If you love the combination of rich chocolate with a zesty twist and a satisfying crunch, then this Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe is absolutely for you. Trust me, once you try these silky vegan truffles, they’ll become your new go-to treat for any occasion.

Seven round chocolate balls are arranged closely in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. Each ball has a smooth, dark brown chocolate coating with a slight shine, and they are topped with small, light tan chopped nuts scattered unevenly on top. The balls have a soft, smooth texture with subtle curves, making them look rich and fresh. The 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 remember the first time I made these truffles—it was like a little burst of sunshine and comfort in every bite. The handmade nature of this recipe makes it feel super special, and you don’t need any fancy kitchen skills or equipment to pull it off.

Vegan & Gluten-Free: Enjoy a luscious treat that fits perfectly into vegan and gluten-free diets without any compromises on flavor.
No Baking Required: This no-cook recipe means you can whip up these beauties in just 20 minutes—no oven necessary.
Perfect Flavor Balance: The natural sweetness of orange marmalade pairs amazingly with rich cocoa and crunchy hazelnuts for a sophisticated taste.
Great for Gifting or Snacking: These truffles hold their shape well and store beautifully, making them ideal for sharing or savoring over time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, make sure to gather fresh, raw hazelnuts—they’re the magic behind the texture and flavor. Choosing a fruit-sweetened marmalade helps keep the sweetness natural and perfectly balanced with the cocoa. I like to keep the ingredients simple and wholesome.

Flat lay of raw whole hazelnuts scattered naturally, a small heap of finely chopped hazelnuts in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl filled with vibrant orange marmalade, a small white bowl with rich dark brown cocoa powder, a small white bowl containing golden maple syrup, a small white bowl holding clear vanilla extract, and a small white bowl with light tan coconut sugar crystals, all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions 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: Provides a buttery, nutty base and a delightful crunch inside and out.
Orange marmalade: Adds bright citrus sweetness that complements chocolate beautifully.
Cocoa powder: Brings that deep, rich chocolate flavor without any added fat.
Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that enhances complexity and helps bind the truffle mixture.
Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with subtle warmth and aroma.
Coconut sugar: Adds texture and mild sweetness, helping the mixture to hold together when rolling.
Chopped hazelnuts (or extra cocoa powder): Used for coating, offering either a crunchy outside or a dusted cocoa finish based on your preference.
Whole hazelnuts: Create a pleasant surprise center in every 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

The beauty of this Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe is how easily you can tailor it to your own taste and dietary preferences. Feel free to experiment with coatings or swap out the orange marmalade to suit your mood or the season.

Try Different Fruit Preserves: I love using classic orange marmalade, but sometimes I swap in raspberry or apricot preserves for a sweeter, tangier spin. It keeps the truffles exciting and fresh with every batch!
Coating Options: For a smoother, less crunchy bite, roll your truffles in extra cocoa powder instead of chopped hazelnuts. I often do this when serving them to friends who prefer a velvety finish.
Extra Crunch: If you want to dial up the nuttiness, toast your chopped hazelnuts lightly before coating. It adds a deep, roasted flavor that pairs beautifully with the chocolate and orange.
Diet-Friendly Tweaks: Since this recipe is already vegan and gluten-free, it’s a perfect treat for many dietary needs. For a lower-sugar option, try reducing the maple syrup slightly and using a sugar-free marmalade alternative.

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

The image shows round chocolate truffles with a smooth, dark chocolate outer layer. One truffle is broken open, revealing a thick, slightly crumbly inner chocolate filling with a dense texture. The outer chocolate coating is glossy and firm, and there are small pieces of chopped nuts sprinkled on top of the truffles, adding a bit of texture and a light tan color contrast. The truffles rest close together, with a soft-focus brown wooden background replaced by a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Hazelnut Meal Magic

Begin by placing 1 ½ cups of raw hazelnuts into your food processor. Pulse until they reach a fine meal texture, almost powdery but not oily. This delicate step forms the base texture of your truffles, so watch carefully! It usually takes about 1-2 minutes of pulsing. If you pulse too long, your nuts might turn into hazelnut butter – delicious but not what we want here.

Step 2: Blend in the Goodness

Add ½ cup of orange marmalade, ¾ cup of cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons of maple syrup, and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract into the processor with your hazelnut meal. Process everything together until smooth and homogeneous. You’ll notice the mixture becoming richer and denser—this is where the chocolate and citrus flavors truly come together in harmony.

