If you’re anything like me, you’ll fall head over heels for this Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe. These little bites are the perfect marriage of rich, creamy chocolate, zesty orange marmalade, and crunchy hazelnuts — all vegan, gluten-free, and no-bake. Trust me, making these truffles feels like a cozy kitchen hug.

There are six round chocolate balls in a white bowl. Each ball is covered with a smooth, dark chocolate layer and topped with small pieces of chopped nuts that add a crunchy texture. The balls sit close together in the bowl, and the whole bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. 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 can’t get enough of these truffles whenever I whip them up — they hit all the right notes for a decadent yet wholesome treat, and they disappear fast at gatherings. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make at home!

Rich and Creamy: The blend of hazelnuts and cocoa creates a velvety texture that melts in your mouth.
Vegan & Gluten-Free: Perfect for those dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor or indulgence.
Natural Sweetness: Sweetened with maple syrup and natural orange marmalade to keep things wholesome.
Customizable Coating: Choose between chopped hazelnuts or cocoa powder for a crunch or deep chocolate finish.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you grab your ingredients, here's a little heads up: using raw hazelnuts and a quality fruit-sweetened marmalade makes a huge difference in flavor and texture. The ingredients are simple, but each one plays its part perfectly.

Flat lay of raw whole hazelnuts scattered beside a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright orange marmalade, a mound of rich dark cocoa powder on a white plate, a small white bowl containing glossy amber maple syrup, a tiny white bowl with golden vanilla extract, a neat pile of light brown coconut sugar, and a small white bowl holding finely chopped hazelnuts, all arranged symmetrically 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: Raw hazelnuts offer the freshest, most robust flavor and create the essential nutty base for these truffles.
Orange Marmalade: Adds a natural citrus burst and subtle sweetness—feel free to swap it with your favorite jam if you’d like.
Cocoa Powder: The star for that deep chocolate flavor without extra fat or sweetness.
Maple Syrup: For gentle, natural sweetness and moisture to bring the mixture together.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, fragrant touch.
Coconut Sugar: Adds subtle caramel notes while helping the mixture bind into perfect truffles.
Chopped Hazelnuts or Extra Cocoa Powder: For coating, adding texture and an eye-catching finish.
Whole Hazelnuts: Nestled inside each truffle to surprise you with crunch and nutty goodness.

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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 it adapts to your tastes and dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to tweak the coatings, fillings, or flavor accents to make these truffles truly your own little indulgence.

Variation: For a nut-free twist, try swapping out hazelnuts for pumpkin seeds and use sunflower seed butter. I once made a batch this way for a friend with allergies, and they loved how creamy and satisfying it was without the nuts.
Seasonal Flair: In the winter months, adding a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of chili powder to the truffle mixture brings a cozy warmth that pairs beautifully with the orange zest.
Sweetness Swap: Instead of orange marmalade, using raspberry or apricot jam changes the flavor profile completely but keeps that perfect balance of fruity brightness and rich chocolate.
Extra Crunch: Rolling the truffles in crushed freeze-dried orange pieces or toasted coconut flakes is a personal favorite finish for some added texture and vibrant flavor.

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

A close-up view of several round chocolate truffles stacked together, each coated in a smooth, dark brown chocolate shell with small chopped nuts sprinkled on top. The focus is on one truffle with a large bite taken out of it, showing two layers inside: a solid, glossy dark chocolate outer shell and a dense, rich, slightly crumbly chocolate filling. The textured chocolate filling is a lighter brown with a rough surface, while the nuts add a light beige contrast. The background is a soft dark brown, and the surface beneath has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Turn Hazelnuts into a Fine Meal

Start by processing 1 ½ cups of raw hazelnuts in your food processor. Keep an eye on the texture—you want a fine meal that’s not quite almond-butter smooth but without any big chunks. This will give your truffles that perfect nutty base with lovely texture. It only takes about a minute or so, pulsing intermittently to avoid overheating the nuts.

Step 2: Mix in the Flavorful Ingredients

Add ½ cup of orange marmalade, ¾ cup of cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons of maple syrup, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract right into the hazelnut meal. Give it several pulses in the processor to combine everything evenly. You’ll soon see a dense, chocolaty mixture starting to come together with that bright orange hint.

