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Chocolate Orange Christmas Truffles

Chocolate Orange Christmas Truffles
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Delight in rich, festive flavors with these easy-to-make Chocolate Orange Christmas Truffles. Combining zesty fresh orange and luscious dark chocolate, these smooth, creamy truffles are perfect for holiday gifting, parties, or indulging yourself with a bright burst of citrus balanced by deep chocolate.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 200g good quality dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa), finely chopped
  • 100ml heavy cream
  • 30g unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon orange extract (optional)

Coatings

  • Unsweetened cocoa powder, for rolling
  • Chopped nuts (such as pistachios or toasted almonds), for rolling
  • Crushed candy canes, for rolling
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ganache: Finely chop the dark chocolate and place it in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream and unsalted butter together gently over medium heat until just simmering. Pour the hot cream and butter mixture over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes to melt. Stir gently until smooth and glossy. Mix in the fresh orange zest and a few drops of orange extract if using to infuse the truffle base with bright citrus flavor.
  2. Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the ganache firms up enough to handle. This ensures the mixture is solid enough to shape without sticking or melting.
  3. Shape the Truffles: Using a teaspoon or small melon baller, scoop even portions of the chilled ganache. Quickly roll each portion between your palms to form smooth, round balls. Work swiftly to prevent the ganache from melting in your hands.
  4. Coat the Truffles: Roll each truffle in your choice of coating—unsweetened cocoa powder for a classic look, chopped nuts for crunch, or crushed candy canes for a festive touch. Place the coated truffles on a parchment-lined tray as you go.
  5. Set and Serve: Refrigerate the coated truffles for another 30 minutes to fully set. Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy the bright, chocolatey flavor combination.

Notes

  • Use quality chocolate with at least 60% cocoa for the best flavor.
  • Zest the orange before juicing to keep zest dry and fragrant.
  • Chill your hands before rolling truffles to prevent melting.
  • Tap off excess coating to avoid clumps and maintain a neat presentation.
  • Store truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for up to one week.
  • For freezing, freeze truffles in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag and thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Reheating is unnecessary but letting truffles sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes softens them slightly.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chocolate Orange Truffles, Christmas Truffles, Holiday Treats, Festive Chocolate Recipe, Citrus Chocolate Dessert, No-Bake Truffles

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/chocolate-orange-christmas-truffles/