Description
Festive Orange Chocolate Christmas Truffles are rich, creamy ganache bites bursting with bright orange zest. These no-bake holiday treats come together in minutes, then chill until firm for easy make-ahead gifts and party platters. Coated in cocoa powder, shredded coconut, or crushed candy canes, they add festive flair to Christmas desserts. Perfect for gifting, stocking stuffers, or a cozy winter treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/2 tsp orange extract (or 1 tbsp fresh orange juice)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Cocoa powder, shredded coconut, or crushed candy canes (for coating)
Instructions
- Place the chopped chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl.
- In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream, butter, and orange zest over medium heat until just simmering — do not boil.
- Pour the hot cream mixture over the chocolate. Let sit for 2–3 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Add orange extract (or juice) and salt, stirring to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for 1½ to 2 hours, until firm enough to scoop.
- Using a small spoon or cookie scoop, roll into 1-inch balls.
- Roll truffles in cocoa powder, coconut, or crushed candy for a festive touch.
- Chill again for 15–20 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate for a smoother, truer ganache flavor.
- If the ganache is too soft to scoop, refrigerate 15–20 minutes longer or let stand at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.
- Coating options add texture and color: cocoa for classic richness, shredded coconut for a festive look, or crushed candy canes for extra holiday cheer.
- Store truffles in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 1 month.
- You can swap orange juice for orange zest to adjust the citrus intensity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake; Chill-set ganache
- Cuisine: Holiday / American-European-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (5 truffles)
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
- Sugar: Approximately 28 g
- Sodium: Approximately 60 mg
- Fat: Approximately 28 g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 22 g
- Fiber: Approximately 1 g
- Protein: Approximately 3–4 g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 60 mg
Keywords: Festive Orange Chocolate Christmas Truffles, holiday truffles, orange ganache, Christmas treats, no-bake desserts, easy holiday gifts, cocoa coating, orange zest, candy cane coating