There’s something irresistibly decadent about the zing of fresh orange paired with rich dark chocolate. If you’re looking to impress or simply indulge, this Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe is your ticket to a lush, vegan treat that melts in your mouth with every bite.

A cluster of small round truffles coated in a light brown powder rests scattered on a white marbled surface, with faint smudges of the powder around them. To the left, a half of a bright orange sits with its juicy segments clearly visible, while smaller orange wedges and thin strips of orange peel are arranged sporadically around the truffles. The colors are warm and natural with the rich brown of the truffles contrasting with the vibrant orange slices. 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 Truffles Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made these truffles countless times for friends and family, and they always vanish within minutes. The perfect balance of citrus and chocolate, combined with a vegan-friendly approach, makes these little bites both special and universally loved.

Rich and Zesty: Dark chocolate and fresh orange juice create a vibrant flavor pairing that’s both indulgent and refreshing.
Vegan and Simple: No complicated ingredients—just a handful of staples that come together effortlessly.
Perfectly Portable: These truffles hold up well, making them great for gifting or bringing to holiday parties.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Smooth, velvety, and dusted with cocoa powder for that classic finishing touch.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When making these Chocolate Orange Truffles, quality ingredients really make a difference. I always recommend fresh orange juice and using dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content to achieve that perfect robust flavor and luxurious texture.

Flat lay of broken pieces of glossy dark chocolate, a few smooth whole brown coconut oil nuts halved to show inside, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly squeezed orange juice, a small pile of fresh orange zest with bright peel strips, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fine white icing sugar, a small white ceramic bowl containing rich dark cocoa powder, all arranged with perfect symmetry 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

Dark chocolate: I love using 70% cocoa chocolate because it gives a deep, intense flavor without being overly bitter.
Refined coconut oil: This adds creaminess and shine without imparting a coconut taste, keeping the orange and chocolate front and center.
Orange juice: Freshly squeezed is a must—it brings a bright, natural citrus aroma and flavor that bottled juice just can’t match.
Orange zest: The zest intensifies the orange flavor with fragrant oils that complement the chocolate perfectly.
Icing sugar: Sweetness is essential here to balance the dark chocolate and tart citrus.
Cocoa powder: Added to the mix and for dusting—it adds a sophisticated finish and just a hint of extra chocolate depth.

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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 Truffles Recipe is how easy it is to make your own personal twists. Whether you like things a little sweeter, more zesty, or with a bit of crunch, there’s plenty of room to play around and make this recipe truly yours.

Orange Zest Swap: If you want a fresh twist, try substituting the orange zest with lemon zest. It brightens the flavor and adds a lovely citrus sharpness. I did this last holiday season, and my guests were pleasantly surprised by the fresh zing!
Nutty Delight: For a lovely texture contrast, roll your truffles in finely crushed pistachios or chopped hazelnuts instead of cocoa powder. The extra crunch took these truffles from great to unforgettable in my last batch.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder to the mixture for a warming, unexpected kick. It’s a fun way to liven up the truffles during colder months.
Extra Zesty: Increase the orange juice or zest slightly for an even more pronounced citrus flavor, perfect if you love that refreshing orange tang to balance the rich dark chocolate.
Sweeten or Lighten: Adjust the icing sugar if you prefer a sweeter touch or want to control the sweetness level. Remember, the dark chocolate is quite intense, so a little extra sweetness can sometimes be a nice balance.

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

A white square plate holds a pile of loose dark brown powder spread mostly on one side. On top of the powder, near the center of the plate, there is a single small round ball fully coated in the same dark brown powder. A woman's hand gently pinches the ball between her thumb and index finger from the right side of the frame, slightly lifting it from the powder. The background beneath the plate is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Chop the Chocolate into Even Pieces

Start by chopping your 3.5 oz of dark chocolate (70% cocoa) into small, even pieces. This helps the chocolate melt evenly without scorching. I find that doing this on a sturdy cutting board with a sharp knife makes it quick and safe. Seeing the tiny chunks already makes you anticipate that smooth, rich melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Step 2: Gently Melt the Chocolate Over Boiling Water

Set a heatproof bowl over a saucepan filled with simmering water (make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water). Add the chopped chocolate and stir continuously with a spatula or spoon. This gentle method prevents burning and keeps the chocolate glossy. Once it’s fully melted and silky smooth, remove the bowl from the heat.

Step 3: Stir in Refined Coconut Oil for Shine and Texture

Immediately add 2 tablespoons of refined coconut oil to the melted chocolate and stir until the mixture is beautifully combined and has a shiny sheen. The refined coconut oil helps give the truffles a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture without adding any coconut flavor. This step really elevates the richness.

