If you’re craving something both indulgent and a little zesty, you’re going to adore this Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe. Imagine creamy hazelnut centers wrapped in rich cocoa and kissed with bright orange marmalade — it’s like a flavor party in your mouth that’s also vegan and gluten-free!

Seven round chocolate balls are placed closely together in a small white bowl. Each ball has a smooth, dark brown chocolate coating and is topped with a sprinkling of small, light tan nut pieces. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with soft natural lighting highlighting the textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I first made these truffles on a whim, and honestly, they quickly became my go-to treat for everything from afternoon coffee breaks to last-minute dessert gifts. They’re fun to make, require zero baking, and are just packed with flavor and texture.

Rich and Decadent: The blend of cocoa and hazelnuts is deeply satisfying without feeling heavy.
Vegan & Gluten-Free: Perfect for friends with dietary preferences — everyone can enjoy them!
Quick & No-Bake: Ready in just 20 minutes plus a short chill, no oven needed.
Customizable Coating: Choose between crunchy chopped hazelnuts or smooth, intense cocoa powder.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before diving in, here’s a quick heads-up on the ingredients. I recommend using raw hazelnuts for the best flavor and texture, and a fruit-sweetened orange marmalade adds that perfect balance of zesty and sweet without overpowering the chocolate. You’ll find the rest are pantry staples that come together beautifully.

Flat lay of raw whole hazelnuts scattered next to a small white bowl filled with fine cocoa powder, a small white bowl holding glossy orange marmalade, a small white bowl of golden maple syrup, a small white bowl containing light brown coconut sugar crystals, a small white bowl of clear pale vanilla extract, and a separate small white bowl with finely chopped hazelnuts, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Raw Hazelnuts: Ground into a meal, they create the rich nutty base essential for texture and flavor.
Fruit-Sweetened Orange Marmalade: Adds bright citrus notes that lift the chocolate, plus natural sweetness.
Cocoa Powder: Gives that classic chocolate depth and a bittersweet richness.
Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that complements the orange and hazelnut perfectly.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors without stealing the spotlight.
Coconut Sugar: Adds subtle caramel undertones and helps bind the mixture.
Finely Chopped Hazelnuts or Extra Cocoa Powder: Your choice for coating — crunchy or smooth finish.
Whole Hazelnuts for the Center: The delightful surprise inside each truffle.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe is how wonderfully adaptable it is. Whether you love that crunchy nutty texture or prefer a smooth cocoa finish, there’s a version for every mood and occasion.

Nut-Free Variation: Swap out hazelnuts for ground almonds or pumpkin seeds if you want to avoid nuts. I tried almond meal once, and while the flavor shifted subtly, the texture remained delightfully rich and creamy.
Fruit Flavor Swap: I love replacing orange marmalade with raspberry jam for a tart twist that pairs beautifully with the chocolate and hazelnuts. It brings a fresh burst of flavor that’s equally irresistible.
Coating Choices: For extra crunch, finely chopped hazelnuts are my go-to—they add a satisfying texture contrast. If you want a more intense chocolate experience, coating your truffles in cocoa powder keeps them silky and decadent.
Spice It Up: Don’t hesitate to add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of chili powder to the truffle mixture for an unexpected warm kick. I tried cinnamon once and found it added a lovely warmth without overpowering the orange essence.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe

A close-up view of round chocolate truffles, with one truffle bitten to show the inside. The outer layer is a smooth dark chocolate shell, slightly shiny and firm. Inside, there is a rich, dense, textured chocolate filling that looks soft and creamy. On top of the truffles, small pieces of light-colored nuts are scattered, adding contrast and texture. The truffles rest on a white marbled surface, with a blurred dark brown background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Transform Your Hazelnuts into a Fine Meal

Begin by processing 1 ½ cups of raw hazelnuts in your food processor until they form a fine, crumbly meal. The texture should be sandy but not paste-like—this is the foundation for your truffles, so take your time to get it just right. You’ll notice a wonderful nutty aroma filling your kitchen at this point!

Step 2: Blend in the Sweetness and Cocoa Magic

Next, add ½ cup of fruit-sweetened orange marmalade, ¾ cup of cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, and ¼ cup coconut sugar to the hazelnut meal. Pulse everything together in the processor until the mixture starts to come together and slightly balls up. To check the consistency, take a small pinch and try rolling it into a ball. If it feels too wet, sprinkle in a bit more cocoa powder; if it’s too dry, add a splash of maple syrup or orange marmalade, then pulse again. This little test ensures your truffles hold perfectly without being crumbly or sticky.

