Juicy Orange Chocolate Christmas Truffles Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
