If you’ve been on the hunt for a rich, indulgent treat that marries creamy Nutella and peanut butter with smooth chocolate, then this Nutella Buckeye Balls Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. These little bites are not only insanely delicious but also surprisingly easy to make — perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or anytime you need a quick chocolate fix. Stick around, because I’m sharing all my tried-and-true tips to help you nail this recipe on your very first try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadently Rich Flavors: The combination of creamy Nutella, peanut butter, and chocolate bark gives you that perfect balance of sweet and nutty goodness in every bite.
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a pantry full of fancy stuff to pull this together—just a handful of everyday items, but they come together like magic.
- No-Bake Convenience: These buckeye balls are chilled, not baked, which means you can whip them up quickly with zero oven babysitting.
- Perfect for Gifting: Because these beauties look stunning and taste even better, they make a thoughtful, homemade gift that everyone raves about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Nutella Buckeye Balls Recipe works in harmony to create that melt-in-your-mouth texture and flavor. When shopping, look for high-quality Nutella and peanut butter—they really make a difference. Also, the combination of almond bark and chocolate chips for dipping is a game-changer for that glossy finish.
- Nutella: The star of the show—its smooth hazelnut and cocoa flavor is what sets these buckeye balls apart.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Make sure it’s creamy for a smooth, luscious mixture without any gritty bits.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened and room temperature is key here to get a silky batter.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a splash enhances the overall flavor without stealing the spotlight.
- Powdered Sugar: Gives that sweet, fine texture and helps the dough hold together perfectly.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Adds a touch of chocolate depth—don’t skip it!
- Chocolate Almond Bark: Melts smoothly for dipping, providing a beautiful shiny coating.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: Combined with the almond bark for the richest, silky chocolate dip.
- Flake Sea Salt (optional): A sprinkle on top adds a lovely contrast to the sweetness.
Variations
I love to switch things up every now and then depending on the occasion or what’s sitting in my pantry. This Nutella Buckeye Balls Recipe is super forgiving and customizable, so feel free to make it your own!
- Peanut-Free Version: I once swapped peanut butter for almond butter when a friend had allergies, and the balls still turned out wonderfully creamy and nutty.
- Spiced Kick: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne gives a subtle warming spice that just takes these bites to another level.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based butter substitute to make these vegan-friendly without sacrificing any flavor.
- Nutella Swap: You can experiment with other hazelnut spreads or chocolate-hazelnut butters to match your taste or budget.
How to Make Nutella Buckeye Balls Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Nutella, Peanut Butter, and Butter
Start by placing the Nutella, creamy peanut butter, and softened unsalted butter into the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until everything comes together into a luscious, smooth mixture. I always scrape down the sides a couple of times so no pockets of peanut butter get left behind. The texture here should be creamy and well combined.
Step 2: Add Vanilla, Sugar, and Cocoa Powder Slowly
Next, add the vanilla extract and then gradually start adding powdered sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder with the mixer on low. This slow incorporation prevents a floury cloud of sugar escaping your bowl! Keep mixing until a dry dough forms — it should be firm enough to hold its shape when rolled. If your dough feels crumbly or dry, I found that adding a tablespoon of water and mixing again brings it back together perfectly.
Step 3: Shape and Chill the Buckeyes
Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion out 1-inch balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roll each scoop between your hands until smooth and place them evenly spaced on the sheet. Pop those buckeye balls into the fridge for about an hour or in the freezer for 20 minutes if you’re in a rush—this chilling step is crucial for a clean chocolate dip later on.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate Bark and Chips
Combine the chocolate almond bark and dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and melt in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. I usually find this takes about 2 minutes total, but keep an eye on it so you don’t burn the chocolate. The goal is a smooth, glossy dip that clings beautifully to your buckeyes.
Step 5: Dip, Chill, and Finish
Stick a toothpick into the center of each buckeye ball, then dip halfway into the melted chocolate. Return each dipped buckeye to the baking sheet, giving a quick swirl if needed to even out the chocolate coat. Pop them back in the fridge to set for about 15 minutes. If you’re adding flake sea salt, sprinkle it on right after dipping for that perfect sweet-salty contrast.
Pro Tips for Making Nutella Buckeye Balls Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Butter: I learned that softened butter blends much more smoothly, giving you that silky dough instead of a lumpy mess.
- Slowly Add Powdered Sugar: Start low and slow with your mixer speed to avoid a sugar dust cloud—trust me, it’s messy if you don’t!
- Chill Well Before Dipping: I found chilled balls dip more evenly and keep their shape instead of melting into a gooey mess.
- Dip with Care: Use a toothpick for easy dipping and gentle twirling to prevent excess chocolate pooling at the base.
