Juicy Orange Chocolate Christmas Truffles

Celebrate the holidays with these Juicy Orange Chocolate Christmas Truffles — little bites of citrusy chocolate bliss. Made from a silky ganache of dark chocolate, fresh orange juice, and zest, they offer a beautifully balanced flavor that’s both bright and indulgent. Rolled into balls and coated in cocoa powder, chopped nuts, or even melted chocolate, they’re the perfect treat for gifting or enjoying on a cozy winter evening.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No baking required — just mix, chill, and roll.
• Festive flavor — bright orange complements deep chocolate perfectly.
• Elegant and giftable — ideal for holiday trays or gift boxes.
• Custom coatings — dust with cocoa, nuts, or dip in chocolate for variety.

---

Ingredients

• 200 g dark chocolate, finely chopped
• 100 ml heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Zest of 1 large orange
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• For coating: cocoa powder, finely chopped nuts, or melted chocolate

---

Instructions

1. Heat the Cream and Butter
   In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm the heavy cream and butter until just steaming — don’t let it boil.
2. Add the Chocolate
   Remove the pan from heat and stir in the chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit for 2 minutes to soften, then stir until smooth and fully melted.
3. Flavor the Ganache
   Add the orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and a small pinch of salt. Stir until everything is well combined and glossy.
4. Chill
   Transfer the mixture to a shallow dish, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or until firm enough to scoop).
5. Shape the Truffles
   Use a teaspoon or melon baller to scoop out small portions of ganache. Quickly roll each portion into a ball with your hands — the chocolate may soften, so work briskly.
6. Coat the Truffles
   Roll each truffle in your chosen coating: cocoa powder, nuts, or dip in melted chocolate for a smooth finish. Place them on a parchment-lined tray.
7. Set & Serve
   Return the truffles to the fridge until firm. Before serving, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly for the best texture.

---

Tips for Perfect Truffles

• Use high-quality dark chocolate for the richest flavor.
• Chill the ganache thoroughly — it makes shaping much easier.
• Work quickly when rolling so body heat doesn’t melt the chocolate.
• Try different coatings for variety: cocoa powder, chopped nuts, or even crushed peppermint for a festive twist.

---

Variations

• White Chocolate Orange Truffles: Use white chocolate instead of dark for a creamier, sweeter bite.
• Liqueur-Infused: Add a splash of orange liqueur (like Cointreau) for a boozy version.
• Vegan Option: Use full-fat coconut cream and dairy-free chocolate for a vegan-friendly truffle.

---

Storage & Make-Ahead

• Store the truffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• For longer storage, freeze in a single layer and then transfer to a sealed container — thaw in the fridge before serving.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a stronger orange flavor?
Yes — use more zest or a few drops of orange extract to boost the citrus notes.

Are these truffles shelf-stable?
No — because they contain cream, they should be stored in the refrigerator.

Can I roll the truffles in powdered sugar?
You can, but the sugar may mask some of the orange-chocolate flavor; cocoa or nuts are preferred.