Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe

If you’re a fan of indulgent, fudgy bites with a citrus twist, you’re in for a real treat with this Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe. I absolutely love how these truffles balance that rich, dark chocolate flavor with bright orange marmalade and toasted hazelnut crunch. When I first tried these, I was hooked instantly — the perfect little bite-sized desserts that feel fancy but are surprisingly simple to whip up at home. Keep reading because I’m excited to share all the tips and tricks to make sure your truffles turn out beautifully every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these truffles lies in their simple, wholesome ingredients working together — earthy hazelnuts meet tangy orange marmalade and deep cocoa for a bite that’s bursting with layers of flavor. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping.

• Hazelnuts: Raw hazelnuts work best so you can toast them yourself for maximum flavor; I usually use a food processor to get a nice meal texture.
• Orange Marmalade: I opt for fruit-sweetened versions like St. Dalfour, but feel free to use any jam you love—it adds that lovely citrus brightness.
• Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for that rich deep chocolate flavor; Dutch processed works great if you prefer smoother taste.
• Maple Syrup: This adds natural sweetness and keeps the truffles vegan—plus, it pairs beautifully with the hazelnuts.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Just a touch to deepen the flavor complexity.
• Coconut Sugar: Adds a subtle caramel note and helps bind the truffles when pulsed in at the end.
• Extra Chopped Hazelnuts or Cocoa Powder: For coating, I usually pulse some hazelnuts finely for a crunchy, nutty finish.
• Whole Hazelnuts: The surprise center—make sure these are fresh and roasted for that satisfying crunch inside.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe is how easy it is to adapt to your tastes or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!

• Nut-Free Version: Swap hazelnuts for toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a crunchy coating and center — I tried this for a friend’s allergy and everyone still loved it.
• Different Citrus: Use lemon or blood orange marmalade instead for a different zing that really freshens the flavor.
• Sweetener Swap: If you’re avoiding maple syrup, agave or even a little brown rice syrup work well, though texture can vary slightly.
• Spiced Twist: I occasionally add a pinch of cinnamon or orange zest for an extra pop of flavor — it’s especially cozy around the holidays!

How to Make Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe

Step 1: Toast and Process the Hazelnuts

Start by toasting your raw hazelnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until they become fragrant and the skins loosen. Let them cool, then pulse in your food processor until you get a fine meal—not too oily, but without big chunks. This toasting intensifies the nutty flavor and is key for those rich truffles you want.

Step 2: Combine the Truffle Ingredients

Add the orange marmalade, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and coconut sugar into the processor with the hazelnut meal. Pulse until everything starts to come together. Here’s the trick: stop and check the texture by picking up a small amount and trying to roll it into a ball. If it’s too wet and sticky, add a little more cocoa powder. Too dry? Add a splash more maple syrup or jam and pulse again. The mixture should hold together nicely but still feel soft.

Step 3: Shape and Coat the Truffles

Line a tray with parchment paper and spread your coating of finely chopped hazelnuts or cocoa powder in a bowl nearby. Scoop about 1-2 tablespoons of the truffle mixture and roll it quickly into a ball with your hands. Press one whole hazelnut into the center, then roll firmly again to seal it in. Finally, roll the truffle around in your coating until fully covered. Place it on the tray and repeat with the rest. Don’t sweat the shape too much—each one will have its own charm!

Step 4: Chill and Enjoy

Pop the tray into the fridge for at least 30 minutes so the truffles firm up nicely. Once chilled, they’re ready to enjoy! I like keeping mine refrigerated because the texture stays perfect—soft but not melting. But you can also store them at room temp in a sealed container for a day or two if you’re serving right away.

How to Serve Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle a few extra chopped toasted hazelnuts on top for a little crunch and nice presentation. Sometimes, I dust them lightly with extra cocoa powder to amp up the chocolate look—makes them feel extra indulgent when guests come over.

Side Dishes

These truffles pair beautifully with a cup of strong espresso or a citrusy herbal tea like orange chamomile for a perfect after-dinner combo. I’ve also served them alongside fresh berries or a flaky biscotti to add some textural contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange the truffles in decorative mini cupcake liners and place them in a pretty box with a ribbon—makes a wonderful homemade gift. Another favorite is to serve them on a slate cheese board with slices of candied orange and dark chocolate shards for a chic dessert platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover truffles in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep beautifully for up to two weeks. This helps preserve their fudgy texture and keeps the hazelnuts nice and crunchy. Just make sure they’re covered well so they don’t absorb other fridge odors.

Freezing

These truffles freeze wonderfully! I’ve found that laying them out on a parchment-lined tray first prevents squishing, then after a couple hours, transferring them to a zip-top bag or container works best. When you want a quick treat, just thaw at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.

Reheating

Since these are no-bake truffles, reheating isn’t necessary, but if they’ve been frozen, let them come to room temp naturally—it maintains that perfect soft but firm bite. Avoid microwaving as it can cause them to melt unevenly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe has been a game-changer in my dessert rotation. It’s one of those recipes where the fancy flavors and textures come together effortlessly, but don’t require hours in the kitchen or complicated ingredients. I love sharing these with friends and seeing everyone’s faces light up with each bite. So, if you’re craving a luscious, homemade treat that feels a little special yet is super approachable, give these truffles a try—you won’t regret it!

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