Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe

If you’re looking to delight yourself and your loved ones with a treat that perfectly balances rich chocolate and zesty orange, you’ve got to try this Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe. These little bites of heaven are decadently smooth, bursting with vibrant orange aroma, and just melt in your mouth. Whether you’re impressing guests, gifting something special, or simply craving a sweet indulgence, this recipe delivers all the warmth and joy you hope for in a homemade truffle.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started on these Chocolate Orange Truffles is wonderfully simple because the ingredients are straightforward and work harmoniously to create that luscious, silky texture and vibrant flavor. Each element is essential, whether for smoothness, sweetness, or that exciting citrusy punch.

• Sweetened condensed milk: Offers a creamy, sweet base that binds everything together while adding richness.
• Chocolate chips (semi-sweet): The star ingredient bringing that deep, luscious chocolate flavor; semi-sweet keeps it perfectly balanced.
• Orange extract: Infuses the truffles with bright, authentic orange flavor that mingles beautifully with chocolate.
• Vanilla extract: Adds subtle warmth and depth, rounding out the flavors for a more complex taste.
• Powdered sugar (or cocoa powder): Used for coating, giving each truffle a delicate, sweet or slightly bitter finish and a lovely presentation.

How to Make Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe

Step 1: Combine and Melt the Chocolate and Milk

Begin by mixing your semi-sweet chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a medium saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. If you’re going stovetop, use low heat and gently stir with a silicone spatula as the chocolate melts; patience here ensures a smooth, luscious base. If choosing the microwave method, heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring between to prevent overheating and seizing your chocolate.

Step 2: Add the Extracts

Once your chocolate mixture is completely melted and smooth, take it off the heat. Stir in the orange extract and vanilla extract until they are beautifully combined. This is when your kitchen starts smelling divine; the orange extract gives the truffles their signature zing, while vanilla smooths out every bite.

Step 3: Chill the Mixture

Transfer the mixture into a heatproof bowl and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface—this prevents a skin from forming. Pop it into the fridge for around 2 hours, or until it is firm enough to scoop but still soft and pliable.

Step 4: Scoop, Shape, and Coat

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoons, portion out the firm chocolate mixture. Roll each scoop between your palms to form perfect little spheres. Next, coat the truffles in powdered sugar or cocoa powder by tossing them gently in a shallow bowl. This coating adds texture contrast and enhances the flavor experience.

Step 5: Final Chill and Storage

Place all your finished truffles on a parchment-lined tray or cookie tin and refrigerate until ready to serve. The chill keeps them firm and makes them irresistibly refreshing to bite into.

How to Serve Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe

Garnishes

Spruce up these Chocolate Orange Truffles by dusting them with a little extra cocoa powder, or try finely grated orange zest on top for an extra burst of citrus aroma. You can also dip a few in melted dark chocolate and let them harden for a glossy finish that impresses every guest.

Side Dishes

These truffles are divine on their own but pair beautifully with a light, citrusy dessert wine or a cup of fresh-brewed espresso. Serving them alongside fresh berries can elevate the experience, balancing sweetness with a little natural tartness.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting or special occasions, arrange the truffles in decorative boxes lined with colored paper or use mini cupcake liners to keep them neat and pretty. You could even serve them on a fancy platter with edible flowers or gold leaf flecks to wow your friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover truffles refrigerated, ideally in an airtight container. They will stay fresh and maintain their signature creamy texture for up to two weeks.

Freezing

Want to prepare ahead? Freeze the truffles by placing them in a single layer on a tray first, then transferring them to a sealed bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to three months, ready to thaw when needed.

Reheating

Since these truffles are best served chilled, simply let frozen or refrigerated truffles sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can cause the chocolate to lose its silky texture.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet for this Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe?

Absolutely! Milk chocolate will make the truffles sweeter and creamier, which some people prefer. Just remember that semi-sweet gives a nice balance to the bright orange flavor and sweetness.

Is it necessary to use orange extract, or can I use fresh orange zest?

While fresh orange zest adds wonderful aroma and freshness, orange extract provides a consistent, potent orange flavor that evenly infuses the truffles. You can experiment with both or combine them for a layered citrus note.

How do I prevent the truffles from melting too quickly?

Chill the truffles well and keep them refrigerated until serving. Also, avoid keeping them out too long at room temperature, especially if it’s warm. Serving chilled ensures they hold their shape and texture perfectly.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe?

Yes! If you love a little crunch, finely chopped toasted nuts like almonds or pistachios fold in beautifully. Just stir them in once the truffle mixture has cooled slightly, right before chilling.

What’s the best way to make truffle balls uniform in size?

Using a small cookie scoop helps you portion the mixture evenly, making shaping faster and your presentation more professional-looking.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe is a total game-changer when you want to whip up something elegant, flavorful, and irresistibly smooth. Each bite is a celebration of chocolate and citrus that feels both luxurious and comforting. I can’t wait for you to make these and share the joy they bring—trust me, once you try them, they’ll quickly become an all-time favorite in your recipe collection!

Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe

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Delight in these luscious Chocolate Orange Truffles, where rich semi-sweet chocolate blends perfectly with creamy sweetened condensed milk and fragrant orange and vanilla extracts. These bite-sized treats are coated in powdered sugar or cocoa powder for a smooth, elegant finish. Perfectly chilled and easy to make, they’re an ideal indulgence for parties, holidays, or any special occasion.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 30 truffles
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Truffle Mixture

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon orange extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coating

• Powdered sugar and/or cocoa powder (for rolling)

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Use a silicone spatula to stir them together evenly before heating.
2. Melt Chocolate Mixture: Place the saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently to melt the chocolate chips gently and combine with the condensed milk into a smooth, uniform mixture. Avoid overheating to prevent scorching.
3. Add Extracts: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the orange extract and vanilla extract thoroughly until fully incorporated.
4. Wrap and Chill: Transfer the chocolate mixture to a heatproof bowl. Cover the surface tightly with plastic wrap pressed directly onto it to avoid forming a skin. Refrigerate for about 2 hours until the mixture is firm but still scoopable.
5. Scoop and Shape: Using a #40 cookie scoop (about 1½ tablespoons) or a heaping tablespoon, scoop out portions of the firm mixture. Roll each into smooth, even balls with your hands.
6. Coat the Truffles: Place powdered sugar or cocoa powder in a shallow bowl. Roll each truffle in the coating until fully covered.
7. Set and Store: Arrange the coated truffles on a parchment-lined tray, plate, or tin. Refrigerate them until ready to serve to keep firm and chilled. Serve chilled for optimal texture and flavor.
8. Microwave Melting Option: Alternatively, combine chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring gently between each, until melted and smooth (about 3-4 intervals). Add extracts, cover with plastic wrap pressed against the surface, chill, then scoop, shape, and coat as explained above.

Notes

• Do not overheat the chocolate to avoid seizing, which makes the mixture hard and unusable.
• Pressing plastic wrap onto the chocolate surface prevents skin formation for smooth texture.
• Keep truffles refrigerated; they soften quickly at room temperature.
• You can use either powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or a combination for coating.
• The size of each truffle is about 1 ½ tablespoons for uniformity and serving size.