These Chocolate Orange Oreo Truffles are a sophisticated no-bake dessert that tastes just like a high-end confection. By combining sweet vanilla cookies with zesty orange extract and a rich semi-sweet chocolate coating, you create a treat that is creamy on the inside and crisp on the outside.
With a vibrant citrus aroma and a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth center, these truffles are perfect for holiday gifting or serving at elegant parties.
Recipe Details
- Flavor Profile: The sweetness of the Golden Oreos pairs perfectly with the bright, zesty citrus notes of the orange extract, all enveloped in deep, semi-sweet chocolate.
- Texture: You get a satisfying snap from the chocolate shell followed by a dense, creamy, cheesecake-like interior.
- Time: 1 hour active prep, 2 hours chilling time.
- Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate. The mixing is simple, but dipping the truffles requires a little patience.
What You’ll Need
To make this recipe, you will need a rolling pin to crush the cookies manually and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for chilling. You will also need a double boiler (or a DIY setup with a saucepan and metal bowl) to melt the chocolate smoothly. The ingredients rely on a specific type of Oreo, cream cheese, and high-quality baking chocolate.
Ingredient Notes
- Golden Double Stuff Oreos – You need one package, but be sure to set aside 9 cookies (either for snacking or crushing for garnish later). The “Double Stuff” filling provides the necessary sweetness and creaminess to the truffle center.
- Philadelphia Cream Cheese – Use full-fat brick cream cheese. It must be set out on the counter for 1 hour before beginning so it is soft enough to mix smoothly without lumps.
- Orange Extract – This provides the concentrated citrus flavor. A little goes a long way to cut through the sweetness of the cookies.
- Bakers Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bars – You will need four 4-ounce bars. Using baking bars instead of chocolate chips results in a smoother melt and a better snap once the coating sets.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Decoration – The recipe suggests using the reserved 9 cookies crushed as a topping, or you can use sprinkles. Gold luster dust (confectionary dusting powder) is also a beautiful option for a festive look.
- Chocolate Coating – While semi-sweet balances the sweet center best, you could use white chocolate or dark chocolate bars if you prefer.
- Extracts – If you love the concept but want a different flavor, lemon extract or almond extract can be swapped for the orange.
How to Make Chocolate Orange Oreo Truffles
- Prep Cream Cheese: Set the cream cheese out on the counter 1 hour before beginning to ensure it is softened.
- Crush Cookies: Using a rolling pin, crush 1 package of Golden Double Stuff Oreos (remember to remove 9 cookies first) to a fine crumble. Set the crumbs aside.
- Make the Filling: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and orange extract until smooth. Intermittently add the cookie crumbles to the bowl, mixing until they are completely combined.
- First Chill: Place the cream cheese cookie mixture in the freezer for 30 minutes.
- Roll into Balls: Once chilled, use a measuring tablespoon to scoop and roll the mixture into even balls that are approximately 1” in diameter. Arrange the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You will end up with 20-25 truffles depending on your ball size.
- Second Chill: Return the balled mixture to the freezer for another 30 minutes to firm up.
- Melt Chocolate: Break up the chocolate bars and melt them in a double boiler while stirring frequently to prevent burning. If you don’t own a double boiler, make your own with a large saucepan and a metal bowl. Fill the pot with water and place the metal bowl on top, taking care not to submerge it. Heat the water over medium-high heat, but don’t allow it to boil. Turn off the heat once the chocolate is melted.
- Dip: One at a time, dip the frozen balls into the melted chocolate. Place them on a fresh piece of parchment paper. If your chocolate begins to get too firm, return it to the double boiler briefly.
- Decorate: If you would like to top with sprinkles or crushed Oreos (using the 9 you separated earlier), do so now while the chocolate is wet. If using confectionary dusting powder, wait until the chocolate is set.
- Set and Serve: Allow the truffles to chill and set in the refrigerator for about 1 hour before serving.
Pro Tip: When using the DIY double boiler method, ensure the bottom of the metal bowl does not touch the water, and do not let the water boil vigorously. Steam or water droplets getting into the chocolate will cause it to seize and become grainy.
