Juicy Orange Chocolate Christmas Truffles Recipe

Introduction

These Juicy Orange Chocolate Christmas Truffles combine rich dark chocolate with the bright zest of fresh orange for a festive treat. Perfect for gifting or enjoying during the holidays, these truffles are silky, flavorful, and coated in crunchy chocolate sprinkles.

Ingredients

• 7 oz dark chocolate (I use Lindt 70% cacao, chopped)
• 7 tbsp heavy cream (cold)
• 1/3 cup chocolate sprinkles
• 1 tsp orange zest (freshly grated)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Finely chop the dark chocolate and grate the orange zest, then set both aside. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the chocolate sprinkles in a shallow bowl. In a small saucepan, combine the cold heavy cream with the orange zest. Heat gently over medium heat until it just begins to simmer around the edges, avoiding a rolling boil, then immediately remove from heat.
2. Step 2: Add the chopped dark chocolate to the hot cream and let it sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to melt. Stir gently from the center outward until the ganache is smooth and uniform without any grittiness.
3. Step 3: Pour the warm ganache into a shallow dish or small baking pan. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until firm but still pliable for rolling.
4. Step 4: Using a small spoon or mini ice cream scoop, portion out the ganache. Quickly roll each portion into smooth balls between your palms. Immediately coat each truffle in chocolate sprinkles, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Step 5: Place the coated truffles on the prepared parchment-lined tray. Return to the refrigerator and chill for an additional 30 minutes to set the coating and firm up completely. Store truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra citrus punch, try adding a few drops of orange extract along with the zest.
• You can substitute chocolate sprinkles with finely chopped nuts or cocoa powder for different textures.
• Allow the ganache to reach the right firmness before rolling to avoid sticky hands and uneven shapes.

Storage

Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To serve, let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes for a creamier texture. Avoid freezing, as it may affect the smoothness of the ganache.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute with milk chocolate, but the truffles will be sweeter and less intense. Adjust the amount of orange zest to balance the flavors if desired.

How do I prevent the ganache from becoming grainy?

Ensure you stir the ganache gently and patiently after the chocolate melts. Avoid overheating the cream and chocolate, and never rush the melting process to maintain a smooth, silky texture.

Juicy Orange Chocolate Christmas Truffles Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 135 reviews

These Juicy Orange Chocolate Christmas Truffles are a decadent holiday treat combining rich dark chocolate ganache infused with fresh orange zest. Coated in chocolate sprinkles, these truffles offer a silky texture with a bright citrus twist, perfect for festive gifting or indulgent snacking.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 20 truffles 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: European
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Truffle Ingredients

• 7 oz dark chocolate (Lindt 70% cacao, chopped)
• 7 tbsp heavy cream (cold)
• 1 tsp orange zest (freshly grated)
• 1/3 cup chocolate sprinkles

Instructions

1. Prepare Mis-en-Place and Infuse Cream: Finely chop the dark chocolate and grate the orange zest, setting them aside. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and have your chocolate sprinkles ready in a shallow bowl. In a small saucepan, combine cold heavy cream with orange zest and heat over medium heat until it just begins to simmer around the edges, avoiding a rolling boil. Remove from heat as tiny bubbles form to prevent scorching.
2. Create the Ganache: Immediately after removing from heat, add chopped dark chocolate to the hot cream without stirring. Let sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes allowing residual heat to melt the chocolate. Then stir gently from the center outwards until smooth and uniform, forming a rich ganache.
3. Chill the Ganache: Pour the warm ganache into a shallow dish or small baking pan. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm enough to scoop and roll, but still pliable.
4. Form and Coat Truffles: Use a small spoon or mini ice cream scoop to portion out ganache. Quickly roll each portion into smooth balls between your palms. Immediately toss the balls in chocolate sprinkles, pressing gently to coat completely.
5. Final Chill and Storage: Place coated truffles on the parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes to set the sprinkles and firm up fully. Transfer chilled truffles into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator until serving.

Notes

• Use good quality dark chocolate for best flavor and texture.
• Ensure cream is cold before heating to control infusion of orange zest flavor.
• Do not let cream boil to avoid burning and bitterness.
• Patience while stirring ganache ensures a silky final texture without grittiness.
• Chill ganache thoroughly for easier shaping and coating.
• Store truffles in airtight container in refrigerator, consuming within 1-2 weeks for optimal freshness.

Keywords: Orange chocolate truffles, Christmas truffles, chocolate ganache, holiday desserts, festive chocolates