These creamy, melt-in-your-mouth truffles capture the classic flavor of an orange creamsicle. They’re perfect for parties, gifts, or a sweet treat anytime.
Ingredients:
- For the Truffle Filling:
- 8 ounces white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Orange food coloring (optional, for a deeper color)
- For the Coating:
- 12 ounces white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
- 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening (optional, for a smoother coating)
- Orange sprinkles, or white nonpareils for decoration.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the 8 ounces of white chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the melted white chocolate to the cream cheese, along with the orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- If you would like a deeper orange color, add a couple drops of orange food coloring and mix until the desired color is reached.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until firm enough to scoop.
- Shape the Truffles:
- Once the filling is firm, use a small cookie scoop or a spoon to scoop out portions of the truffle mixture.
- Roll each portion into a smooth ball between your palms.
- Place the rolled truffles on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Place the tray of truffles back into the refrigerator or freezer for 15 minutes, to firm them up again before coating.
- Coat the Truffles:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the 12 ounces of white chocolate with the vegetable shortening (if using) in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth. The shortening will help create a smoother coating.
- Remove the truffles from the refrigerator.
- Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each truffle into the melted white chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Allow any excess chocolate to drip off.
- Place the coated truffles back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Decorate and Set:
- Immediately sprinkle the truffles with orange sprinkles or white nonpareils before the chocolate sets.
- Allow the truffles to set completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
- Serve and Store:
- Once the truffles are set, they are ready to serve.
- Store any leftover truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Tips and Variations:
- For a more intense orange flavor, you can use orange extract instead of or in addition to orange juice.
- You can also roll the truffles in crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers for a different texture.
- If you do not have white chocolate, milk chocolate or dark chocolate can be used for the outer coating.
- For a two toned look, drizzle a different color of chocolate over the top of the already coated truffles.
- Make sure that the cream cheese is fully softened, to prevent lumps in the filling.
- Make sure that the truffle filling is very cold before attempting to roll them into balls.
Enjoy your homemade Orange Creamsicle Truffles!