Recipe Tips
- Rolling Pin Technique: Putting the cookies in a zip-top bag before crushing them with the rolling pin helps contain the crumbs and makes cleanup easier.
- Cold Truffles: Ensure the truffle balls are thoroughly chilled before dipping. If they are too warm, they will fall apart in the hot chocolate.
- Smooth Coating: To get a smooth finish, tap the fork against the side of the bowl after dipping to shake off excess chocolate before placing the truffle on the parchment.
FAQs
- How long can these sit out? The truffles are okay to sit out at a party for 2-3 hours, but otherwise, they need to be stored in the refrigerator because of the cream cheese.
- Can I freeze these? Yes, you can freeze the finished truffles in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before eating.
- Why did my chocolate crack? Sometimes if the center is extremely cold and the coating is hot, the chocolate can crack as the center expands. Letting the frozen balls sit for just a minute or two on the counter before dipping can help.
Serving Suggestions
- Coffee Pairing: The orange and chocolate flavors pair beautifully with a hot espresso or cappuccino.
- Gift Boxes: Place these in small paper liners and box them up for a beautiful homemade holiday gift.
- Dessert Board: Arrange them alongside fruit and pretzels for a sweet and salty dessert charcuterie board.
Make This Recipe in Advance
- Storage: These truffles will stay fresh for up to one week when stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Ahead: You can make the truffle centers and freeze them a day or two before dipping in chocolate to break up the work.
Chocolate Orange Oreo Truffles
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 25 Truffles 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Orange Oreo Truffles are a sophisticated no-bake dessert that tastes just like a high-end confection. By combining sweet vanilla Golden Oreos with zesty orange extract and a rich semi-sweet chocolate coating, you create a treat that is creamy on the inside and crisp on the outside. With a vibrant citrus aroma and a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth center, these truffles are perfect for holiday gifting or serving at elegant parties.
Ingredients
- 1 package Golden Double Stuf Oreos (approx. 14.3 oz), remove 9 cookies for snacking or garnish
- 1 (8 oz) package Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 teaspoons orange extract
- 4 (4 oz each) Baker’s semi-sweet chocolate bars
Instructions
Prep the Cream Cheese
Set the cream cheese out on the counter at least 1 hour before beginning to ensure it is softened. This prevents lumps in your filling.
Crush the Cookies
Place the package of Golden Oreos (remembering to set aside 9 cookies first) into a zip-top bag. Using a rolling pin, crush them into a fine crumble. Alternatively, you can pulse them in a food processor.
Make the Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and orange extract until smooth. Gradually add the cookie crumbs, mixing until the mixture is uniform and fully combined.
First Chill
Place the bowl with the mixture in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up slightly.
Roll into Balls
Remove from the freezer. Using a tablespoon, scoop and roll the mixture into even balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter. You should get between 20 to 25 truffles. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Second Chill
Return the baking sheet with the rolled balls to the freezer for another 30 minutes. This step is crucial so they hold their shape during the hot dipping process.
Melt the Chocolate
Break the semi-sweet chocolate bars into pieces. Melt them in a double boiler, stirring frequently until smooth. (If you don’t have a double boiler, place a heat-proof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water).
Dip the Truffles
Dip the frozen balls one by one into the melted chocolate. Use a fork to lift them out, tapping the fork gently against the side of the bowl to shake off excess chocolate. Place them onto a fresh sheet of parchment paper.
Decorate and Set
If you wish to top them with sprinkles or crushed leftover Oreos, do so immediately while the chocolate is wet. If using luster dust, wait until dry. Allow the truffles to set in the refrigerator for about 1 hour before serving.
Notes
Mess-Free Crushing: Putting the cookies in a zip-top bag before crushing them with the rolling pin helps contain the crumbs and makes cleanup much easier than using a bowl.
Temperature Control: Ensure the truffle balls are thoroughly chilled before dipping. If they are too warm, they will fall apart in the warm chocolate.
Smooth Coating: To get a smooth finish, tap the fork firmly against the side of the bowl after dipping. This removes excess chocolate pooling at the bottom of the truffle.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Truffle
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: chocolate orange truffles, golden oreo truffles, no bake holiday dessert, christmas candy recipe, easy truffle recipe, citrus chocolate balls, party favors
