Juicy Orange Chocolate Christmas Truffles Recipe

Introduction

These Juicy Orange Chocolate Christmas Truffles combine rich dark chocolate with a fresh hint of orange zest for a festive treat. They are smooth, glossy, and coated in chocolate sprinkles, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting.

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: Prepare your equipment by lining a small, flat dish (about 13 x 18 cm or 7 x 5 inches) with non-stick baking paper. Place the chocolate sprinkles in a small bowl and line a baking tray with non-stick baking paper for later use.
2. Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream and grated orange peel. Heat gently over low heat, bringing the cream just below boiling point, then turn off the heat. Add the chopped chocolate and stir gently until it is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
3. Step 3: Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared dish, smoothing it into an even layer. Refrigerate for about 2 hours or until the mixture is firm enough to handle and shape.
4. Step 4: Using a small ice cream scoop or teaspoon, scoop about 3 level teaspoons of the chilled mixture and roll into compact balls. If the mixture is too firm, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes. Keep your hands cool and dry while rolling by using an ice pack and paper towels as needed.
5. Step 5: Roll each chocolate ball in the bowl of chocolate sprinkles until evenly coated. Place the coated truffles on the lined baking tray.
6. Step 6: Refrigerate the truffles on the tray for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, separating layers with baking paper if stacking.

Tips & Variations

• Use quality dark chocolate for the best flavor and a smoother texture.
• If you prefer a stronger orange flavor, add an extra half teaspoon of finely grated orange peel.
• For a festive touch, substitute some of the chocolate sprinkles with crushed nuts or cocoa powder.
• Allow the truffles to come to room temperature for a few minutes before eating to fully enjoy their creamy texture.

Storage

Store these 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. Before serving, let the truffles sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes to soften slightly for the best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Yes, you can use milk or white chocolate if you prefer, but the texture and flavor will be different. Dark chocolate offers a rich taste that balances nicely with the orange zest.

How do I make the truffles if I don’t have orange peel?

If you don’t have fresh orange peel, you can substitute with a few drops of orange extract or leave it out, though the citrus flavor will be less pronounced.

Juicy Orange Chocolate Christmas Truffles Recipe

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These Juicy Orange Chocolate Christmas Truffles are a delightful holiday treat combining rich dark chocolate with refreshing orange zest. Soft, creamy and coated in chocolate sprinkles, they make perfect bite-sized indulgences ideal for festive celebrations or gifting.

• Author: Ella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 20 truffles 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: European

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 (approximately 13 x 18 cm or 7 x 5 inches) with non-stick baking paper. Also, prepare a bowl of chocolate sprinkles and line a baking tray with non-stick paper for later use.
2. Heat the Cream and Melt the Chocolate: In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream and orange zest. Heat gently over low heat until just below boiling point, then remove from heat and add the finely chopped dark chocolate. Stir gently until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
3. Chill the Chocolate Mixture: Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the prepared dish, smoothing it evenly. Refrigerate for about 2 hours, until firm enough to scoop and shape.
4. Shape the Chocolate Balls: Using a small ice cream scoop or teaspoon, scoop about 3 teaspoons of the mixture and roll into compact small balls. If the mixture is too firm, let it rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. Keep your hands cool with an ice pack and dry them as needed to handle the sticky mixture.
5. Coat in Chocolate Sprinkles: Roll each truffle ball in the chocolate sprinkles until evenly coated. Place them on the prepared baking tray lined with baking paper.
6. Refrigerate and Store the Truffles: Chill the coated truffles in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes until firm. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week, layering with baking paper if stacking.

Notes

• For best results, use good quality dark chocolate with around 40% cocoa content to balance richness and smooth texture.
• Keep your hands cool and dry when rolling to prevent the mixture from melting or sticking excessively.
• If you prefer a stronger orange flavor, you can increase the orange zest up to 1.5 teaspoons.
• Truffles can be made a day ahead and stored refrigerated, making them ideal for holiday prep.
• Use non-stick baking paper to avoid the truffles sticking to surfaces during chilling and storage.

Keywords: orange chocolate truffles, Christmas truffles, holiday desserts, chocolate truffles recipe, festive treats, orange zest chocolates