Looking for a delicious treat to impress your guests this holiday season? Look no further than these Juicy Orange Chocolate Christmas Truffles! With a perfect balance of rich dark chocolate and zesty orange, these truffles are not only easy to make but are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any festive gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of dark chocolate and fresh orange zest creates a flavor explosion in your mouth.
- These truffles require minimal prep time, making them perfect for last-minute holiday treats.
- They are versatile and can be enjoyed as a dessert, snack, or even as a homemade gift.
Ingredient Notes:
- Dark chocolate (I use Lindt % cacao, chopped): The dark chocolate adds a rich and decadent flavor to the truffles. You can use any high-quality dark chocolate with a cacao percentage of your choice.
- Heavy cream (cold): The cold heavy cream helps to create a smooth and creamy ganache for the truffles.
- Chocolate sprinkles: These are optional for decoration and add a fun crunch to the truffles.
- Orange zest (freshly grated): The fresh orange zest adds a bright and citrusy flavor to the truffles. You can also use orange extract as a substitute.
Step-By-Step Instructions:
- In a heatproof bowl, add the chopped dark chocolate.
- In a small saucepan, heat the cold heavy cream until it just starts to simmer.
- Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for a minute.
- Gently stir the mixture until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Add the freshly grated orange zest to the chocolate ganache and mix well.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until the ganache is firm.
- Using a small cookie scoop, portion out the ganache and roll into small balls.
- Roll the truffles in chocolate sprinkles for decoration.
- Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Helpful Tips:
- For a smoother ganache, ensure the chopped chocolate is evenly sized.
- Use a cookie scoop to create uniform truffle balls.
- To prevent the ganache from sticking, dust your hands with cocoa powder before rolling the truffles.
- Store the truffles in the refrigerator for up to one week for the best freshness.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use a microplane grater to finely grate the orange zest for maximum flavor.
- Experiment with different coatings like cocoa powder or chopped nuts for added texture.
- Allow the truffles to come to room temperature before serving to enhance the flavors.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these Juicy Orange Chocolate Christmas Truffles as a sweet ending to a holiday meal, alongside a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine for a festive touch.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate? Yes, you can use milk chocolate for a sweeter flavor.
- How long do these truffles last? These truffles will keep well in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Can I freeze these truffles? Yes, you can freeze the truffles for up to one month in an airtight container.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the decadent flavors of these Juicy Orange Chocolate Christmas Truffles this holiday season. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing them with loved ones, these truffles are sure to bring joy and sweetness to any festive occasion. Give them a try and let us know how they turned out!
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Juicy Orange Chocolate Christmas Truffles
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 2 hrs
- Yield: 12 truffles 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-cook
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these Juicy Orange Chocolate Christmas Truffles that combine the rich flavors of dark chocolate with a burst of fresh orange zest. These decadent treats are perfect for festive gatherings or as a delightful gift for loved ones.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
-
- 7 oz dark chocolate (Lindt 70% cacao, chopped)
- 7 tbsp heavy cream (cold)
- 1 tsp orange zest (freshly grated)
Toppings:
- 1/3 cup chocolate sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare Chocolate Mixture: In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate with heavy cream over a double boiler until smooth.
- Add Flavor: Stir in the orange zest until well combined.
- Chill and Shape: Refrigerate the mixture until firm, then roll into small balls.
- Coat: Roll each truffle in chocolate sprinkles for a festive finish.
Notes
- You can customize these truffles by using different types of chocolate or incorporating other flavors like peppermint or almond extract.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
