Description
Indulge in festive Chocolate Orange Christmas Truffles, combining rich dark chocolate with zesty fresh orange zest to create a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth holiday treat perfect for gifting, gatherings, and seasonal enjoyment.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 200g dark chocolate (at least 60% cacao), finely chopped
- 120ml heavy cream
- 30g unsalted butter
- Zest of 1 fresh orange
- 1–2 tbsp orange liqueur (optional, e.g., Grand Marnier or Cointreau)
Coatings
- Cocoa powder (for rolling)
- Chopped nuts (such as pistachios, hazelnuts, or almonds)
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Ganache: Finely chop the dark chocolate and place it in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream and unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until bubbles form around the edges. Immediately pour the hot cream mixture over the chocolate and let sit for a couple of minutes to melt.
- Incorporate Orange Zest and Liqueur: Stir the mixture gently until smooth and glossy. Fold in the fresh orange zest and orange liqueur (if using), mixing thoroughly to meld the flavors.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the ganache with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm enough to scoop and shape.
- Shape the Truffles: Using a small melon baller or teaspoon, scoop portions of the ganache. Quickly roll each between your palms to form smooth balls, working fast to prevent melting and stickiness.
- Coat the Truffles: Roll the shaped truffles in your choice of coatings: cocoa powder, chopped nuts, or powdered sugar. Place them on parchment paper and refrigerate again until firm.
Notes
- Chill the ganache well to make shaping easier and keep truffles intact.
- Use fresh orange zest for the best vibrant and fragrant flavor.
- Work quickly while rolling to avoid sticky, melting truffles.
- Try mixing cocoa powder with a pinch of cinnamon for a festive aroma in coatings.
- Store truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 truffles (approx. 30g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg