Name: Juicy Orange Chocolate Christmas Truffles Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 55 min
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 90 ml (around 1/3 cup plus 2 teaspoons) heavy cream; 200 g (7 oz) dark cooking chocolate (40% cocoa), finely chopped; 1 teaspoon finely grated orange peel; 1/3 cup chocolate sprinkles

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Introduction

These Juicy Orange Chocolate Christmas Truffles offer a perfect blend of rich dark chocolate and fresh orange zest, creating a festive treat that’s both elegant and indulgent. With a silky ganache center coated in chocolate sprinkles, they make a delightful homemade gift or party dessert.

A close-up image of a chocolate truffle with one bite taken from it, showing a rich, dark brown, smooth center coated in a layer of chocolate and covered with small, cylindrical chocolate sprinkles all around. The truffle is resting on a silver fork placed on a white plate with a white marbled texture underneath, with some chocolate sprinkles scattered around the plate's rim. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

90 ml (around 1/3 cup plus 2 teaspoons) heavy cream
200 g (7 oz) dark cooking chocolate (40% cocoa), finely chopped
1 teaspoon finely grated orange peel
1/3 cup chocolate sprinkles

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare your ingredients by finely chopping the dark chocolate and grating the orange zest. 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 and orange zest, then gently heat over medium heat until it just begins to simmer around the edges. Remove from heat as soon as tiny bubbles appear.
Step 2: Stir in the chopped chocolate into the hot cream without stirring for 2-3 minutes to melt. Then gently whisk from the center outward until smooth and silky, forming a ganache.
Step 3: Pour the ganache into a shallow dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm but still pliable.
Step 4: Scoop small portions of the chilled ganache and quickly roll each between your palms to form uniform balls. Immediately coat each truffle evenly in chocolate sprinkles, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 5: Place the coated truffles on the parchment-lined tray and chill for another 30 minutes to set the coating and firm the truffles completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Tips & Variations

For an extra burst of citrus flavor, add a drop of orange extract to the cream before heating.
Use higher cocoa percentage chocolate for a more intense chocolate flavor or milk chocolate for a sweeter truffle.
Roll the truffles in finely chopped nuts or cocoa powder as a tasty alternative to chocolate sprinkles.
Ensure the cream does not boil to prevent a grainy texture in your ganache.

Storage

Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before serving, you can bring them to room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly. Avoid freezing as it may change the texture.

How to Serve

A close-up of a stack of round chocolate truffles covered fully in small, thin chocolate sprinkles, piled in a pyramid shape on a white speckled plate. The truffles are dark brown with a rough, textured surface from the sprinkles. Around the base of the pyramid on the plate, there are a few scattered chocolate sprinkles and some thin strips of bright orange zest, adding color contrast. The background is softly blurred, focusing on the rich details of the truffles. The scene is set on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, milk chocolate can be used for a sweeter, creamier truffle. Just make sure to adjust the cocoa percentage to your taste preference.

How can I tell when the ganache is the right texture for rolling?

The ganache should be firm enough to hold its shape but still soft enough to roll smoothly without cracking. If it’s too hard, let it sit at room temperature a few minutes before shaping.