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; 1 teaspoon orange zest, finely grated; ⅓ cup chocolate sprinkles

There’s something magical about that zingy burst of orange paired with rich, creamy chocolate — it’s like a little party for your taste buds. This Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe captures that perfect balance, making it an irresistible treat that you’ll want to make again and again.

A white plate filled with multiple small round chocolate balls covered in dark chocolate sprinkles, one ball is bitten showing a smooth, dark chocolate inside. On the right side of the plate, there are bright orange slices with a juicy texture. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. 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

This Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe is one of my favorite projects for a cozy afternoon sweet-making session. The flavors are classy yet homey, and it’s surprisingly simple to pull together with just a few ingredients.

Perfect Balance: The combination of zesty orange with deep dark chocolate creates a luxurious flavor harmony.
Simple Ingredients: You only need four straightforward ingredients, which means no crazy trips to specialty stores.
Fun to Make: Rolling and coating these little gems gives you a satisfying hands-on baking experience — kind of therapeutic, really!
Great for Gifting: They keep well in the fridge making them perfect for handmade edible gifts that show you care.

A round white plate is filled with about twenty small dark chocolate balls covered evenly with chocolate sprinkles. Around the edge of the plate, there are seven bright orange slices placed in a circular pattern, each slice showing the juicy texture of the fruit. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a starring role in achieving that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture and vibrant flavor. I always pick a good quality dark chocolate and fresh oranges, because they truly make a difference in the final taste.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with thickened cream, a neat pile of finely chopped dark cooking chocolate pieces, a small white ceramic bowl containing finely grated fresh orange zest, and a small white ceramic bowl filled with glossy dark chocolate sprinkles, all arranged in perfect symmetry, placed 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/whipping cream: Using full-fat cream ensures a creamy texture and rich mouthfeel, which balances the bitterness of the dark chocolate beautifully.
Dark cooking chocolate: Choose one with around 40% cocoa solids; it delivers a smooth, rich taste without being overly bitter.
Orange zest: The finely grated zest adds that fresh citrus aroma and flavor that transforms these truffles from ordinary to extraordinary.
Chocolate sprinkles: These add a playful texture and an extra chocolate hit on the outside — plus, they look festive and fun!

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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 to tweak this Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe depending on my mood or ingredients on hand. Feel free to experiment with different coatings or a splash of your favorite liqueur for grown-up elegance.

Variation: Once, I added a tiny dash of Grand Marnier to the cream for an extra boozy orange flavor — it was a hit at a dinner party.
Coating Swap: Instead of sprinkles, try rolling the truffles in finely chopped toasted nuts or cocoa powder for a different texture.
Vegan Option: Use coconut cream and dairy-free chocolate; just remember it might result in a different consistency.

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

Step 1: Warm Up the Cream with Zest

Start by gently heating the thickened cream and the freshly grated orange zest over low heat. I like to keep a close eye here — it just needs to come to the edge of boiling, not a rolling boil. This way, the cream infuses beautifully with the citrus oils without curdling.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate into the Cream

Once your cream is hot, remove it from the heat and stir in the finely chopped dark chocolate. Stir calmly but persistently until the mixture is silky smooth and completely blended. This is the moment where the magic happens — a glossy ganache starts to form right before your eyes!

Step 3: Chill Until Firm

Pour the ganache into a lined dish and pop it in the fridge for about two hours. It needs to firm up enough so you can scoop and roll it without sticking all over your hands. I find using a flat dish helps the mixture chill evenly.

Step 4: Scoop, Roll, and Coat

Using a small ice cream scoop or teaspoon, portion out a few teaspoons of the chilled mixture and roll it quickly into compact balls. If your hands warm the chocolate too much, just take a break and cool your hands on an ice pack or cold water. Then, gently toss each ball in the chocolate sprinkles until fully coated.

Step 5: Chill Again Before Serving

Place your coated truffles on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This last chill ensures they hold their shape and are perfectly ready for indulging or gifting.

Top Tip

From my experience making these truffles a bunch of times, a few little tricks can save you some headaches and get you those perfect rounds every time.

Chill the Mixture Properly: Don’t rush the chilling stage — firm ganache means easier rolling and neater shapes.
Keep Your Hands Cool: I keep a small ice pack nearby because even slight warmth melts the chocolate and makes rolling messy.
Use Fresh Orange Zest: The zest’s oils are volatile and where all the bright flavor comes from, so zest right before you start.
Don’t Overheat Cream: Boiling cream is a no-no since it can separate; warm it just enough to unlock flavors.

How to Serve Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe

chocolate orange truffles - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I typically stick with classic chocolate sprinkles for texture and sweetness, but sometimes for special occasions, I roll them in a dusting of cocoa powder or even crushed candied orange peel. It adds a tangy crunch that’s so addictive.

Side Dishes

These truffles are indulgent on their own but also pair beautifully with a simple cup of rich coffee or a robust black tea to balance the sweetness. I’ve also served these alongside a light fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gifts, I like to box these truffles in mini parchment paper cups in decorative tins or jars tied with twine and a sprig of fresh orange peel. They make such thoughtful, elegant presents that always delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover truffles in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking, nestled in the fridge. They last about a week and still taste wonderfully fresh when enjoyed cold.

Freezing

Freezing works great for longer storage — simply wrap each truffle individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

Because these are chilled truffles, you generally want to eat them cold or at room temperature. If you prefer, let them sit out for 10–15 minutes before enjoying to soften slightly, but avoid microwaving as it’ll melt them.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

You can swap milk chocolate, but it will make the truffles sweeter and less intense, which might affect the balance with the orange zest — dark chocolate is really the star here.

How long do the truffles keep in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, chocolate orange truffles stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Can I make these truffles ahead for a party?

Absolutely! These truffles are perfect for making a day or two in advance. Keep them chilled, and they’ll be ready to impress your guests whenever you serve them.

What if my truffle mixture is too soft to roll?

If the mixture feels too soft, pop it back into the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm up some more. Room temperature or warm hands can soften it quickly, so keep your hands cool while rolling.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen routine. The way the bright citrus cuts through rich chocolate is just so joyful to experience and share. I highly recommend making a batch soon — whether it’s for your next get-together or just because you deserve a little homemade chocolate love.