Juicy Orange Chocolate Christmas Truffles Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
