Deliciously Simple Chocolate Covered Oranges

Enjoy the classic combination of orange and chocolate in these easy chocolate covered oranges. They’re a simple treat that makes a delicious winter snack or dessert and can be made in just minutes.

Dipping fruit into chocolate is no original creation but oranges probably aren’t the first fruit you’d think of when it comes to this pairing. 

As citrus overtakes berries in the stores, however, segments of orange — or any citrus you have on hand — half dipped in melted chocolate and topped with some flaky coarse salt is one of the simplest of snacks that will put a smile on your face in the colder, darker days of the season.

Just like it’s hard to pass up a chocolate and strawberries in February, these chocolate covered oranges will become an irresistible treat.

Ingredients for making chocolate covered orange slices

Like homemade chocolate peanut butter cups, the ingredient list is as simple as it sounds for making chocolate oranges. You’ll need the following:

Oranges — You can use any type of citrus you like but navel oranges are the most common and easy to source. Clementines or mandarins are smaller but easier to peel. If you’re lucky enough to find sumo citrus or blood oranges, I can’t recommend either of those highly enough as they’re the most delicious of the citrus family, whether you use them in a citrus salad or coat them in chocolate.

Chocolate — I recommend using dark chocolate chips (70% or higher). Personally, I like my dark chocolate very dark and will usually opt for 85% or 90% but 70% or 72% is easier to find. 

Coconut oil — Just a touch of coconut oil is used to make the melted chocolate a bit shinier and hold together better when solidified. It helps create a “magic shell” around whatever it coats and works perfectly on things like fruit, popcorn and ice cream.

Flaky coarse salt — Finishing salt is optional but a little sprinkling on each orange slice after it’s been dipped in the chocolate is a really nice touch both in appearance and taste. If you like that salty/sweet vibe, I suggest at least trying the salt on a few slices to see how you like it.

How to make chocolate oranges

Peel the orange and get rid of as much of the pith as possible. Divide the orange into segments and set aside. 

Place the chocolate chips in a small microwaveable bowl along with the coconut oil. Microwave in 30 seconds increments, stirring the chocolate in between each session until it’s melted and smooth.

Dip half of each orange segment into the melted chocolate then place on a parchment lined baking sheet.

If using the coarse salt, sprinkle a little bit on the chocolate dipped orange before the chocolate sets.

Repeat with all the orange slices then transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator to set the chocolate for about 15 minutes.

Once set, enjoy immediately or store in the refrigerator.

Why you’ll love these chocolate dipped oranges

• They’re quick and easy to make — ready in under 30 minutes.
• You can enjoy them as a snack but they’re satisfying enough to pass as dessert too.
• They make a great after school snack for kids!

Do chocolate and orange go together?

Do you remember those chocolate oranges sold around Christmas that would come in a box and split into segments like a real orange?

As kids, we used to get one in our stockings from my grandparents every year. Needless to say, the combination of chocolate and orange is a classic that stands the test of time. 

Covering oranges in melted chocolate is even better than that classic treat in my adult mind because you get the bright juicy flavor and texture of the fruit and the creamy, indulgent chocolate in one bite. Plus, these are dark chocolate oranges and I’ll take dark chocolate over milk chocolate any day.

Variations on chocolate covered oranges

Here are a few ideas on how to make these chocolate oranges even more fun than this basic recipe:

• Add chopped nuts on top of the chocolate instead of flaky salt.
• Try dried coconut — sweetened desiccated coconut or unsweetened flakes.
• Prefer white chocolate? Dip the oranges in melted white chocolate instead!

For something entirely different, you can make chocolate covered candied orange slices. Check out this recipe for candied lemon slices and use the same method for making candied oranges. Then, you can use this recipe to cover the candied oranges with chocolate. The entire orange slice will be edible after the candying process.

Storing leftovers

The chocolate covered oranges are best kept in the refrigerator in an air-tight container. 

If you have the foresight, take them out of the fridge 20 minutes or so before serving. Most chocolate covered fruit tastes better when not too chilled and this definitely applies to oranges as well.

Freezing isn’t recommended, the texture of the oranges gets a little weird once frozen.

More chocolate fruit combinations to try

These chocolate stuffed peaches are one of the fanciest chocolate and fruit combinations I’ve ever tried. Stuffed with a sweet creamy mascarpone cheese, they’re unlike anything you’ve ever tasted.

Chocolate covered figs are a classic and while this recipe uses dried figs, fresh figs are delicious if you can snag them during their short season towards the end of summer.

Chocolate dipped lemon macaroons take this classic coconut cookie to the next level. This is a simple citrus treat also great for the winter season.