Step 3: Sweeten and Adjust

Next, sprinkle in ¼ cup of coconut sugar and pulse once more. The mixture should start to clump and ball up slightly. To test the perfect consistency, pinch a small portion and try rolling it in your hands. If it feels too wet and sticky, add a little more cocoa powder; if it’s too dry and crumbly, add a splash more maple syrup or marmalade. Processing again after adjustments will help you get that ideal texture for shaping.

Step 4: Prep Your Coating and Workspace

Spread ½ cup of finely chopped hazelnuts or extra cocoa powder onto a shallow bowl for rolling your truffles. Line a tray or plate with parchment paper to neatly arrange your finished treats. Keep 15-18 whole hazelnuts close by—they’re the delightful surprise hidden inside every truffle.

Step 5: Shape and Fill

Using a tablespoon or two, scoop the mixture and roll it into a ball with your hands. Then, gently press one whole hazelnut into the center of the ball and roll it again to fully enclose the nut. This crunchy center gives the truffles an irresistible texture contrast that I absolutely adore.

Step 6: Coat and Chill

Roll each truffle in the chopped hazelnuts or cocoa powder until completely coated. Place them carefully on your parchment-lined tray. Once all are shaped and coated, pop the tray in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This chill time firms them up beautifully, making them easier to handle and enhancing their flavors.

Step 7: Store and Enjoy

Store your Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles in a sealed container. While they’re delightful at room temperature, I find refrigerating them keeps their texture perfect, especially in warmer climates. For longer storage, these truffles freeze well too—just thaw gently before serving. Enjoy your elegant, gluten-free, vegan treats anytime!

Top Tip

These Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe tips come from firsthand experience and will help you create the perfect balance of texture and flavor every time you make them.

Consistency is Key: When processing the truffle base, test the mixture by rolling a small amount into a ball. If it’s too wet, add a little more cocoa powder for firmness; if too dry, a splash more maple syrup or orange marmalade will do the trick.
Hazelnut Texture: Finely chopping your hazelnuts for coating adds a delightful crunch, but if you want a smoother finish, dusting them in cocoa powder is a lovely alternative.
Seal the Center Well: Press the whole hazelnut firmly into the center and roll the truffle again to ensure the nut is completely encased—this keeps the truffle looking neat and the nut perfectly hidden until the first bite.
Chill to Perfect: Refrigerate the truffles for at least 30 minutes before serving; this step really helps them firm up and enhances their silky texture.

How to Serve Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe

A clear glass bowl on a white marbled surface contains a light brown creamy mixture with small dark chocolate shavings scattered evenly across the top. The mixture shows a swirled texture with bubbles, creating a soft, frothy appearance, and the chocolate pieces contrast sharply with the lighter base color. The bowl is viewed from above, showing the round shape and smooth sides. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

These truffles shine on their own, but feel free to elevate their look and taste with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a light dusting of orange zest for an extra citrus pop. A drizzle of melted vegan dark chocolate over the top can add a sophisticated flourish that guests will admire.

Side Dishes

Pair your truffles with a cup of rich espresso or a warm mug of spiced chai tea to balance the fruity and nutty flavors. They also make a delightfully indulgent touch alongside fresh berries or a simple scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for a special dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your truffles in a sealed container to maintain freshness. They can be kept at room temperature if your kitchen is cool, but for best texture, especially in warm climates, refrigeration is recommended. Properly stored, they’ll stay delicious for up to 1 week.

Freezing

These truffles freeze beautifully! Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight to preserve their texture and flavor.

Reheating

No reheating needed—these truffles are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If they’ve been in the refrigerator, letting them sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving helps soften them just enough for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other nuts besides hazelnuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! While hazelnuts provide a classic flavor pairing with chocolate and orange, you can substitute almonds, walnuts, or pecans to vary the texture and taste. Just keep the quantities the same and adjust processing time as needed.

Is the orange marmalade necessary, or can I use another type of preserve?

The orange marmalade brings a lovely citrus brightness that complements the chocolate and hazelnut beautifully, but feel free to experiment with other fruit preserves like raspberry or cherry for a different fruity twist.

How long do these truffles keep at room temperature?

If your kitchen is cool and not humid, they can last at room temperature for about 2-3 days. However, for the best firmness and to extend freshness, refrigeration is recommended.

Can I make these truffles gluten-free and vegan?

Yes! This Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan as it uses only plant-based ingredients without any gluten-containing products.

Final Thoughts

Making these Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe is such a rewarding experience—they’re quick to whip up, beautifully balanced in flavor, and always impress whether served to friends or kept as a personal treat. I hope these tips and storage ideas help you enjoy every decadent bite. Happy truffle making!