Name: Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe
Prep time: 30 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 truly irresistible about the combination of rich chocolate and bright, zesty orange in these bite-sized treats. This Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make, and perfect for sharing – or savoring all by yourself!

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 first made these Chocolate Orange Truffles on a chilly winter evening, and the way the creamy chocolate melted with the hint of orange zest felt like a warm hug in every bite. They’re elegant yet so easy to prepare, making them one of my favorite treats to whip up for guests or for a little self-indulgence.

Simple Ingredients: Just three main ingredients plus coating, so you won’t feel overwhelmed shopping or prepping.
No fancy equipment: You don’t need a candy thermometer or special tools — just a small saucepan and a scoop or spoon.
Customizable flavors: The orange zest adds a refreshing twist, but you can swap it or add extras to suit your taste.
Perfect texture: Smooth, rich, and creamy with just the right bite when coated with chocolate sprinkles.

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

This Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe really highlights the synergy between simple high-quality ingredients – the creamy richness of thickened cream marries beautifully with the deep notes of dark chocolate, while the orange zest gives it that lively zing you don’t expect but absolutely crave.

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/whipping cream: Using full-fat cream ensures a luxuriously smooth texture that's essential for truffles.
Dark cooking chocolate (around 40% cocoa solids): It balances sweetness and bitterness perfectly, and melts beautifully without becoming grainy.
Orange zest: Freshly grated zest cuts through the richness with bright citrus flavor – never use bottled orange flavor for this.
Chocolate sprinkles: Adds a fun texture and a pretty finish that helps keep the truffles from being too sticky.

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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

While I adore this classic chocolate-orange flavor combo, you can tweak the recipe to suit your cravings or dietary needs. I sometimes experiment with substitutions or add-ins, which makes the process even more fun and personalized.

Variation: I once swapped the orange zest for a teaspoon of chili powder for a spicy kick—surprisingly delicious and unexpected.
Dairy-free option: Try using coconut cream instead of thickened cream for a dairy-free version; it adds a subtle coconut undertone.
Coating swaps: I’ve rolled them in crushed nuts or cocoa powder when sprinkles aren’t on hand, and they work beautifully.

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

Step 1: Gently heat cream and orange zest

I combine the thickened cream and freshly grated orange zest in a small saucepan, then warm it over low heat until just below boiling point. This infuses the cream with that lovely citrus aroma without cooking off the delicate oils in the zest. Just watch carefully to avoid boiling, which can change the texture.

Step 2: Melt the chocolate in the cream

Once the cream is warm, I remove it from heat and stir in the finely chopped dark chocolate. Stir gently but continuously until everything is melted and smooth. This is where patience pays off—the mixture should be glossy, not grainy.

Step 3: Chill until firm

Pour the silky mixture into a small dish lined with baking paper. I sometimes scrunch up the paper a bit before lining the dish to make it easier to lift out later. Pop it in the fridge for about two hours—this waiting can be the hardest part, but it’s key so the truffles hold their shape.

Step 4: Roll and coat the truffles

Once the chocolate is firm enough, I scoop about three teaspoons of the mix and roll it into small balls between my palms. I keep an ice pack nearby to cool my hands — this helps the mixture stay firm and easier to handle. Then, I roll each ball in chocolate sprinkles for a fun, crunchy coating. Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper.

Step 5: Chill again to set

Pop the tray back into the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the truffles firm up completely. This extra chill time helps the coating stick and keeps them from melting too quickly when you enjoy them.

Top Tip

Making truffles can sometimes feel a little fiddly if you don’t have the right approach, but these tips have made all the difference to me. They’ll help you get beautiful results without stress.

Keep hands cool: Rolling the truffles can get messy and sticky, but focusing on keeping your hands chilled (with an ice pack or frozen peas) really simplifies the process.
Be patient when melting: Melt the chocolate slowly with the warm cream off the heat to avoid grainy, broken chocolate—a smooth ganache is the heart of perfect truffles.
Use fresh orange zest: The flavor intensity is so much better fresh, don’t skip this step or use old pre-packaged zest.
Don’t rush chilling: The firm texture depends on sufficient chilling time; I set a timer so I don’t get tempted to roll too soon and have a sticky mess.

How to Serve Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe

Chocolate Orange Truffles - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually stick with the chocolate sprinkles coating but sometimes dust a few with usable cocoa powder or roll them in finely chopped pistachios for a nutty contrast. Fresh orange slices on the side create a beautiful presentation and reinforce that lovely orange flavor.

Side Dishes

These truffles pair wonderfully with a robust cup of espresso or a glass of sparkling wine if you’re celebrating. I also love serving them alongside a cheese board or fresh berries for a balanced finish to any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving or parties, I like arranging these truffles in mini cupcake liners or placing a few in a pretty box layered with parchment paper. Sometimes I drizzle a little melted white chocolate over them for an elegant fancy touch that always impresses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator, layered with parchment paper if stacked to avoid sticking together. They stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, but honestly, they rarely last that long in my house!

Freezing

Freezing works well if you want to prepare truffles in advance. Just place them on a lined tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe airtight container. When you’re ready, thaw them in the fridge overnight to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

I never really reheat these truffles since they’re best chilled, but if they become too firm in the fridge, letting them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes softens them perfectly to enjoy that melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

You can use milk chocolate, but keep in mind it will be sweeter and less intense. Dark chocolate offers better balance to the bright orange zest, but milk chocolate truffles are a deliciously softer option if that’s what you prefer.

How long do these truffles last?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, these chocolate orange truffles will keep well for up to one week. For longer storage, freezing is a great option to keep them fresh.

Can I add liqueur for extra flavor?

Absolutely! Adding a tablespoon of orange liqueur like Cointreau or Grand Marnier to the warm cream before mixing with chocolate adds a sophisticated twist. Just reduce the cream slightly to keep the consistency right.

What’s the best way to get the orange zest?

Use a microplane or fine grater to zest just the orange skin, avoiding the bitter white pith. Fresh zest is key here—store-bought dried or flavored zest won’t give the same vibrant flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to recipes when I want something indulgent but fuss-free. There’s nothing like the smooth chocolate paired with that fresh burst of orange to brighten your day or impress your friends. Honestly, once you get the hang of the simple technique, you’ll make these again and again — and I can’t wait for you to try them!