Name: Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe
Prep time: 50 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups hazelnuts (raw); ½ cup orange marmalade (fruit sweetened or preferred jam flavor); ¾ cup cocoa powder; 3 tbsp maple syrup; 2 tsp pure vanilla extract; ¼ cup coconut sugar; ½ cup finely chopped hazelnuts or extra cocoa powder (for coating); 15-18 whole hazelnuts (for center)

If you love the classic combo of chocolate and orange, you are going to adore this Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe. These little gems are rich, vegan, and packed with the perfect zing of orange marmalade and crunchy hazelnuts. Let me tell you, they’re a game-changer for anyone who craves a decadent treat without fuss.

A round white bowl holds seven smooth, dark chocolate-covered balls arranged closely together. Each ball is topped with a sprinkle of small, light beige chopped nuts, creating a crunchy texture contrast. The dark chocolate coating has a glossy, even surface, and the nut pieces add a crunchy and textured layer on top. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright background. 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’ve made these truffles more times than I can count, and every time, they impress — friends, family, and me included! The balance of dark chocolate with citrus and nuts means they never get boring, and they’re so simple to pull together.

Easy No-Bake Treat: No oven needed, perfect for quick homemade indulgence.
Vegan & Gluten-Free: Everyone can enjoy these, regardless of dietary restrictions.
Perfect Texture: Creamy with a crunchy whole hazelnut center for a delightful surprise.
Customizable Flavor: Swap orange marmalade for your favorite jam to make it your own.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Shopping for these ingredients is simple because they’re mostly pantry staples with a healthy twist. I always recommend using raw hazelnuts to get that fresh nutty flavor, and choosing a quality fruit-sweetened orange marmalade really lifts the taste to the next level.

Flat lay of raw whole hazelnuts scattered beside a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright orange marmalade, a slightly mound of rich dark brown cocoa powder in a white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl containing amber maple syrup, a small white bowl with clear pale vanilla extract, a small white bowl holding light brown coconut sugar, and a separate small white bowl with finely chopped hazelnuts, all ingredients fresh and natural, arranged in 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

Raw Hazelnuts: The base of the truffle, providing natural oils and a rich, nutty flavor.
Orange Marmalade: Adds a zesty citrus brightness that perfectly complements the chocolate.
Cocoa Powder: For deep chocolate flavor without added sugar, balancing the sweetness.
Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that also helps the mixture bind together.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with subtle warmth and depth.
Coconut Sugar: Adds mild caramel notes and a bit of texture to the mix.
Chopped Hazelnuts or Cocoa Powder (for coating): Adds a final crunchy or velvety touch to the truffle exterior.
Whole Hazelnuts (for center): The delicious nutty surprise inside each truffle.

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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 Hazelnut Truffles Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to play with the flavors or adapt it to what you have on hand, these truffles are forgiving and delightful every time.

Orange marmalade swap: I’ve made these with raspberry or strawberry jam instead of orange marmalade for a berry twist—equally delicious and bright!
Coating choices: If chopped hazelnuts aren’t your thing, try rolling the truffles in shredded coconut or crushed freeze-dried fruit for a colorful flair.
Toast the nuts: Toasting raw hazelnuts before processing adds a warm, nutty depth to the flavor. Just watch them closely so they don’t burn!
Sweetness tweak: Depending on your jam sweetness, you might want to reduce or increase the maple syrup or coconut sugar. I usually keep it just as in the recipe, but feel free to adjust for your taste buds.
Nut-free version: You can swap hazelnuts with almonds or pecans if you prefer a different nutty note or have allergies (just be sure to update coatings accordingly).
Festive editions: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of orange liqueur for holiday vibes—those subtle hints really elevate the truffle experience.

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

A close-up view of chocolate truffles shows one truffle with a bite taken out, revealing a dense and textured dark chocolate filling inside a smooth, shiny dark chocolate shell. The truffle topped with small pieces of light-colored nuts contrasts with the rich dark brown of the outer chocolate. Surrounding truffles are fully coated in dark chocolate and some are also sprinkled with bits of nuts. The truffles rest against each other on a white marbled surface with a soft, blurred wooden background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preparing the Hazelnut Meal

Start by pulsing 1 ½ cups of raw hazelnuts in your food processor until they become a fine meal—think along the lines of coarse flour rather than smooth butter. Be careful not to over-process here; you still want a bit of texture that gives these truffles a lovely nuttiness. This step lays the perfect foundation for your truffles.

Step 2: Mixing the Flavorful Ingredients

Next, add ½ cup of orange marmalade, ¾ cup of cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons of maple syrup, and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract directly into the food processor with the hazelnut meal. Process everything together until the mixture forms an even, dark, and richly scented batter. You’ll notice that zesty citrus aroma start to intertwine beautifully with the chocolate and nuts—it’s mouthwatering already!

