Imagine biting into a luscious bite of chocolate infused with vibrant orange and crunchy hazelnut surprises—sounds dreamy, right? This Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe brings all that magic and more, with zero baking and all the rich flavors you crave.

Seven round chocolate balls are placed closely together in a small white bowl, each ball coated with a smooth, dark chocolate layer. The tops of the balls are sprinkled with small pieces of chopped nuts, creating a light tan and slightly rough texture against the dark, shiny chocolate. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and bright contrast to the rich colors of the chocolate and nuts. 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’m honestly obsessed with how effortlessly these truffles come together—not to mention their perfect balance of tangy orange, deep cocoa, and nutty crunch. They’ve become my go-to vegan treat whenever I want something indulgent yet wholesome.

No-bake delight: Ready in just 20 minutes of prep, no oven required—perfect for quick sweet fixes.
Vegan and gluten-free: Made with wholesome ingredients that anyone can enjoy.
Customizable coating: Choose between crushed hazelnuts for crunch or cocoa powder for an intense chocolate kiss.
Rich and naturally sweetened: Maple syrup and fruit-sweetened marmalade replace refined sugars beautifully.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, grab raw hazelnuts and look for fruit-sweetened orange marmalade to keep things naturally sweet and flavorful. A trusty food processor will be your kitchen best friend for turning these simple ingredients into luscious truffles.

Flat lay of raw hazelnuts scattered naturally, a small white ceramic bowl filled with glossy orange marmalade, a neat pile of rich dark cocoa powder on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl holding golden maple syrup, a tiny white bowl containing clear pure vanilla extract, a modest mound of light brown coconut sugar on a white dish, a small white ceramic bowl with finely chopped hazelnuts arranged evenly, and a handful of whole hazelnuts placed symmetrically—all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly balanced and arranged with symmetrical spacing—placed 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

Hazelnuts: The star nut, providing buttery richness and texture inside and out.
Orange marmalade: Adds a bright citrus note and a touch of natural sweetness.
Cocoa powder: Brings that deep, chocolatey goodness without heaviness.
Maple syrup: A vegan sweetener that adds mild caramel notes and helps bind the mixture.
Vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
Coconut sugar: Gives subtle sweetness and aids in binding the truffle dough.
Chopped hazelnuts or cocoa powder (for coating): Your choice of texture—the crunch of nuts or smooth richness of cocoa.
Extra hazelnuts (for the center): Surprise inside each truffle with a whole nut nestled within.

📝

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 parts about this Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe is how easy it is to personalize and make totally your own. Whether you prefer a crunchy coating or a silky cocoa dusting, this recipe invites you to play around and find what you love most.

Coating Variation: I love using finely chopped hazelnuts for a wonderful crunch that contrasts with the creamy truffle center. But if you’re craving a more intense chocolate experience, rolling your truffles in extra cocoa powder amps up the richness beautifully.
Jam Swap: While orange marmalade gives a bright citrus zing that pairs perfectly with hazelnuts, I’ve tried raspberry or cherry jam and it adds a lovely twist—just make sure it’s fruit-sweetened to keep things natural.
Sweeter or Less Sweet: Depending on your taste and the jam you use, you might want to tweak the amount of maple syrup or coconut sugar slightly. If the mixture feels too dry, a little extra maple syrup adds moisture and sweetness; if too wet, sprinkle in some more cocoa powder.
Nut-Free Option: Though hazelnuts are the star here, you can substitute almonds or pecans for the meal and coating if hazelnuts aren't your thing or if you want a different nutty note.
Seasonal Touch: For winter holidays, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom into the mix for a cozy, fragrant spin on these truffles.

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

The image shows several round chocolate truffles with a smooth, dark chocolate outer layer sprinkled with small pieces of light-colored nuts on top. One truffle is cut in half and positioned on top of the others, revealing a thick inner filling that is dense and textured in a darker shade of chocolate brown. The background is a soft, blurred brown to highlight the truffles in the front. The truffles rest on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Turn Raw Hazelnuts into a Fine Meal

Start by pulsing 1 ½ cups of raw hazelnuts in your food processor until they turn into a fine, crumbly meal. Watch closely so they don’t over-process into butter—this hazelnut meal is the rich base of your truffles, setting that irresistible nutty flavor and texture.

Step 2: Blend in the Zesty, Cocoa Goodness

Add ½ cup of orange marmalade, ¾ cup of cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract directly to the hazelnut meal in the processor. Pulse everything together until the mixture looks evenly combined and beautifully glossy with that deep chocolate-orange hue.

