup + 2 tsp); 200 g dark cooking chocolate (40% cocoa solids), finely chopped; 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest; ⅓ cup chocolate sprinkles

There’s something utterly magical about the zesty brightness of orange paired with rich, deep chocolate—it's like a little celebration for your taste buds. This Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe is a simple, elegant treat that’s perfect for any occasion, and I promise you’ll love how it melts in your mouth with every bite.

A white plate filled with multiple small round chocolate balls covered in dark chocolate sprinkles, one ball is bitten showing a smooth, dark chocolate inside. On the right side of the plate, there are bright orange slices with a juicy texture. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

From the very first time I made these truffles, I was hooked. They’re luxurious yet incredibly easy to whip up, and the combination of chocolate and orange just feels like an instant classic. They’re fantastic for gifting or treating yourself, and honestly, they’re a lovely way to brighten up a gloomy day.

Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples, so no need for fancy shopping trips.
Decadent Flavor: The orange zest gives a fresh citrus kick that balances the rich dark chocolate beautifully.
Perfect Texture: Silky, creamy centers rolled in chocolate sprinkles give every truffle a satisfying bite.
Easy to Customize: You can easily add your spin with different coatings or even a splash of liqueur in the mix.

A round white plate is filled with about twenty small dark chocolate balls covered evenly with chocolate sprinkles. Around the edge of the plate, there are seven bright orange slices placed in a circular pattern, each slice showing the juicy texture of the fruit. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a crucial role in achieving that signature taste and texture of this Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe. Choosing quality items—especially the chocolate—makes all the difference. Here’s my take on what’s essential and why:

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with thickened cream, a neat pile of finely chopped dark cooking chocolate pieces, a small white ceramic bowl containing finely grated fresh orange zest, and a small white ceramic bowl filled with glossy dark chocolate sprinkles, all arranged in perfect symmetry, placed 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

Thickened/Whipping Cream: Full-fat cream gives the truffles their silky, smooth texture; anything less rich can make the texture grainy or less luscious.
Dark Cooking Chocolate: I use 40% cocoa solids for a balanced bitterness, but you can bump it up for a more intense chocolate flavor—just know it will be less sweet.
Orange Zest: Freshly grated zest provides that bright, aromatic citrus burst, which canned or dried zest just can’t match.
Chocolate Sprinkles: A fun, easy coating that adds a bit of texture and chocolatey crunch.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I love playing around with truffles, and you absolutely should make this recipe your own. A splash of your favorite orange liqueur adds a grown-up twist, or rolling them in cocoa powder gives a rustic touch. Trust me, you’ll find your favorite combo in no time.

Variation: I once added a teaspoon of Grand Marnier to the warm cream before mixing in the chocolate—delicious! It deepens the orange flavor and adds a subtle boozy note.
Dietary Tip: For a vegan twist, swap the cream for coconut cream and use dairy-free chocolate; the texture changes slightly but still feels indulgent.
Coating Ideas: Coconut flakes, crushed nuts, or even a dusting of cinnamon sugar are fun alternatives to chocolate sprinkles.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Space and Ingredients

Start by lining a small flat dish with non-stick baking paper—this makes scooping out the set chocolate way easier. Next, toss your chocolate sprinkles into a small bowl for the coating. Having everything ready before melting the chocolate saves you from last-minute scrambling.

Step 2: Infuse the Cream with Orange Zest

Gently warm the cream and orange zest over low heat until just below boiling. The gentle heat helps release the essential oils in the zest, infusing the cream with a fresh, citrusy aroma that makes this recipe stand out.

Step 3: Combine and Melt Chocolate

Turn off the heat and add the finely chopped chocolate into the warm cream. Stir patiently until it’s a smooth, shiny mixture. If you rush, you might end up with lumps, and none of us want that experience.

Step 4: Chill Until Firm Enough to Roll

Pour the mixture into your lined dish and pop it into the fridge for about two hours. This chilling step is key—the mixture needs to be firm but still pliable enough to roll into perfect little balls.

Step 5: Roll and Coat with Chocolate Sprinkles

Using a small ice cream scoop or teaspoon, scoop about 3 teaspoons of the mixture and roll into a compact ball. If the chocolate’s too firm, let it sit at room temp for 5-10 minutes to soften just enough. Keep an ice pack or frozen peas handy to cool your hands—this really helps when the chocolate starts to melt. Then roll each ball in the sprinkles until fully coated.

Step 6: Chill Again and Store

Place your coated truffles on a lined tray and refrigerate at least 30 minutes to firm up. After this, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week—separating layers with baking paper to keep them pristine.

Top Tip

Making Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe can be so straightforward if you keep a few tips in mind. From experience, I learned that temperature control and patience really make or break these tasty treats.

Chill Twice: Don’t skip chilling both before and after rolling; this ensures firm, easy-to-handle truffles.
Keep Hands Cool: An ice pack or frozen peas wrapped in a towel under your hands prevents the chocolate from becoming sticky mess.
Use Fresh Orange Zest: It really lifts the flavor, so avoid pre-packaged zest or dried versions for best results.
Fine Chop Chocolate: Finely chopping the chocolate helps it melt evenly and create a smooth ganache base.

How to Serve Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe

chocolate orange truffles - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with chocolate sprinkles because they add a fun crunch, but I’ve also dusted the truffles lightly with cocoa powder for a matte finish or rolled them in finely chopped toasted pistachios for a pop of color and texture. Orange candied peel shavings are a beautiful and tasty garnish too.

Side Dishes

These truffles go wonderfully with a cup of strong espresso or a glass of dessert wine. At holiday gatherings, I’m often pairing them with a cheese board featuring creamy brie and sharp cheddar—odd, maybe, but it’s surprisingly delightful.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting, I arrange these truffles in pretty paper liners inside a charming tin or box tied with orange satin ribbon. For parties, try stacking them on a tiered stand nestled in orange slices or edible flowers for an eye-catching centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover truffles in an airtight container in the fridge, separating layers with baking paper so they don’t stick together. They keep beautifully for about one week, perfect for portioning out and enjoying a little luxury throughout the week.

Freezing

Freezing works wonderfully for these truffles. I place them in a single layer on a tray first to freeze solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or container. They last up to three months, and thaw gently in the fridge when ready to eat—just be careful not to freeze-thaw repeatedly, or they might sweat.

Reheating

Since truffles are best served chilled, I simply let frozen ones thaw in the fridge overnight. If you want them a little softer, bring to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid using a microwave; the texture can become grainy and oily.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

You can, but the truffles will be much sweeter and less intense in flavor. Dark chocolate balances beautifully with the orange zest, so I recommend sticking to that for a richer taste.

How long do the truffles last?

Stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these truffles last about a week. Beyond that, they might start to lose flavor and texture, so I recommend enjoying them within that timeframe.

Can I add liqueur to the recipe?

Absolutely! Adding a teaspoon or two of orange liqueur like Grand Marnier or Cointreau to the warm cream adds a lovely depth. Just remember that alcohol might soften the truffles slightly, so chill them well.

Why do my truffles sometimes turn out grainy?

Grainy texture usually happens if the chocolate overheats or cools too quickly. Make sure you melt the chocolate gently in the warm cream, stir slowly, and avoid exposing the mixture to sudden temperature changes. Using good quality chocolate also helps.

Final Thoughts

I really believe this Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe strikes the perfect balance between being easy to make and feeling like something fancy. Every time I share these, friends and family ask for the recipe—or just sneak the box when they think I’m not looking! Give it a go, and you might find yourself hooked too. Trust me, it’s a little chocolatey slice of happiness that’s totally worth your kitchen time.