If you’re a fan of rich, decadent bites with a zesty twist, you’re going to adore this Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe. I absolutely love how these truffles balance deep chocolate, bright citrus, and crunchy hazelnuts into one irresistible little treat. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, these truffles deliver all the cozy vibes and gourmet flavor without any complicated steps. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of wholesome items that come together effortlessly.
- No Baking Required: Perfect for those days when you want tasty treats without turning on the oven.
- Gourmet Flavor Combo: The bright orange marmalade cuts through the rich cocoa and nutty hazelnuts beautifully.
- Versatile & Vegan: Completely plant-based and gluten-free, pleasing a wide range of dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe really lies in the harmony of its ingredients. Each one brings something special: the tangy marmalade, the earthy cocoa, and the crunch of hazelnuts. When shopping, look for a good-quality orange marmalade with natural sweetness—it makes all the difference!
- Hazelnuts (raw): I like using raw hazelnuts because they toast up nicely if you want a deeper flavor. Plus, they blend smoothly into the truffle base.
- Orange marmalade: A fruit-sweetened marmalade works great to keep the sweetness natural without overpowering the chocolate.
- Cocoa powder: Go for unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa for a rich, velvety chocolate flavor.
- Maple syrup: This adds sweetness and moisture—you can tweak the amount depending on your taste.
- Pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Coconut sugar: Helps with texture and adds a hint of caramel sweetness.
- Extra chopped hazelnuts or cocoa powder (for coating): Adds a lovely finish and texture to your truffles.
- Whole hazelnuts for the center: A surprise crunch that makes each bite exciting.
Variations
I love experimenting with this Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe depending on the season or mood. Feel free to make it your own—it’s super forgiving!
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne for a little heat—you’d be surprised how well that plays with the chocolate and orange.
- Nut-Free: Swap hazelnuts for finely chopped almonds or pumpkin seeds if you’re allergic; texture and flavor stay just as divine.
- Different Coatings: Try rolling your truffles in shredded coconut or crushed freeze-dried raspberries to switch things up.
- Sweetener Swap: Replace maple syrup with agave or brown rice syrup if that’s what you have on hand.
How to Make Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Hazelnuts and Base
Start by processing your raw hazelnuts in a food processor until they turn into a fine meal—this typically takes about 1-2 minutes. Don’t rush this step; you want a crumbly texture without releasing too much oil. Then add the orange marmalade, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and process again until everything is combined into a thick, slightly sticky paste. After that, sprinkle in the coconut sugar and pulse once more to incorporate it evenly. You’ll notice the mixture beginning to come together—this is your cue to do a “ball test”: scoop a small bit and try rolling it in your hands. Not sticky enough? Add a touch more marmalade or maple syrup. Too wet? A pinch more cocoa powder helps firm it up.
Step 2: Shape and Fill Your Truffles
Spread your chopped hazelnuts or cocoa powder out in a shallow bowl—this will be the finishing coat for your truffles. Next, line a tray with parchment paper to set your truffles on as they firm up. Now here’s a fun part: scoop about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture, roll it into a rough ball, and then gently press one whole hazelnut into the center. Roll the ball up again, sealing the hazelnut inside like a treasure. Then roll your truffle in the coating of choice, ensuring it’s fully covered before transferring it to your tray. Repeat until you’ve used all the mixture—it’s such a satisfying process.
Step 3: Chill and Enjoy!
Pop your tray into the fridge for about 30 minutes so the truffles set nicely. This chilling step gives the truffles a firm but tender texture that just melts in your mouth. Once chilled, these beauties are ready to enjoy immediately! I like to keep mine refrigerated for best texture, but they’ve held up well at room temperature for a few hours when sharing with friends—just make sure you store them in an airtight container.
Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe
- Toast Your Hazelnuts: I like to lightly toast my raw hazelnuts before processing to deepen their flavor and add that toasty crunch in the coating.
- Don’t Skip the Chill: Chilling helps the truffles firm up so they hold their shape — otherwise, they might feel a bit too soft or sticky.
- Use Quality Cocoa: The cocoa really shines in this recipe, so investing in a good brand makes a noticeable difference in taste.
- Seal the Hazelnut Well: When you press the whole hazelnut inside, make sure to roll the mixture tightly around it to avoid leaks while rolling in the coating.
How to Serve Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep it simple—and elegant—by garnishing my truffles with finely chopped hazelnuts, but another favorite is a light dusting of cocoa powder or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. These little touches enhance texture and highlight the rich, citrusy chocolate flavor.
