Festive Chocolate Orange Truffles

~It’s TIMEEEEEEEEEEE~

It’s that time of the year when my kitchen smells like cinnamon, melted chocolate, and… a little bit of magic. December always brings out the part of me that wants to slow down, put on my favorite vinyl, and whisk together something cozy – preferably while my dog sneaks around hoping for a snack to “accidentally” fall on the floor, hehe.

These festive truffles are exactly the kind of treat I love during the holidays: rich, velvety, deeply chocolatey, and brightened with fresh orange zest (I know many of you will absolutely love this combination). They taste like the fancy truffles you’d buy from a chocolatier, but with a homemade touch and a little extra protein to keep things balanced. And the best part? You can make them ahead of time, keep them in the fridge, and bring them out whenever you want to impress someone – even if that someone is just you. They’re perfect for gifting or snacking before workout.. or even with coffee in the afternoon.

So, tie your hair up, grab a handful of hazelnuts, and let’s make something that tastes like the holidays – in the easiest, most delicious way.

Why You’ll Love These Festive Truffles

These truffles are one of those recipes that make you wonder why you ever bought the store-bought version.

• They’re rich and chocolatey, but not heavy.
• They’re sweet, but not too sweet.
• The orange zest adds that bright, cozy holiday feeling without overpowering the chocolate.
• And because they’re made with real ingredients – nuts, chocolate, protein powder, and oat milk – you get a treat that feels indulgent yet nourishing.
• Plus, I’m telling you… the texture? Dreamy. Soft, fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
• They’re also freezer-friendly, perfect for gifting, and honestly impossible to stop eating. These are the truffles you’ll want to keep in the back of the fridge “for guests”… and then eat yourself.

Ingredient Benefits

hazelnuts
Ffull of healthy fats, and the perfect base for truffles. They give that classic “Ferrero-style” flavor we all secretly adore.

dark chocolate (70%)
Rich in antioxidants, mood-boosting, and gives the truffles their deep, luxurious flavor. Also: it melts beautifully.

protein powder
Adds a subtle sweetness and a nice boost of protein to keep the truffles balanced – and to keep you on track during the holidays. ;)))))

oat milk
Keeps the mixture smooth and silky without adding heaviness. A gentle, neutral base.

coconut oil
Helps the truffles firm up in the fridge and gives them that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

honey or maple syrup
Natural sweetness with no refined sugar.

orange zest
The magic ingredient. Fresh, bright, festive, and aromatic. It turns the whole recipe into a holiday moment.

The Recipe

servings: 12–14 truffles | total time: 3 hrs 20 min (including chilling time) | difficulty: easy

Ingredients:

• 100 g oat milk
• 100 g hazelnuts
• 30 g protein powder (vanilla or chocolate works best)
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 80 g dark chocolate (70% dunkle)
• 1 tbsp raw low-fat cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp coconut oil (not melted)
• -zest of 1 orange (finely grated)

Instructions:

1. Add hazelnuts, protein powder, oat milk, and the orange zest to a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth.
   
2. Pour the mixture into a small saucepan. Add honey (or maple syrup), coconut oil, cocoa powder, and dark chocolate.Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until everything melts into a glossy, smooth mixture.
   
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Transfer to the fridge for 3–4 hours, or until firm enough to scoop.
   
4. Scoop small portions with a spoon and roll them quickly into small balls. (Work fast, because they soften from the warmth of your hands.)
   
5. Dust with cocoa powder for a classic festive finish and sprinkle with more orange zest (optional)
   
6. Return to the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Possible Substitutes

• Hazelnuts: Swap with almonds, cashews, or a mix of your favorite frutos secos. Just keep the total amount the same.
• Oat milk: Any milk works, like almond, soy, or regular dairy milk. Use whatever you have in the fridge.
• Dark chocolate (70%): You can use 60–85% depending on how intense you like your chocolate. For a sweeter result, go lower; for a richer, deeper flavor, go higher.
• Honey or maple syrup: Agave syrup or date syrup are both great alternatives.
• Coconut oil: You can use a little butter instead, but keep in mind it changes the flavor slightly.
• Protein powder: Vanilla or chocolate work best, but hazelnut protein would be a dream if you can find it. If you skip it, add 1–2 tbsp extra cocoa powder to balance thickness.

Nutritional Value

(per 1 truffle — approx. 14 truffles total)

Calories: 90 kcal | Protein: 3.5 | Carbohydrates: 7 g | Sugar: 4 g | Fiber: 1.5 g | Fat: 6 g

Dietary Info

Vegetarian | Gluten-free | Refined sugar-free (when using honey or maple syrup) | High in healthy fats from hazelnuts and dark chocolate | Contains nuts