If you love that magical combo of chocolate and orange, you’re going to adore this Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe. These little bites bring a rich, creamy chocolate center with a burst of citrusy orange, all wrapped around a crunchy hazelnut. I promise, making these no-bake vegan truffles will become your new favorite kitchen ritual.

Seven round truffles sit tightly together in a shallow white bowl, each covered in smooth, dark chocolate that shines slightly in the light. The top of every truffle is sprinkled with small pieces of chopped nuts, adding texture and a light tan color that contrasts with the dark chocolate. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface that adds a clean, elegant look to the image. The photo is softly focused on the truffles, making them the clear center of attention. 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

From the moment I first tasted these truffles, I knew I had to share them. They’re unbelievably rich yet feel light enough for a guilt-free treat. Plus, they’re stunningly easy, even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen.

Naturally Sweetened: No refined sugar here—maple syrup and coconut sugar give just the right touch of sweetness.
Vegan & Gluten-Free: Perfect for anyone avoiding dairy or gluten but still craving decadence.
No-Bake Convenience: No oven needed, just blend, roll, coat, and chill.
Unique Flavor Combo: The fruity orange marmalade with smooth cocoa and crunchy hazelnuts is a game changer.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The secret to these chocolate orange hazelnut truffles lies in their simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. When shopping, look for raw hazelnuts for that fresh nutty flavor and a high-quality, fruit-sweetened orange marmalade to keep it all natural and bright.

Flat lay of raw whole hazelnuts scattered loosely, a small white ceramic bowl filled with glossy orange marmalade, a neat mound of fine dark brown cocoa powder on a white plate, a small white bowl containing amber-colored maple syrup, a couple of smooth whole brown vanilla beans, a small white ceramic bowl with light tan coconut sugar crystals, a small white bowl filled with chopped hazelnuts, and several whole hazelnuts arranged evenly, all 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: Using raw nuts lets you control the texture, and toasting or chopping helps bring out their rich flavor perfectly.
Orange Marmalade: Fruit-sweetened marmalade adds vibrant citrus notes without overpowering sweetness.
Cocoa Powder: I prefer unsweetened for a deep chocolate hit; it balances the orange beautifully.
Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that blends seamlessly and adds subtle complexity.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash brightens the whole mix and ties the flavors together.
Coconut Sugar: Adds gentle sweetness and helps the mixture firm up for rolling.
Coating: Finely chopped hazelnuts or cocoa powder give a lovely textural contrast and finishing touch.
Whole Hazelnuts for Centers: The surprise crunch in every bite that makes these truffles special.

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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 easily you can make it your own. Whether you want to tweak the flavors or adjust the coatings, these truffles welcome creativity and personalization without losing their decadent charm.

Variation - Nut-Free Option: If hazelnuts aren't your thing or you need a nut-free treat, try using toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds as the base and coating instead. It gives a different but still wonderfully crunchy texture! I’ve done this successfully for friends with allergies and it works like a dream.
Variation - Seasonal Twist: Around the holidays, I like to add a pinch of warming spices like cinnamon or cardamom into the mixture. It adds a cozy, festive vibe that pairs beautifully with the orange and chocolate.
Variation - Jam Swap: Feel free to swap the orange marmalade for another fruit jam like raspberry or cherry. The fruit sweetness balances the rich cocoa while giving a completely new flavor profile that's just as delightful.
Variation - Coating Choices: Instead of just chopped hazelnuts or cocoa powder, try rolling your truffles in shredded coconut, crushed pistachios, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to contrast the sweetness.
Variation - Smaller or Larger Bites: I sometimes make mini versions for bite-sized snacking or larger ones to serve as individual desserts. Just adjust the chilling time slightly if needed.

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

A close-up of round chocolate truffles with a smooth, dark chocolate shell and a dense, rich chocolate filling inside, one truffle is bitten showing its slightly rough and creamy inside texture; small light beige nut pieces are sprinkled on the tops and around the base of the truffles, all resting on a white marbled texture background; the focus is on the bitten truffle with the others softly blurred behind it, showing deep brown and warm nutty colors, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Grind the Hazelnuts into a Perfect Meal

The foundation of these truffles is the hazelnut meal, so start by placing 1 ½ cups of raw hazelnuts into your food processor. Pulse them in short bursts until they break down into a fine meal. You want some texture to remain for a delightful bite, so avoid over-processing into a paste. The aroma of freshly ground nuts will fill your kitchen and get you excited for the next steps.

