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 (⅓ cup + 2 tsp); 200 g dark cooking chocolate (40% cocoa solids), finely chopped (7 oz); 1 teaspoon orange zest, finely grated; ⅓ cup chocolate sprinkles

There’s something truly delightful about a sweet bite that perfectly balances rich chocolate and zesty orange—the kind that feels fancy yet is unbelievably easy to make at home. This Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe is exactly that: smooth, flavorful, and the kind of treat you’ll want to whip up over and over.

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

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve reached for these Chocolate Orange Truffles when I wanted to impress guests or treat myself. They’re a beautiful mix of simplicity and wow-factor — plus you don’t need any fancy equipment!

Effortless Elegance: Few ingredients and no complicated steps, but the taste screams indulgence.
Fresh Citrus Kick: A touch of orange zest brightens the deep, creamy chocolate flavor.
Perfect Party Treat: These truffles make a lovely gift or party nibble — everyone asks for the recipe!
Flexible and Fun: You can easily adjust coating or chocolate types based on your mood or pantry.

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

Each ingredient here plays a key role in making your Chocolate Orange Truffles velvety, flavorful, and perfectly textured. Picking good quality chocolate is especially worth it — trust me, it makes a difference.

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 or Whipping Cream: Full-fat cream ensures a rich, creamy truffle center without being too heavy.
Dark Cooking Chocolate (40% cocoa solids): Offers a nice balance of sweetness and depth; I like using finely chopped to melt smoothly.
Orange Zest: Adds a fresh, citrus aroma that lightens and lifts the chocolate flavor beautifully.
Chocolate Sprinkles (for coating): Adds texture and extra chocolatey sweetness — but feel free to experiment with cocoa powder or crushed nuts!

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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 starting with the classic chocolate sprinkled coating, but honestly, this recipe is a great canvas. Don’t hesitate to add your own twist and make these truffles completely your own!

Variation: Once, I swapped sprinkles for finely chopped pistachios, which added a lovely crunch and a gorgeous pop of color — try it if you want to impress! You can also experiment with a pinch of chili powder for a subtle spicy kick.
Dairy-Free Option: I haven’t tried this myself yet, but using full-fat coconut cream and dairy-free chocolate could be a good starting point for vegan truffles.

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

Step 1: Gently warm the cream and infuse it with zest

I start by adding thickened cream and freshly grated orange zest to a small saucepan. Heating it gently over low heat until it’s just below boiling (you want it steaming but not bubbling) is key — this helps release the orange's aroma without burning the cream. Patience here means your truffles will carry that lovely fresh zing perfectly.

Step 2: Melt chocolate in the warm cream

Turn off the heat and add your finely chopped dark chocolate straight into the warm cream. Let it sit for a minute or two to soften, then gently stir until completely smooth and glossy. If you rush this or heat the chocolate too much, it can seize, so slow and steady wins here! The texture should be luxurious and shiny.

Step 3: Chill the mixture until firm

Pour your luscious chocolate-orange mixture into a lined small flat dish—I usually use a 7 by 5-inch Pyrex. Place it in the fridge for about 2 hours or until it’s firm enough to handle. This step is where patience pays off: the mixture has to be solid so you can roll the truffles neatly without them melting in your hands.

Step 4: Roll and coat your truffles

Once firm, scoop about three teaspoons of the chocolate mixture at a time and roll it quickly into compact little balls. Hands can get warm fast, so I keep an ice pack nearby—it really helps keep the mixture from melting. Don’t forget to pat the balls to make them dense before rolling in chocolate sprinkles. Then, pop them back onto a lined tray and chill for at least 30 minutes to firm up again. This part is a bit hands-on but so satisfying!

Top Tip

After making these truffles a few times, I realized the little details make all the difference between so-so and spectacular. Here are my go-to tips so your truffles come out perfect every time.

Keep Everything Cool: Using an ice pack between rolling batches really prevents melting—it’s a game-changer for a tidy finish.
Don’t Skip the Zest: Freshly grated orange zest adds a natural brightness that canned flavoring just can't match.
Fine Chop Chocolate: The smaller the pieces, the smoother your chocolate melts into that creamy base — patience chopping pays off here.
Line Your Dish Well: Scrunch your baking paper before lining for a snug fit, making it so much easier to remove the chilled ganache without mess.

How to Serve Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe

chocolate orange truffles - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually stick to chocolate sprinkles for that classic look and satisfying texture, but I’m also a fan of rolling truffles in finely chopped toasted almonds or even a dusting of cocoa powder for a more rustic vibe. Sometimes, a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top really elevates the flavors.

Side Dishes

These truffles pair beautifully with a cup of rich espresso or a glass of dessert wine. If you’re serving at a party, fresh berries or whipped cream on the side add a lovely fresh contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like placing the truffles in mini cupcake liners arranged on a decorative plate or inside a pretty gift box layered with parchment paper. Tying a little ribbon around the box turns these simple truffles into a heartfelt homemade gift. Bonus: Adding a handwritten note with the recipe always gets amazing feedback!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover truffles refrigerated in an airtight container. If storing in layers, I separate them with non-stick baking paper to prevent sticking. They last beautifully up to one week, which I find perfect to enjoy gradually without losing freshness.

Freezing

Freezing works well if you want to prepare these ahead of time. I place the truffles on a tray lined with baking paper and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture.

Reheating

I don’t really recommend reheating chocolate orange truffles, but if you want them a bit softer before serving, just let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. This keeps their flavor intact without risking melting or graininess.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate in this recipe?

You can use milk chocolate, but keep in mind it’s sweeter and less rich, which will affect the final flavor and texture of the truffles. If you prefer milk chocolate, consider reducing any added sweet components elsewhere and expect a softer ganache.

Why is my truffle mixture too soft to roll?

If the mixture is too soft to roll, it probably hasn’t chilled long enough or your hands are warming it too quickly. Make sure it’s firm from refrigeration — about 2 hours usually does the trick — and use an ice pack to keep your hands cool while rolling.

Can I substitute orange zest with orange extract?

Fresh orange zest really gives a natural, fragrant citrus flavor that extract can’t match. If you must use extract, add it sparingly as it can be quite concentrated and alters the truffle texture slightly. I recommend sticking to zest for the best balance.

How do I store Chocolate Orange Truffles to keep them fresh?

Store your truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Separate layers with parchment or baking paper to avoid sticking and consume within a week. For longer storage, freeze them as described above.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe holds a little place in my heart because it strikes the perfect balance between simple and special. Every time I make them, I’m reminded that sometimes, the best desserts are those that focus on quality, minimal fuss, and bold flavor bursts. I hope you enjoy making (and sharing) these truffles as much as I do—they might just become your new favorite go-to indulgence.