Step 3: Sweeten and Adjust the Texture

Now sprinkle in ¼ cup of coconut sugar and pulse again. You want the mixture to start coming together so it can be rolled into balls. To check, pinch a small amount and try rolling it—if it’s too wet and sticky, add more cocoa powder bit by bit; if it’s too crumbly, add a touch more maple syrup or marmalade. Getting this just right is key for perfect truffles.

Step 4: Prep Your Coating Station

Pour your coating choice—either ½ cup of finely chopped hazelnuts or extra cocoa powder—into a shallow bowl. Line a tray or plate with parchment paper where your truffles will chill. Have your 15–18 extra whole hazelnuts ready by your side to nest inside each truffle.

Step 5: Form, Fill, and Seal Your Truffles

Using your hands, scoop 1–2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it smoothly into a ball. Gently press one whole hazelnut into the center, then roll the mixture again to seal it snugly inside like a hidden treasure. This centered nut gives each bite that wonderful surprise crunch and nutty brilliance.

Step 6: Coat and Chill Your Little Delights

Roll each truffle generously in your chopped hazelnuts or cocoa powder until evenly coated, then place them on the parchment-lined tray. Once all your truffles are coated and lined up, pop them into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set and firm up that luscious texture.

Step 7: Enjoy or Store for Later

Your Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles are ready to savor! Enjoy them immediately for that fresh, tender bite or store them in an airtight container. They keep wonderfully at room temperature or in the fridge for best texture. For longer storage, they freeze beautifully so you can enjoy a bit of indulgence whenever the mood strikes.

Top Tip

These tips will make your Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe a total breeze to prepare and absolutely delicious every time. Whether you're a seasoned truffle maker or a first-timer, these insights have you covered.

Perfect Rolling Consistency: From my experience, the key is to get the mixture just right—not too wet or too dry. If it’s too sticky to roll, slowly add more cocoa powder; if it’s crumbly, add a splash of maple syrup or orange marmalade and pulse again.
Use Fresh Hazelnuts: Toasting the hazelnuts beforehand adds an amazing depth of flavor, but make sure they’re completely cooled before processing. I learned this the hard way when warm nuts made the mixture oily and harder to handle.
Chop Your Coatings Finely: Running the hazelnuts through the food processor lightly ensures a consistent coating texture. It really elevates the truffle experience, giving you that perfect crunch balance against the smooth center.
Seal the Hazelnut Center Well: When pressing the whole hazelnut into the truffle, roll firmly to seal it completely inside—this prevents it from poking through after chilling and makes the bite all the more satisfying.

How to Serve Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe

A clear glass bowl filled with a creamy mixture that has two main layers: a light beige layer at the bottom and a white frothy layer on top. Dark chocolate shavings are sprinkled unevenly over the white froth, creating scattered small dark spots and streaks. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and the photo is taken from above showing the full round shape of the bowl and the textures inside photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance the beauty and flavor by sprinkling some additional cocoa powder just before serving, or dust the truffles with a pinch of edible gold dust for a festive touch. Fresh orange zest curls or a few chopped toasted hazelnuts on the platter also add a lovely visual and aroma boost.

Side Dishes

These truffles pair wonderfully with a hot cup of your favorite tea—earl grey’s citrus notes complement the orange beautifully. For something more indulgent, serve alongside a rich almond milk latte or espresso. If you're hosting, offer a small selection of fresh berries or sliced stone fruits to balance the decadence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This keeps them firm and perfectly textured, while preserving the vibrant flavors. At room temperature, they’re best enjoyed within a couple of days.

Freezing

If you'd like to keep them longer, freezing is an excellent option! Lay the truffles on a parchment-lined tray in a single layer to freeze individually for about an hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

No reheating needed! When thawed or taken from the fridge, simply let the truffles come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to enjoy their full flavors and smooth texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are these truffles really vegan and gluten-free?

Yes! This Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe is 100% vegan and gluten-free, made with no refined sugars if you use natural orange marmalade and coconut sugar as specified.

Can I substitute orange marmalade with another jam?

Absolutely! While orange marmalade gives that signature citrus zing, you can use other fruit-sweetened jams like raspberry or apricot for a different but equally delightful flavor.

What if my truffle mixture is too sticky to roll?

If your mixture feels too wet, slowly add extra cocoa powder a little at a time and pulse until it firms up enough to roll without sticking to your hands.

How long can I store the truffles at room temperature?

While you can keep them at room temperature for up to two days, refrigeration is recommended for the best texture and freshness.

Final Thoughts

Making these Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles always feels like crafting a little gift from the heart. The blend of citrus, rich cocoa, and crunchy hazelnut is a combination I never grow tired of—I hope it brings you as much joy to make and share as it does to savor. Whether for a cozy night in or a special celebration, these truffles prove that simple, wholesome ingredients can create pure magic.