Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe

If you’re craving a little chocolatey indulgence with a bright citrus twist, you’re going to absolutely adore this Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe. I first stumbled upon this combo wanting something rich but fresh, and the blend of orange marmalade with toasted hazelnuts and cocoa? Simply dreamy. Stick with me—I’ll take you through all the tips and tricks so you nail these truffles every time.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe complement each other beautifully. The natural nuttiness of the hazelnuts pairs perfectly with the vibrant citrus notes from the orange marmalade, while the cocoa powder brings that deep chocolatey richness. When shopping, I recommend getting raw hazelnuts and a high-quality, fruit-sweetened marmalade for the best flavor.

• Hazelnuts: Using raw hazelnuts lets you toast them yourself if you wish—freshly toasted nuts boost flavor tremendously.
• Orange marmalade: I love a fruit-sweetened brand for balanced sweetness without overpowering sugar.
• Cocoa powder: Opt for unsweetened natural cocoa to keep the bitterness that contrasts perfectly with the sweet marmalade.
• Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and a subtle depth—feel free to use pure grade A maple syrup.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors, bringing warmth and complexity.
• Coconut sugar: Provides a subtle caramel note and helps bind the truffle mixture without being overly sweet.
• Finely chopped hazelnuts or extra cocoa powder: Coating your truffles adds a delightful texture and visual appeal.
• Whole hazelnuts: For that irresistible crunchy surprise in the center of each truffle.

Variations

I enjoy playing around with this Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe depending on the occasion or what I have on hand—feel free to customize it to your taste! These adaptations make it easy to keep the core flavors you love but switch things up.

• Swap the orange marmalade for raspberry jam: I tried this once and it gave a lovely fruity freshness that went surprisingly well with hazelnuts and chocolate.
• Add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne: For when you want a subtle spicy kick—turns these truffles into an exciting treat for adventurous palates.
• Use almond butter instead of hazelnuts: A handy allergy-friendly twist that still keeps the nutty richness.
• Coat in crushed toasted coconut: My family loves this tropical flair on the outside for an extra layer of texture.

How to Make Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe

Step 1: Process Your Hazelnuts Into a Fine Meal

Start by adding your raw hazelnuts to a food processor and pulse until they form a fine meal. I like to pulse carefully because I don’t want them oily—which happens if you process too long. Once you hit the right crumbly texture, you’re ready for the next step.

Step 2: Blend All the Truffle Ingredients (Except Coconut Sugar)

Add orange marmalade, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and coconut sugar (except the last one) to the hazelnut meal. Process everything until well combined and smooth. This step is where magic happens—everything starts to come together into that luscious truffle base. I like to scrape down the sides occasionally so all gets mixed evenly.

Step 3: Add Coconut Sugar and Adjust Texture

Now add coconut sugar and pulse again until the mixture just starts to clump. You want it to form a dough-like consistency so it can roll into balls. Here’s the trick I discovered: grab a small bit and try rolling it between your fingers—if it’s too sticky, add a bit more cocoa powder and pulse again; if it’s dry and crumbly, add a teaspoon of maple syrup or a little extra marmalade and process.

Step 4: Shape and Fill Your Truffles

Spread your chopped hazelnuts or cocoa powder in a small bowl for coating. Line a tray with parchment paper. Take a spoonful (1-2 tbsp) of the mixture and roll it into a ball with your hands. Press a whole hazelnut into the center and roll again to enclose it. Then roll the truffle in your coating to finish. Place it on the parchment-lined tray. Repeat until all your mixture is used.

Step 5: Chill and Enjoy

Pop the tray in the fridge for around 30 minutes to firm up. Once chilled, these truffles have a perfect texture—soft yet holding together with that satisfying bite. I prefer storing them refrigerated for the best freshness, but they’re also great at room temp for a day or two.

How to Serve Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick with finely chopped toasted hazelnuts as the coating because I love that crunch and the visual appeal it adds to the truffles. Sometimes, I dust them lightly with cocoa powder for a rustic look or roll a few in shredded coconut for a tropical touch. It really depends on my mood—and what guests are coming over.

Side Dishes

Serve these truffles alongside a hot cup of espresso or black tea to balance their sweetness perfectly. I also love pairing them with fresh berries or a crisp green salad for a light dessert course after a meal. They add such a fancy flair without any fuss!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like arranging the truffles in a pretty box lined with parchment paper or a decorative tin tied with a fresh ribbon—makes a thoughtful homemade gift. You can also personalize the topping coatings, maybe sprinkle some edible gold dust for a festive touch. Little details make these simple truffles feel truly luxurious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After trying several methods, I keep leftover truffles chilled in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh and firm for up to a week, which is perfect for nibbling whenever the chocolate craving hits. Just bring them to room temperature a few minutes before enjoying.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these truffles successfully by placing them on a parchment-lined tray to pre-freeze, then transferring to a freezer-safe container. They keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly on the counter—super handy when you want to prep treats for later!

Reheating

Since these are no-bake truffles, reheating isn’t really necessary, but if they feel a bit firm from the fridge or freezer, I just let them sit at room temp for 10-15 minutes. This softens them perfectly without losing the texture or flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I honestly can’t recommend this Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe enough—it’s one of those recipes where the flavors are so well balanced, and it comes together so quickly, that it’s become my go-to for homemade gifts and special treats. The contrast of the bright orange, rich chocolate, and crunchy nutty center? It just hits the spot every. single. time. Give this a try and watch your friends and family go crazy for these fab little bites!

Print