Step 2: Combine the Flavorful Ingredients

Next, add ½ cup fruit-sweetened orange marmalade, ¾ cup cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, and 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract to the food processor with your hazelnut meal. Pulse until everything blends smoothly into a rich, chocolatey mixture. This is when the fruity orange and deep cocoa start to play together beautifully—take a moment to enjoy the scent.

Step 3: Sweeten and Adjust the Mixture

Now, sprinkle in ¼ cup coconut sugar and pulse once more. The mixture should begin to come together and slightly ball up. Test this by scooping a bit and rolling it into a small ball. If it feels too wet and sticky, add a teaspoon of cocoa powder and pulse again. If it’s too dry to hold, add a little more maple syrup or marmalade and pulse. The goal is a malleable yet firm dough that’s perfect for shaping.

Step 4: Prepare Your Coating and Workspace

Spread ½ cup of finely chopped hazelnuts or extra cocoa powder in a shallow bowl for rolling. Line a tray or plate with parchment paper—this is where your finished truffles will rest. Keep your 15 to 18 whole hazelnuts on hand; these will become the delightful center surprises inside each truffle.

Step 5: Shape the Truffles with Hazelnut Centers

Scoop about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the chocolate hazelnut mixture and roll it into a ball with your hands. Press one whole hazelnut into the center of the ball, then gently roll it again to fully enclose the nut. This step brings that luxurious crunchy pop inside each bite that makes these truffles truly special.

Step 6: Coat and Chill

Roll each truffle generously in your chopped hazelnut or cocoa powder coating to add a finishing texture and flavor layer. Place the coated truffles on your lined tray, then pop them into the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This chilling step helps the truffles firm up perfectly without baking, making them ready to enjoy or gift!

Top Tip

Making Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles is a joyful process, and these tips will ensure your truffles turn out perfectly every time, with just the right texture and rich flavor.

Get the Right Texture: I found that testing the mixture by rolling a small portion before shaping all the truffles saves time. If it's too sticky or wet, a little extra cocoa powder balances it perfectly.
Choose Your Coating Wisely: Chopped hazelnuts add a lovely crunch and rustic look, while cocoa powder delivers a smooth, elegant finish. Try both to see which you like best!
Seal the Hazelnut Center Properly: Press the whole hazelnut firmly into the center before rolling again to ensure it’s completely encased. This prevents any nuts from poking through and makes a nice surprise inside.
Chill for Best Results: I always refrigerate my truffles for at least 30 minutes; it helps them firm up nicely and enhances the flavors. Skipping this step can make them a bit soft and harder to handle.

How to Serve Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe

A clear glass bowl contains a mixture with two visible layers; the bottom layer is a smooth light brown, while the top layer is a foamy white cream sprinkled with dark brown chocolate shavings, creating a slightly speckled look. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Consider adding a dusting of extra cocoa powder or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the truffles for a sophisticated touch. Fresh orange zest grated over the truffles can also brighten up the rich chocolate and hazelnut flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

These truffles pair wonderfully with a light fruit salad, a cup of herbal tea (like chamomile or mint), or a creamy vegan hot chocolate. They also make an elegant finish alongside a platter of fresh berries or vibrant citrus segments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles in an airtight container. They keep well at room temperature but I recommend refrigeration for the best texture and freshness. In the fridge, they’ll stay delicious for up to 1 week.

Freezing

These truffles freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray to freeze initially, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

No reheating needed! Just bring your chilled or thawed truffles to room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving so the full richness shines through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different nut instead of hazelnuts for these truffles?

Absolutely! While hazelnuts pair beautifully with the chocolate and orange flavors, you can substitute almonds or pecans if you prefer. Just adjust the processing time as some nuts have different oil content.

Is this Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe suitable for those with gluten allergies?

Yes, these truffles are naturally gluten-free. None of the ingredients contain gluten, making them safe and tasty for those avoiding gluten.

Can I make these truffles ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! These truffles keep well refrigerated for up to a week and can also be frozen for longer storage. This makes them perfect for prepping in advance for gifting or entertaining.

What can I substitute if I don't have orange marmalade?

You can substitute orange marmalade with any fruit jam or marmalade you like. Though, the bright citrus notes of orange beautifully complement the hazelnuts and chocolate, so try to pick a flavor that pairs well, like apricot or raspberry.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe as much as I do. It’s such a delightful, no-fuss treat that feels indulgent yet wholesome — perfect for gifting or savoring with a cozy cup of tea. Keep experimenting with coatings and flavors, and let your kitchen be filled with the irresistible aroma of chocolate and orange. Happy truffle-making!