Name: Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 90 ml thickened/whipping cream; 200 g dark cooking chocolate (40% cocoa solids), finely chopped; 1 teaspoon orange zest, finely grated; ⅓ cup chocolate sprinkles

Imagine biting into a rich, silky chocolate center infused with a burst of zesty orange—it's like a little moment of joy in every bite. This Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe is one of those simple desserts that feel a bit fancy but are totally doable at home, perfect for sharing or savoring solo.

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface, piled high with round chocolate truffles covered in small, thin chocolate sprinkles creating a rough, textured look. One truffle is bitten, showing a smooth, shiny, dark chocolate inside. Next to the truffles are bright orange slices with a fresh, juicy texture, adding a vibrant splash of color. The plate is simple and clean, focusing attention on the rich brown truffles and bright fruit. 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

Coming across this Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe was a game changer for me—I love how it strikes that perfect balance of citrus brightness and deep chocolate richness. It’s elegant yet surprisingly simple, making it my go-to for gifting or impressing friends without hours in the kitchen.

Minimal Ingredients: Just cream, chocolate, and orange zest come together to create magic without fuss.
Effortlessly Elegant: It looks like a gourmet treat but is quick to prepare for your busy days.
Customizable Coating: Chocolate sprinkles add texture, but you can easily swap them for cocoa powder or nuts.
Perfect for Sharing: These little truffles make fantastic party favors or a sweet treat to brighten someone's day.

A clear white plate holds a pile of small round chocolate balls covered in dark chocolate sprinkles, creating a rough texture. Around the pile, bright orange slices with juicy, slightly translucent flesh and a soft rind alternate, framing the chocolate balls evenly. The plate sits on a white marbled surface that adds a soft, clean look to the composition. The image is bright and focused, showing the contrast between the dark chocolate texture and the vibrant orange slices. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients here are simple but thoughtfully chosen. The cream blends with dark chocolate to create that luscious texture, and the orange zest adds a fresh pop that really lifts the truffle’s flavor profile. A quick note: quality ingredients make a noticeable difference here, especially the chocolate.

Flat lay of a small mound of finely chopped dark chocolate with a rich deep brown color, a small white ceramic bowl filled with thickened whipping cream looking smooth and creamy, a neat pile of finely grated bright orange zest, and a small white ceramic bowl heaped with glossy chocolate sprinkles, all arranged with perfect symmetry 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: I prefer full-fat cream (35% fat or higher) because it gives truffles that silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Dark Cooking Chocolate (40% cocoa solids): I find 40% cocoa solids perfect—balanced richness without too much bitterness. But feel free to go darker if you like a bolder chocolate punch.
Orange Zest: Freshly grated zest is a game changer—it infuses the truffles with bright, citrusy aroma that canned extracts just can't match.
Chocolate Sprinkles: These provide a fun, textured coating but you can substitute with chopped nuts, cocoa powder, or even shredded coconut for a twist.

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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 experimenting with this Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe by switching up the coatings or adding a splash of liqueur for grown-up versions. You’ll find that it’s a really flexible base, so don’t hesitate to tweak it until it feels just right for your taste.

Variation: One time, I added a teaspoon of Grand Marnier for a boozy hint—it was a real hit at my holiday party.
Dairy-Free Option: You can substitute the cream with coconut cream for a luscious, vegan twist.
Coating Alternatives: Try rolling truffles in crushed pistachios or cocoa powder to change up the texture.

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

Step 1: Gently Infusing Cream With Orange Zest

Start by combining the cream and finely grated orange zest in a small saucepan. Heat gently over low heat until the cream is just under boiling—watch closely so it doesn’t scorch. This step extracts that beautiful citrus aroma from the zest and infuses the cream for a subtle but distinct flavor note in every bite.

