What Are Orange Bliss Balls?
Orange Bliss Balls are small, round dessert bites made from a soft orange-infused dough. They combine:
- Fresh orange zest and juice
- A tender, cake-like interior
- A light powdered sugar coating
- Optional white chocolate drizzle
They sit somewhere between:
- A truffle
- A donut hole
- A festive holiday sweet
They require no oven, making them perfect for warm weather or quick desserts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ No baking required
✔ Ready in under 30 minutes
✔ Elegant presentation
✔ Fresh citrus aroma
✔ Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
✔ Can be made ahead
These balls are perfect for:
- Tea time
- Ramadan desserts
- Parties & celebrations
- Gift boxes
- Coffee breaks
Ingredients (Makes 20–24 Balls)
Base Mixture
- 1½ cups fine biscuit crumbs (tea biscuits, digestive biscuits)
- ½ cup desiccated coconut (optional but recommended)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- Zest of 2 fresh oranges
- 3–4 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (or coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coating
- Powdered sugar (as needed)
Optional White Drizzle
- 80 g white chocolate
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or cream
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Zester or fine grater
- Citrus juicer
- Spoon or spatula
- Small tray or plate
- Refrigerator
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine:
- Biscuit crumbs
- Desiccated coconut
- Powdered sugar
Mix well until evenly distributed.
Why This Matters
The biscuit crumbs give structure, coconut adds softness, and powdered sugar ensures smooth sweetness without graininess.
Step 2: Add Orange Flavor
Add:
- Fresh orange zest
- Vanilla extract
Mix gently.
Tip:
Always zest oranges before juicing them. Avoid the white pith — it’s bitter.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in:
- Melted butter
- Fresh orange juice (start with 3 tablespoons)
Mix until a soft dough forms.
The mixture should be:
- Moist
- Slightly sticky
- Easy to roll
If too dry → add a little more juice
If too wet → add biscuit crumbs
Step 4: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 10–15 minutes.
This helps:
- Firm the mixture
- Make rolling easier
- Improve final texture
Step 5: Shape the Balls
Using your hands or a small scoop:
- Take about 1 tablespoon of mixture
- Roll gently into smooth balls
Place them on a tray.
Aim for uniform size for a professional look.
Step 6: Coat with Powdered Sugar
Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar.
This creates:
- A snowy, elegant finish
- A slight crust on the outside
- Beautiful contrast with the orange color
Step 7: Optional White Chocolate Drizzle
Melt white chocolate gently using a double boiler or microwave.
Add a teaspoon of oil or cream for smoothness.
Drizzle lightly over the balls using:
- A spoon
- A piping bag
- A fork
Let set at room temperature or refrigerate for 10 minutes.
Texture & Flavor Profile
- Outside: Soft, lightly powdery
- Inside: Moist, tender, slightly chewy
- Flavor: Bright orange, balanced sweetness
- Aroma: Fresh citrus and vanilla
They literally melt in your mouth.
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
✔ Use fresh oranges, not bottled juice
✔ Chill before coating for cleaner sugar finish
✔ Don’t over-drizzle chocolate — keep it elegant
✔ Store in airtight container
Delicious Variations
Chocolate Orange Balls
Add cocoa powder to the mixture.
Orange Almond Balls
Replace coconut with ground almonds.
Vegan Version
Use coconut oil instead of butter.
Orange Cream Balls
Add 2 tablespoons cream cheese for richness.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: 5–7 days
- Freezer: 1 month (without sugar coating)
Bring to room temperature before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve:
- With tea or coffee ☕
- On dessert platters
- As edible gifts
- During festive occasions
They pair beautifully with mint tea or espresso.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using too much juice (mixture becomes wet)
❌ Skipping zest (loses aroma)
❌ Over-rolling (balls become dense)
❌ Storing uncovered
Why This Recipe Always Works
✔ Simple ingredients
✔ Balanced sweetness
✔ No baking stress
✔ Elegant presentation
✔ Highly customizable
Final Thoughts
These Orange Bliss Balls are proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. Soft, fragrant, and beautifully coated, they’re perfect for both everyday treats and special occasions.