Step 3: Incorporating the Coconut Sugar

Now, sprinkle in ¼ cup of coconut sugar and run the processor once more. The mixture should begin to come together to a point where you can roll it into balls—if it’s a bit too wet, just add more cocoa powder to balance it out. Conversely, if it feels dry and crumbly, splash in a bit more maple syrup or marmalade and pulse again. Getting this texture just right is key for easy shaping later on.

Step 4: Setting Up the Coating Station

Prepare your coating by spreading ½ cup of finely chopped hazelnuts or extra cocoa powder in a shallow bowl. Line a tray or a plate with parchment paper to rest your finished truffles. Have 15–18 whole hazelnuts handy as the delicious surprise centers to place inside each truffle.

Step 5: Forming the Truffles

Using a tablespoon or two of the mixture, roll it between your palms to create a ball. Press one whole hazelnut firmly into the center, then gently roll the ball again to seal it. This hidden nutty crunch in every bite is what takes these truffles to the next level and is always a crowd-pleaser.

Step 6: Coating the Truffles

Roll each truffle thoroughly in your hazelnut or cocoa powder coating, making sure it’s evenly covered for texture and visual appeal. Place the coated truffles on your lined tray as you go. You’ll end up with about 18 luscious little gems.

Step 7: Chill and Enjoy

Pop the tray into the fridge and chill the truffles for at least 30 minutes. This sets everything nicely so they hold their shape and the flavors meld beautifully. Once chilled, store your Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles in an airtight container at room temperature, in the fridge, or even frozen if you want to keep them longer. I personally love them chilled for that perfect bite, but it’s completely up to your texture preference!

Top Tip

Making the perfect Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles is all about the texture and balance of flavors. These tips will help you get that smooth, rich bite every time!

Texture is Key: If the mixture feels too wet to roll, adding a bit more cocoa powder is your best friend. I’ve found that a little extra cocoa powder brings it to just the right consistency without drying out the flavor.
Flavor Balance: >I learned that the quality and type of orange marmalade makes a big difference. Using a fruit sweetened marmalade with real citrus bits gives the truffles a natural tang that complements the hazelnuts beautifully.
Rolling Technique: When pressing the whole hazelnut into the center, make sure to completely reseal the chocolate mixture around it. This keeps the nut perfectly encased and keeps the truffle shape intact during chilling.
Coating Choice: Coating with either chopped hazelnuts or cocoa powder works great, but rolling in chopped hazelnuts adds a lovely crunch and visual appeal that really elevates the treat.

How to Serve Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe

A clear glass bowl filled with a foamy mixture that has a creamy white base and is scattered with small, dark brown chocolate pieces that appear finely chopped. The mixture has a smooth but slightly bubbly texture, with some light brown swirls spreading across the surface. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, capturing a top-down view. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles look as tempting as they taste, try a light dusting of extra cocoa powder or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted hazelnuts right before serving. For a festive touch, you can also zest some fresh orange peel over them for an added burst of citrus aroma and color contrast.

Side Dishes

These truffles pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, a rich black tea, or even a bright citrusy herbal tea to highlight the orange notes. If you’re serving a dessert platter, try them alongside fresh berries, vegan biscotti, or nutty oat cookies for a delightful medley of textures and flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the truffles in an airtight container to keep them fresh. You can keep them at room temperature for a softer texture and consume within a few days. To maintain a firmer texture and longer shelf life, refrigeration is ideal—just pop them in the fridge where they will keep nicely for up to two weeks.

Freezing

These truffles freeze very well! Arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray to freeze solid before transferring to a sealed freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before enjoying to bring back that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Reheating

No reheating necessary—these are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. Letting them sit out for a few minutes softens them slightly and enhances the flavors beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use toasted hazelnuts instead of raw?

Absolutely! Toasting hazelnuts before processing them can give a deeper, nuttier flavor to your truffles. Just be sure to let them cool before processing to avoid affecting the texture.

What if I don’t have orange marmalade? Can I substitute it?

Yes, you can swap the orange marmalade for any fruit jam you like. Raspberry or apricot jam can provide a lovely fruity twist while maintaining the truffle’s chewy sweetness.

How do I make sure the whole hazelnut stays in the center?

When forming the truffle, gently press the whole hazelnut into the center and carefully roll the mixture around it to fully encase the nut. This technique helps keep the hazelnut perfectly centered as the truffle chills and firms up.

Are these truffles suitable for people with gluten intolerance?

Yes! This Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan, perfect for those with gluten intolerance or anyone seeking a delicious allergen-friendly treat.

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles truly are a delight to make and share. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you create something that feels both luxurious and nourishing. Whether enjoyed as a personal treat or gifted to loved ones, they never fail to bring a smile. I hope this recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen—as it has in mine—for those moments when you want a little indulgence with a wholesome twist.