Step 4: Mix in Fresh Orange Juice, Zest, and Sugars

Now, add in 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice, ½ teaspoon of orange zest, 2 tablespoons of icing sugar, and 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder. Stir vigorously until you get a smooth, homogeneous mixture. The fresh orange juice and zest bring a vibrant citrus aroma that pairs perfectly with the deep chocolate notes.

Step 5: Chill the Mixture Until Firm but Pliable

Pop the bowl into your refrigerator and let the mixture chill for about 25 minutes. I like to check around 15 minutes to avoid over-chilling; you want it firm enough to shape but still soft enough to handle. Trust me, this chilling time is key for that perfect creamy texture.

Step 6: Shape the Truffles with Care

Using a small spoon, scoop out portions of the chilled mixture. Roll each portion gently between your palms to form smooth, round balls. If your hands tend to be warm, dust them lightly with cocoa powder first to prevent the chocolate from melting too fast. If the mixture feels sticky, just pop it back in the fridge for a bit more chilling.

Step 7: Dust Your Truffles for a Beautiful Finish

Pour some cocoa powder onto a plate and roll each truffle until it’s evenly coated with the powder. This step adds a lovely matte finish and a slight bitter contrast to the sweet, zesty interior—making every bite delightful.

Step 8: Store and Enjoy at Room Temperature

Store your Chocolate Orange Truffles in an airtight container. I recommend serving them at room temperature to enjoy their ideal texture and rich flavors. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week, or you can freeze them for longer storage.

Top Tip

Getting your Chocolate Orange Truffles just right is easier with a few insider tips. These little nuggets of advice will help you nail the texture, flavor, and presentation every time.

Perfect Consistency: I like to keep a close watch as the mixture chills — around 25 minutes usually does the trick. If it’s too soft to roll, pop it back into the fridge for a bit; too firm? Let it sit at room temperature just a moment.
Prevent Melting: Rolling the truffles can get messy if your hands are warm, so dust your palms with cocoa powder before shaping. It helped me keep the truffles smooth and neat without getting sticky chocolate all over.
Freshness Matters: Using freshly squeezed orange juice and zest really lifts the flavor. I once used bottled juice and missed that bright, zesty kick — fresh is definitely the way to go.
Coating Creativity: Don’t feel limited to just cocoa powder — crushed nuts or shredded coconut add a lovely texture and variety, making these truffles uniquely yours.

How to Serve Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe

A pile of round chocolate truffles covered in a brown powder dusting sits on a white plate. Each truffle has a rough, soft texture with a light layer of cocoa powder, and a few are decorated with small, thin yellow-orange zest pieces on top. The truffles are stacked atop one another, filling most of the plate, which rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Elevate your truffles by garnishing with a sprinkle of finely grated orange zest on top to enhance their citrus aroma. You can also try a dusting of extra cocoa powder or roll them in crushed pistachios or chopped candied orange peel for a festive touch and extra crunch.

Side Dishes

Serve your Chocolate Orange Truffles alongside a cup of rich espresso or a robust black tea to balance the sweetness and amplify the chocolate and citrus notes. They also pair wonderfully with fresh berries or a delicate vegan shortbread for an indulgent dessert spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. They’ll stay delicious for up to one week — perfect for prepping ahead for holiday gatherings or special occasions.

Freezing

For longer storage, place the truffles in a freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper to avoid sticking. Freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture.

Reheating

These truffles are best enjoyed at room temperature. After refrigeration or thawing from the freezer, set them out for about 15 minutes to soften slightly and bring out their rich, creamy texture — no reheating needed.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for this recipe?

While milk chocolate can be used, the rich, slightly bitter flavor of 70% dark chocolate balances beautifully with the orange zest and juice, giving the truffles their signature depth. Using dark chocolate is highly recommended for the best taste and texture.

Why should I use refined coconut oil?

Refined coconut oil is preferred because it has a neutral flavor, so it won’t overpower the delicate chocolate orange taste. Unrefined coconut oil can impart a coconut aroma which might clash with the citrus notes.

My mixture is too sticky to roll; what can I do?

If the mixture is sticky, simply chill it a bit longer in the refrigerator before shaping. Also, dusting your hands generously with cocoa powder before rolling can help prevent sticking and make the process smoother.

How long do these truffles last once made?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the truffles will stay fresh for up to one week. For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option, allowing them to last up to three months.

Final Thoughts

Making these Chocolate Orange Truffles has become one of my favorite little rituals — the perfect blend of rich dark chocolate with fresh citrus always feels like a celebration in every bite. Whether you’re gifting them or treating yourself, they’re a luxurious yet simple indulgence that never fails to impress. I hope you enjoy making and savoring them as much as I do!