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

There’s something undeniably luxe about biting into a creamy, rich chocolate treat with a zesty twist, and that’s exactly why I adore this Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe. It’s simple yet feels special — perfect for a cozy night in or as a heartfelt gift for someone you love.

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 recipe blends just the right balance of deep dark chocolate and bright orange zest to create truffles that melt beautifully in your mouth. Every time I make these, friends rave about the perfect harmony of flavors and texture.

Simplicity: With just a few ingredients, you'll whip up something that feels indulgent without the fuss.
For All Skill Levels: Even if you haven’t made truffles before, the step-by-step process will guide you effortlessly.
Flexible Flavor: The orange zest adds a fresh brightness that lets the chocolate shine without overwhelming it.
Great for Gifting: These truffles store well and look beautiful — a sweet surprise for holidays or any special occasion.

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 special role in creating that luscious texture and bold flavor combo. Picking good quality chocolate and fresh oranges really does make all the difference, so don’t rush your choices at the store.

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: Full-fat cream is the magic that gives the truffles their silky, melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Dark Cooking Chocolate (40% cocoa solids): I recommend 40% because it’s rich but not too bitter; you can go higher, but the taste intensifies.
Orange Zest: It adds an aromatic lift—be sure to grate only the orange part, avoiding the bitter white pith.
Chocolate Sprinkles: Coating truffles in sprinkles adds a fun texture and keeps chocolate mess minimal when you handle them.

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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

One of the things I adore about this Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Over time, I’ve experimented with different coatings and even added a splash of liqueur for a grown-up twist.

Variation: I once rolled the truffles in crushed pistachios instead of sprinkles—delicious and added a lovely crunch.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap the cream for full-fat coconut milk and use vegan dark chocolate for a dairy-free indulgence.
Extra Zest: Feel free to increase the orange zest if you love a stronger citrus punch like I sometimes do on bright mornings.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace and Ingredients

Start by lining a small, flat dish with non-stick baking paper—this makes lifting the truffle block super easy later on. I like to scrunch the paper first; it fits better and doesn’t wrinkle so much. Next, pour the chocolate sprinkles into a small bowl and line a baking tray with paper for when you roll your truffles. Getting organized now saves you a lot of scrambling later!

Step 2: Heat the Cream and Zest

Add the cream and freshly grated orange zest to a small saucepan. Warm it over low heat, gently bringing it to just under boiling—trust me, you don’t want it to boil over and lose that creamy richness.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate

Once the cream’s hot, turn off the heat and stir in the finely chopped dark chocolate. Stir slowly and patiently until everything melts into a glossy, silky mixture. If your chocolate hasn’t melted completely, keep stirring off the heat—residual warmth will do the trick.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Pour your chocolate-orange mix into the prepared dish and pop it into the fridge for about 2 hours until it’s firm enough to roll. I sometimes check at 90 minutes if I’m impatient, but full chill time gives you the best results.

Step 5: Shape and Coat the Truffles

With a small ice cream scoop or a teaspoon, scoop out about 3 level teaspoons of the chilled mixture. Roll it quickly but firmly into a ball. If it feels too hard to roll, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes. Keep a cold pack or a pack of frozen peas nearby—they’re lifesavers to cool your hands and keep the truffles from melting as you work. Don’t forget paper towels so your hands stay dry.

Once rolled, toss each ball in the chocolate sprinkles, turning the bowl gently to coat evenly. Arrange them on the tray and refrigerate again for at least 30 minutes until they’re completely set.

Top Tip

From my experience making these truffles dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really help your Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe come out perfectly every time.

Keep Your Hands Cool: Rolling truffles can be messy and sticky—use an ice pack or frozen peas close by to keep your hands nice and cool to prevent melting.
Don’t Rush the Chill: The truffle center needs a solid chill to roll smoothly without sticking. Trust the timing or you’ll spend forever trying to shape them.
Use Fresh Zest: Orange zest loses its punch quickly once grated, so zest just before you start for the brightest taste.
Compact Your Balls: Pressing the mixture firmly as you roll ensures a smooth texture and helps the truffles hold their shape.

How to Serve Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe

chocolate orange truffles - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing these truffles with a light dusting of cocoa powder or occasionally a sprinkle of finely chopped candied orange peel for an extra zing and pretty presentation. The chocolate sprinkles are my go-to for a playful texture and easy cleanup.

Side Dishes

These truffles pair beautifully with a hot cup of black coffee or an orange-spiced tea—both highlight the citrus notes. For a festive touch, I sometimes serve them alongside a simple bowl of mixed berries or whipped cream.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gifts, I place the truffles in decorative paper cups inside a pretty box tied with a ribbon. At dinner parties, arranging them on a slate board with fresh orange slices and mint leaves looks stunning and invites conversation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover truffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If stacking, I always separate layers with non-stick baking paper to keep them from sticking together or losing shape.

Freezing

Freezing works well if you want to keep truffles longer. I pop them in a single layer on a tray first, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving, and they taste just as indulgent as fresh.

Reheating

Because these truffles are meant to be enjoyed cool, I don’t reheat them. However, letting them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before eating really brings out their creamy texture and aroma.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a higher percentage of cocoa chocolate?

Absolutely! Using chocolate with higher cocoa solids, like 70%, will give your truffles a more intense, bittersweet flavor, but be prepared for it to be less sweet. You might want to adjust the chocolate sprinkles or add a touch of powdered sugar to balance it.

What’s the best way to grate orange zest?

Use a fine microplane or the smallest holes on a box grater to get the zest without the bitter white pith underneath. Only zest the orange part for the freshest, most aromatic flavor. Wash the orange thoroughly before zesting!

Can I make these truffles with milk chocolate?

You can substitute milk chocolate, but remember it will be sweeter and less intense than dark chocolate, which may change the balance with the orange zest. It’s a delicious variation if you prefer a mellower taste.

How do I prevent the truffles from melting while rolling?

Keep your hands cool by resting them on an ice pack or a frozen peas pack and dry them frequently with paper towels. Work quickly, chill the mixture properly before rolling, and if needed, take breaks to pop the bowl back in the fridge to keep the mixture firm.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe holds a little place in my heart because it combines simplicity with a flair of elegance—making everyday moments feel celebratory. Grab your ingredients, have fun with the process, and I promise you'll be delighted every time you bite into these creamy, zesty gems. Trust me, once you’ve tried making them yourself, you’ll want to share (or keep!) these truffles forever.