Step 3: Sweeten and Adjust the Texture

Sprinkle in ¼ cup of coconut sugar and process again. The mixture should begin to clump and hold together when you pinch it. Test this by rolling a small piece in your hand. If it crumbles, add a little more maple syrup or jam; if it’s too sticky, dust in more cocoa powder. This step lets you hit that ideal balance for rolling perfect truffles.

Step 4: Prep Your Coating Station

Now, spread ½ cup of finely chopped hazelnuts or extra cocoa powder in a shallow bowl. This will be your coating station. Next, line a tray or plate with parchment paper to place the rolled truffles on — this makes cleanup easier and keeps the truffles from sticking. Keep your 15 to 18 whole hazelnuts close by for the surprise center in each truffle.

Step 5: Form, Fill, and Seal the Truffles

Use a big spoon (1-2 tablespoons) to scoop out the mixture and roll it gently between your palms into a ball. Press a whole hazelnut into the center, then carefully roll again to seal it inside. It’s a little moment of magic that delivers a crunchy hazelnut surprise in every bite.

Step 6: Coat and Chill

Roll each ball in your chopped hazelnut or cocoa powder coating until completely covered. Place the finished truffles on your prepared parchment tray. Once done, refrigerate them for 30 minutes to set perfectly. I find chilling really helps the flavors meld and the truffle texture become satisfyingly firm but creamy inside.

Top Tip

These little gems are easy to make, but a few insider tips can truly elevate your Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe from tasty to unforgettable.

Perfect Texture: When blending your mixture, test the consistency by rolling a small amount into a ball. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in a little extra cocoa powder, and if it’s too dry, a touch more maple syrup or marmalade will help it bind beautifully.
Hazelnut Prep: Toasting the hazelnuts lightly before processing can bring out their natural oils and deepen their flavor. Just be sure to let them cool before blending for the best texture.
Coating Magic: For a lovely crunch, finely chopped hazelnuts make a wonderful coating, but don’t underestimate the elegant simplicity that extra cocoa powder brings as well.
Chill Time is Key: Don’t skip refrigerating your truffles for at least 30 minutes. This step firms them up just right and makes them easier to handle and enjoy.

How to Serve Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe

A clear glass bowl filled with a mixture that has a thin layer of white, frothy liquid on top, scattered with small, dark brown chocolate shavings and a slight swirl of a darker brown liquid blending in. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with visible reflections of light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your truffles’ appeal by sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top for a delightful sweet-salty contrast. Fresh orange zest curls or delicate edible flowers also add a pop of color and brightness to the presentation.

Side Dishes

Serve these truffles alongside a cup of freshly brewed rich coffee, spiced chai, or a floral Earl Grey tea. They also pair wonderfully with a light fruit salad featuring berries or citrus segments to complement the zesty orange notes in the truffles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles in an airtight container. They keep beautifully at room temperature if enjoyed within a couple of days, but for the best texture and freshness, refrigeration is ideal—just be sure to bring them to room temp for a few minutes before serving.

Freezing

These truffles freeze very well. Simply place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray to flash freeze, then transfer to a sealed freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for a perfect treat anytime.

Reheating

No reheating needed! These truffles are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. Just remove from fridge or freezer and let sit for about 10 minutes before indulging for the creamiest texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use roasted hazelnuts instead of raw for this recipe?

Absolutely! Roasted hazelnuts bring a deeper, nuttier flavor to the truffles. Just be sure to let them cool completely before processing to avoid altering the texture.

What if I don’t have orange marmalade—can I substitute another jam?

Yes! Feel free to substitute with your favorite fruit jam or preserve. Raspberry or apricot jam are lovely alternatives that complement the cocoa and hazelnuts well.

Are these truffles suitable for people with gluten intolerance?

Definitely. This Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent dessert for those with gluten sensitivities.

How long do these truffles last when stored properly?

Stored in a sealed container, they stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator and can be frozen for up to 3 months without compromising flavor or texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about homemade Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles that makes every bite feel indulgent yet wholesome. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or keeping them as a personal treat, these vegan, gluten-free delights are sure to inspire smiles and a little moment of joy. So go ahead—roll up your sleeves, whip up this simple recipe, and delight in a sweet escape that’s both comforting and elegant!