Festive Orange Chocolate Christmas Truffles
Festive Orange Chocolate Christmas Truffles are a rich and zesty holiday treat that perfectly combines vibrant citrus flavors with smooth, decadent dark chocolate. These elegant yet easy-to-make truffles offer a delightful burst of festive flavor and make thoughtful homemade gifts that everyone will adore.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 truffles 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 200g high-quality dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 150ml heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest (from about 1 orange)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
For Coating
- Cocoa powder, finely chopped nuts, or finely grated orange peel (for rolling)
Optional
- 1 tablespoon orange liqueur (optional, for enhanced citrus flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Orange-Infused Ganache: Finely chop the dark chocolate and place it in a heatproof bowl. Warm the heavy cream until just simmering, then pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for one minute to melt, then stir gently until smooth and glossy. Stir in fresh orange zest and, if using, a splash of orange liqueur.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the ganache with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours, or until firm enough to scoop and shape.
- Shape the Truffles: Using a small spoon or melon baller, scoop out portions of the ganache and quickly roll them between your palms into uniform balls. If the ganache softens, chill it again briefly to firm up.
- Coat and Finish: Roll each truffle in cocoa powder, chopped nuts, or grated orange peel to add texture and prevent sticking.
- Chill and Store: Place coated truffles on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate until firm. Store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve or gift.
Notes
- Use fresh orange zest only for the brightest citrus flavor.
- Choose high-quality chocolate for richer, silkier truffles.
- Keep your hands cool while rolling to prevent melting; rinse in cold water or wear gloves.
- Don’t skip chilling steps to ensure the perfect texture for shaping and coating.
- Experiment with different coatings like nuts, cocoa powder, or edible glitter for unique finishes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle (approximate)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: orange chocolate truffles, Christmas truffles, festive chocolate treats, holiday desserts, citrus chocolate truffles