Step 3: Prep Your Coating and Workspace

Choose your favorite coating—either ½ cup finely chopped hazelnuts or extra cocoa powder—and spread it out in a shallow bowl. Line a tray or plate with parchment paper for easy cleanup and truffle resting. Keep your 15-18 whole hazelnuts within reach for stuffing inside each truffle. Having everything prepped makes the rolling stage smooth and enjoyable.

Step 4: Shape, Stuff, and Seal

Scoop out about 1-2 tablespoons of truffle mixture—a generous spoonful that feels just right in your hand. Roll it into a ball, then press a whole hazelnut into the center before rolling it again to seal that nutty surprise inside. This little center adds a delightful crunch and a beautiful burst of texture in every bite.

Step 5: Coat and Chill to Perfection

Roll each stuffed truffle in your prepared coating until fully covered, then place them on your parchment-lined tray. Once all your truffles are coated, pop the tray in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let them firm up beautifully. Chilling not only sets the flavors but also makes handling easier—plus, it’s the hardest part because they’re tempting to dive into right away!

Top Tip

Making the perfect Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe is all about balancing texture and flavor. These tips will help you get that ideal creamy center and a delightful coating every time.

Achieving the right consistency: When your mixture starts to come together in the food processor, test by rolling a small ball. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more cocoa powder. If it feels dry, a little extra maple syrup or orange marmalade will do the trick. This little check ensures perfect shaping without frustration.
Coating choices matter: I personally love the crunch of finely chopped hazelnuts for a contrast to the creamy truffle center, but if you prefer a smooth finish, rolling them in cocoa powder gives a rich, velvety touch. Don’t be afraid to mix it up based on your mood or guest preferences!
Keep your hands cool and dry: When shaping the truffles, if the mixture sticks too much, a quick chill in the fridge for 10 minutes or washing your hands with cold water can make rolling easier and less messy.
Don’t rush chilling: Refrigerate the truffles for the full 30 minutes to let them set properly. This step ensures they hold together beautifully and develop their complex flavor profile.

How to Serve Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface filled with a light brown creamy mixture with dark chocolate shavings scattered on top, creating a speckled texture across the top layer. The mixture appears smooth and slightly frothy with small bubbles, and the chocolate pieces vary in size and shape, some partially submerged, giving a rich contrast to the pale creamy base. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

These truffles are already stunning on their own, but you can elevate the presentation with some fresh ideas. Try sprinkling them lightly with edible gold dust for a festive touch or adding a tiny twist of orange zest on top to hint at the citrus inside. A few fresh mint leaves or serving them alongside a dollop of coconut whipped cream can also add refreshing contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair your Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles with a hot cup of rich coffee or herbal tea to balance the richness. They also go wonderfully with fresh berries or a light fruit salad—think blood oranges or raspberries—to complement the zesty orange marmalade flavor. These combinations make a sophisticated dessert plate perfect for entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your truffles in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They do well at room temperature, but for the best texture and longer shelf life, refrigeration is recommended. Properly stored, they’ll keep delicious for up to a week.

Freezing

If you want to make these truffles ahead or save extras for later, they freeze beautifully. Place them in a sealed container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours before enjoying.

Reheating

Since these are no-bake truffles, reheating isn’t necessary. Simply bring frozen truffles to room temperature or chill thawed truffles in the fridge to restore the best texture before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other nuts besides hazelnuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! While hazelnuts provide the classic flavor and crunch, you can substitute almonds, walnuts, or pecans depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that the overall flavor will shift accordingly.

Is this Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe suitable for people with gluten intolerance?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat or gluten-containing ingredients, making it a safe and delicious option for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

Can I make these truffles without a food processor?

A food processor makes grinding the hazelnuts and mixing the ingredients much easier. Without one, you could finely chop the hazelnuts by hand and mix thoroughly, but it may be challenging to achieve the perfect texture for rolling. If you don’t have a processor, consider pulsing nuts in a blender carefully.

How long should the truffles be refrigerated before serving?

Refrigerate the truffles for at least 30 minutes to allow them to set and develop their flavors. This chilling time helps the truffles firm up so they hold their shape beautifully when served.

Final Thoughts

Thanks for joining me in making these delightful Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe! They’re one of my favorite treats when I want something elegant yet simple, rich but still wholesome. Whether you enjoy them with family, serve them at your next gathering, or savor a quiet moment with a cup of tea, these truffles bring that perfect balance of zesty, nutty, and chocolaty goodness. Have fun experimenting, and don’t forget to share your own variations and stories! Happy truffle making!