Step 2: Melting the Chocolate into Creamy Perfection

With the heat off, add your finely chopped dark chocolate into the warm cream. Now the magic begins: stir steadily until smooth and glossy. If you see any lumps, keep stirring gently over very low heat or a warm water bath to melt them out—this ensures your truffles won’t be grainy.

Step 3: Chill and Prepare to Roll

Pour the silky chocolate-orange mixture into your lined dish and refrigerate for about 2 hours. You want the ganache firm enough to hold its shape but still soft enough to roll without cracking. I usually check halfway and give it a gentle stir to make sure it cools evenly.

Step 4: Rolling and Coating the Truffles

Here’s a tip: use a small ice cream scoop or teaspoon to portion the ganache, then roll it quickly into balls with your hands. If the chocolate feels too stiff, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes to soften. To keep the mix compact, press firmly but gently as you roll. Keep an ice pack or frozen peas nearby—you’ll thank me when your hands don’t get too warm or sticky!

Once rolled, toss the balls in chocolate sprinkles until fully coated and place them on your lined tray. Then pop them back in the fridge for another 30 minutes or until they’re firm and ready to serve.

Top Tip

I’ve made these truffles dozens of times, so here are some nuggets of wisdom that really help make your truffles smooth and beautiful every time.

Keep Your Tools Cool: Rolling in a cool area or chilling spoons and bowls helps prevent the chocolate from melting too fast while shaping.
Don’t Skip the Zest: Fresh orange zest really shines through and transforms this simple recipe — dried or bottled extracts won’t give the same vibrant flavor.
Use Quality Chocolate: I learned early on that the chocolate percentage and quality make a huge difference in texture and flavor balance.
Roll Quickly: The longer you spend shaping, the more the chocolate softens — which can get messy fast. Have everything ready before you start.

How to Serve Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe

Chocolate Orange Truffles - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

When I serve these truffles, I love sticking to the classic chocolate sprinkle coating—it gives a fun texture and looks festive. But I’ve also enjoyed tossing them in finely chopped pistachios or a light dusting of cocoa powder when I want a more rustic vibe.

Side Dishes

Pair these truffles with a cup of robust coffee or a glass of dessert wine like a rich port. They also go lovely alongside a cheese board with figs and nuts for a sophisticated after-dinner nibble.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like arranging these truffles in mini cupcake liners on a pretty tray, or nestled in a box with tissue paper for gifting. Another fun idea is to decorate them with edible gold dust or tiny candied orange peel strips to make them extra festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover truffles in an airtight container in the fridge—layering between sheets of baking paper to keep them from sticking. They stay great for up to a week, which is perfect because they tend to disappear fast in my house!

Freezing

I’ve frozen these truffles a couple of times with success. Just pop them in a sealed container and freeze for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight to keep their delicate texture intact.

Reheating

Truffles don’t really need reheating since they’re best cold, but if you prefer a slightly softened center, just let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

You can, but milk chocolate is sweeter and softer, so your truffles won’t have the same rich, slightly bitter balance. If you like a sweeter treat, go ahead, but you may need less sugar in the coating.

What if I don’t have orange zest?

Orange zest is key to adding that fresh citrus flavor, but if you’re out, a few drops of high-quality orange extract can work in a pinch. Just be careful not to add too much, as it can be overpowering.

How do I prevent the truffles from melting while rolling?

Keep your hands cool by resting them on a chilled surface or using an ice pack. Rolling quickly and keeping your work area cool helps too. If the chocolate softens too much, pop the ganache back in the fridge for a few minutes before continuing.

Can I make these truffles ahead for a party?

Absolutely! These truffles keep well in the fridge for up to a week and can be made a few days in advance, which makes them perfect for prepping before a special event. Just store them in an airtight container and keep them chilled until serving.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe holds a special place in my recipe box because it’s effortless yet feels indulgent—and that’s a winning combo in my book. I’m excited for you to try it and experience the joy of making and sharing these little bites of happiness. Trust me, once you do, they’ll become a beloved treat in your repertoire too.