How to Serve Nutella Buckeye Balls Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a huge fan of the simplest garnishes here—a tiny pinch of flake sea salt adds just the right pop against the rich chocolate and Nutella. If you want to get fancy, crushed roasted hazelnuts or a drizzle of white chocolate look amazing and add texture.
Side Dishes
These buckeye balls are dessert stars on their own, but if you’re serving a spread, they pair beautifully with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Think of them as the ultimate sweet bite to finish your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I love arranging Nutella Buckeye Balls on a festive platter lined with cupcake liners or even placing them in mini mason jars for giveaways. You can also create fun skewers by threading a few on sticks with marshmallows and strawberries for a playful dessert kebab.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover buckeye balls store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. I found that keeping them chilled helps maintain their shape and texture perfectly—no soggy bottoms here! Just be sure not to stack them without parchment squares in between to avoid sticking together.
Freezing
If you want to make these well ahead, they freeze beautifully. I like to flash freeze the shaped balls on a tray first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw in the fridge overnight. This method keeps them just as delicious as fresh!
Reheating
No need to reheat! These buckeyes are best served chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer them a bit softer, take them out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving for the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
FAQs
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Can I make Nutella Buckeye Balls Recipe without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! While a stand mixer with a paddle attachment makes the process easier and quicker, you can mix the ingredients by hand using a sturdy spoon or spatula. Just make sure your butter is nice and soft, and mix thoroughly for a smooth, creamy dough.
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Why are my buckeye balls crumbly or falling apart?
This usually means the dough is too dry. Try adding a tablespoon of water and mixing again to bring it all together. Also, ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for better blending.
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Can I use dark chocolate instead of almond bark for dipping?
You can, but mixing almond bark with chocolate chips creates a smoother melt and shinier finish. Pure dark chocolate may be harder to work with and could result in a less glossy coating. If you use only chocolate chips, consider adding a little vegetable oil to help with texture.
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How long do Nutella Buckeye Balls last?
Stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, they keep well for up to four days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Nutella Buckeye Balls Recipe turns out every single time — it’s that perfect mix of creamy, chocolaty, and nutty bliss that always gets a crowd going. When I first tried them, I was amazed at how quick they came together and how fancy they looked despite the simplicity. If you’re looking for a heartfelt, homemade dessert that feels like a little gift in every bite, give this recipe a try. I’m sure you’ll have just as much fun making them as you do eating them!
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Nutella Buckeye Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 30 buckeye balls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Nutella Buckeye Balls are decadent no-bake treats combining the creamy richness of Nutella, peanut butter, and butter with a touch of vanilla and cocoa powder. Rolled into smooth balls and dipped in a luscious homemade chocolate coating made from almond bark and dark chocolate chips, these bite-sized sweets are perfect for parties or any chocolate lover’s craving. Finished with an optional sprinkle of flaky sea salt, they offer a delightful balance of sweet and salty flavors.
Ingredients
Filling
- ½ cup (150g) Nutella
- ¼ cup (67g) creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups (339g) powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
Chocolate Coating
- 8 oz chocolate almond bark
- ½ cup (85g) dark chocolate chips
Garnish
- Flake sea salt, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Combine base ingredients: Add Nutella, peanut butter, and softened butter to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until well combined, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Add vanilla and dry ingredients: Pour in the vanilla extract, then gradually add powdered sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder little by little with the mixer on low speed. This prevents a mess and helps incorporate the dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Form dough: Continue mixing until a dry dough forms that holds together when rolled into a ball. If the dough feels crumbly or doesn’t stick together well, add 1 tablespoon of water and mix again until it reaches the right consistency.
- Shape buckeye balls: Scoop out 1-inch portions of the dough and roll them into smooth balls. Arrange the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour or in the freezer for 20 minutes to firm up before dipping.
- Melt chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate almond bark together with dark chocolate chips, stirring every 30 seconds to avoid burning. It typically takes about 2 minutes depending on microwave strength. Stir until smooth.
- Dip and set: Insert a toothpick into the center of each buckeye ball, then dip halfway into the melted chocolate coating. Place dipped buckeyes back on the baking sheet. Refrigerate for about 15 minutes until the chocolate is fully set.
- Garnish and store: Optionally sprinkle the buckeyes with flaky sea salt for a pleasant flavor contrast. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Notes
- The combination of chocolate almond bark and dark chocolate chips creates a smooth, shiny chocolate coating with rich flavor and ideal texture for dipping.
- If dough is too dry, adding a tablespoon of water helps bind it without altering flavor.
- Using toothpicks for dipping keeps your hands clean and gives a classic buckeye shape with a chocolate-covered bottom half and exposed peanut butter top half.
- Flaky sea salt garnish enhances the sweet and chocolate flavors with a subtle salty crunch.
- These buckeyes are best stored in the refrigerator and consumed within four days for optimal freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 buckeye ball
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