Side Dishes
Since these truffles are rich and vibrant, I love pairing them with a strong cup of espresso or some herbal tea, like mint or chamomile. For a brunch or dessert spread, placing them alongside fresh berries or whipped coconut cream balances their intensity.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or gifts, I arrange these truffles in pretty paper liners inside a decorated box or a glass jar tied with a ribbon. I even experimented with rolling them in crushed edible gold leaf once—it was a showstopper at a party! You can also surprise friends by adding a dusting of chili powder or orange zest for extra pizzazz.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover truffles in an airtight container in the fridge where they stay fresh for up to a week. If you let them sit too long at room temp, they might get a little soft, so refrigeration is your best bet for maintaining that perfect texture.
Freezing
These truffles freeze wonderfully, which is great if you want to make a big batch ahead of time. I freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a sealed container or zip-top bag. When you want to enjoy, just thaw in the fridge overnight—you’ll find they stay just as delicious and fresh.
Reheating
Since these are no-bake and served chilled, I don’t reheat them. Instead, I let frozen truffles come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before enjoying. This subtle warming helps unlock all the flavor without sacrificing texture.
FAQs
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Can I use a different nut instead of hazelnuts in the Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe?
Absolutely! While hazelnuts give the recipe its classic flavor and crunch, you can substitute almonds, walnuts, or even pecans if you prefer or have allergies. Just note that the flavor profile will shift slightly, but it’s still delicious.
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Is this Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is entirely plant-based and gluten-free, making it perfect for a variety of diets. Just double-check your marmalade and cocoa powder labels to be sure they’re free from additives.
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How do I know when the truffle mixture is ready to roll?
The best test is to try rolling a small spoonful into a ball with your hands. If it holds shape without sticking to your fingers too much or falling apart, it’s ready. If too sticky, add a bit more cocoa powder; if too crumbly, add a touch more maple syrup or marmalade and process again.
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Can I make these truffles ahead of time for gifting?
Definitely! These truffles keep well refrigerated for up to a week and freeze well for longer storage, making them fantastic for prepping ahead of holidays or special occasions. Just make sure to package them in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
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What is the best way to store leftover Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps maintain their texture and flavor. For longer storage, freeze them, and thaw in the fridge before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s such an easy way to impress without stress. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how something so simple could taste so rich and indulgent. Now, it’s become my go-to gift and weekend treat. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these truffles as much as I do—they really bring a moment of happiness with every bite. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to these heavenly truffles—you won’t regret it!
Print
Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 20 min
- Yield: 15-18 truffles
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delight in these rich and decadent Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles featuring a luscious combination of raw hazelnuts, fruity orange marmalade, and smooth cocoa powder. These vegan, gluten-free truffles are coated with finely chopped hazelnuts for a perfect crunchy texture and hold a whole hazelnut center for an extra nutty surprise. They are easy to prepare and require no baking, making them a quick and elegant treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups raw hazelnuts
- ½ cup orange marmalade (fruit sweetened preferred)
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
Coating
- ½ cup finely chopped hazelnuts or extra cocoa powder
- 15-18 extra hazelnuts for center
Instructions
- Prepare Hazelnut Meal: Process 1 ½ cups of raw hazelnuts in a food processor until they become a fine meal.
- Combine Ingredients: Add orange marmalade, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the hazelnut meal in the processor. Process until the mixture is combined.
- Add Coconut Sugar: Add ¼ cup coconut sugar and process again until the mixture starts to come together and slightly ball up. Test the consistency by rolling a small amount into a ball; adjust by adding more cocoa powder if too wet or more maple syrup or jam if too dry, processing again as needed.
- Prepare Coating: Spread the finely chopped hazelnuts or cocoa powder in a bowl for coating the truffles later. Line a plate or tray with parchment paper.
- Form Truffles: Scoop 1-2 tablespoons of truffle mixture and roll into a ball with your hands. Press one whole hazelnut into the center and reshape the ball to seal it inside.
- Coat Truffles: Roll each truffle in the chopped hazelnut or cocoa powder coating until evenly covered. Place finished truffles on the lined tray.
- Chill: Refrigerate the truffles for at least 30 minutes to set. Store in a sealed container at room temperature, refrigerated, or frozen for later enjoyment, with refrigeration recommended for best texture.
Notes
- These truffles are vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free when using fruit sweetened marmalade and coconut sugar.
- Coating with finely chopped hazelnuts adds a delightful crunch; alternatively, use cocoa powder for a smoother coating.
- Adjust the moisture of the mixture with additional cocoa powder or maple syrup/jam to achieve the perfect consistency for rolling.
- They keep well refrigerated and can be frozen for extended storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle (approx. 20g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
