Juicy Orange Chocolate Christmas Truffles Recipe

Introduction

Celebrate the festive season with these Juicy Orange Chocolate Christmas Truffles. Combining rich dark chocolate with bright orange zest, these bite-sized treats are perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting. They are simple to make and delightfully indulgent.

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

1. Step 1: Line a small, flat dish with non-stick baking paper (about 13 x 18 cm or 7 x 5 inches). In a small bowl, place the chocolate sprinkles and set aside. Also, line a baking tray with non-stick baking paper for later.
2. Step 2: Add the heavy cream and finely grated orange peel to a small saucepan. Warm the cream over low heat until it’s just below boiling point. Remove from heat, add the chopped chocolate, and stir gently until melted and smooth.
3. Step 3: Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared dish, smoothing it out evenly. Chill in the refrigerator for about 2 hours, or until firm enough to handle.
4. Step 4: Using a small ice cream scoop or teaspoon, scoop around 3 level teaspoons of the chilled mixture and roll into small balls. If too firm, let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. Keep your hands cool and dry while rolling for best results.
5. Step 5: Roll each chocolate ball in the bowl of chocolate sprinkles until fully coated. Place them on the prepared baking tray.
6. Step 6: Refrigerate the coated 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

• Use a small ice cream scoop for consistent truffle size and easier rolling.
• Substitute orange zest with other citrus like lemon or lime for a different twist.
• If you prefer a stronger orange flavor, add a few drops of orange extract along with the zest.
• For a festive touch, roll truffles in crushed nuts or cocoa powder instead of sprinkles.

Storage

Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. When stacking, separate layers with non-stick baking paper to prevent sticking. Let truffles sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter and creamier truffle. Just be aware it will be less intense in cocoa flavor.

How can I make the truffles firmer?

If you want firmer truffles, chill the mixture longer before rolling and keep the finished truffles well refrigerated until serving.

Juicy Orange Chocolate Christmas Truffles Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 142 reviews

These Juicy Orange Chocolate Christmas Truffles combine the rich smoothness of dark chocolate with a bright, zesty hint of orange, making a delightful festive treat. Coated in chocolate sprinkles, these truffles offer a perfect balance of creamy texture and vibrant flavor, ideal for holiday celebrations or as a thoughtful homemade gift.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 20 truffles 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: European
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Truffle Mixture

• 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

Coating

• 1/3 cup chocolate sprinkles

Instructions

1. Prepare the Equipment and Ingredients: Line a small, flat dish (around 13 x 18 cm or 7 x 5 inches) with non-stick baking paper. Place chocolate sprinkles into a small bowl and line a baking tray with non-stick baking paper for later use.
2. Heat the Cream and Melt the Chocolate: In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream and finely grated orange peel. Heat over low heat until just below boiling. Remove from heat, add the finely chopped chocolate, and stir gently until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
3. Chill the Chocolate Mixture: Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared dish, smoothing it evenly. Refrigerate for about 2 hours, or until firm enough to scoop and roll.
4. Shape the Chocolate Balls: Scoop approximately three level teaspoons of the chilled chocolate mixture using a small ice cream scoop or teaspoon. Roll into compact, small balls, letting the mixture soften slightly at room temperature if too firm. Keep your hands cool using an ice pack or frozen peas and dry with paper towels as needed.
5. Coat in Chocolate Sprinkles: Roll each chocolate ball thoroughly in the bowl of chocolate sprinkles until fully coated. Place the coated truffles on the prepared baking tray.
6. Refrigerate and Store the Truffles: Refrigerate the coated truffles for at least 30 minutes until firm. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, using parchment paper to separate layers if stacking.

Notes

• Use a good quality dark chocolate with 40% cocoa for a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness.
• If the truffle mixture becomes too hard to shape, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before rolling.
• Keep your hands cool and dry while rolling truffles to prevent melting and sticking.
• For variations, try rolling the truffles in cocoa powder, crushed nuts, or shredded coconut instead of chocolate sprinkles.
• Store truffles chilled to maintain their texture and freshness for up to one week.

Keywords: orange chocolate truffles, Christmas truffles, holiday chocolate, chocolate orange dessert, festive truffles, homemade truffles, chocolate sprinkles, creamy truffles