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Orange Chocolate Christmas Truffles

Orange Chocolate Christmas Truffles
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These Orange Chocolate Christmas Truffles offer a rich, zesty flavor with a perfect balance of dark chocolate and fresh orange zest. Simple to make and elegantly festive, they are ideal for holiday gifting, parties, or enjoying a luxurious winter treat. The silky ganache infused with citrus notes creates a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and velvety goodness that embodies the spirit of the season.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 200g high-quality dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa), finely chopped
  • 100ml heavy cream
  • 30g unsalted butter
  • Zest of 1 large fresh orange
  • 1–2 tbsp orange liqueur (optional)

For Coating and Finishing

  • Powdered sugar or cocoa powder for dusting
  • Pinch of sea salt (optional)
  • Finely chopped nuts (pistachios or toasted almonds) for rolling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ganache: Finely chop the dark chocolate and place it in a heatproof bowl. Warm the heavy cream and unsalted butter together gently until steaming (do not boil). Pour this hot mixture over the chocolate and let it sit for one minute. Stir gently until the ganache is smooth and glossy, forming the base of your truffles.
  2. Add the Orange Zest and Liqueur: Fold in the freshly grated orange zest and, if using, add a splash of orange liqueur. Mix thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the ganache.
  3. Chill the Mixture: Cover the ganache with plastic wrap, pressing it onto the surface to prevent a skin. Refrigerate for at least two hours until the mixture is firm enough to scoop and shape without sticking.
  4. Shape the Truffles: Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion out small amounts of the chilled ganache. Quickly roll each portion between your palms to form smooth, round balls. If the mixture softens, return the balls to the refrigerator to firm up before continuing.
  5. Coat and Finish: Roll each truffle in powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or finely chopped nuts for a festive finish. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top to enhance flavor. Place the finished truffles on a parchment-lined tray and chill briefly to set.

Notes

  • Use the best quality chocolate available for optimal flavor.
  • Keep your hands cool while shaping truffles by rinsing them in cold water between batches to prevent melting.
  • Zest only the orange peel’s bright skin to avoid bitterness from the white pith.
  • Allow the ganache to chill thoroughly for easier handling and neater truffles.
  • Experiment with coatings such as crushed candy canes, toasted coconut, or chopped nuts for creative variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: orange chocolate truffles, holiday truffles, Christmas chocolates, festive desserts, gluten free sweets

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