Nutella Buckeyes: Creamy Chocolate Hazelnut Truffle Recipe

Nutella Buckeyes add a delicious hazelnut twist to the classic buckeye candy many of us remember from childhood.

These no-bake bites take the familiar peanut butter center of traditional buckeyes and pair it with semi-sweet chocolate blended with hazelnut spread for a richer, slightly nutty chocolate coating.

At our house, anything with Nutella instantly becomes a favorite. These Hazelnut Buckeyes are no exception.

Buckeye treats on a festive platter.

Table of Contents

  • About These
  • Ingredients
  • Related recipes
  • Hazelnut Buckeyes Recipe

About These

When I set out to make classic buckeyes for the holidays, I discovered we only had a cup or two of chocolate chips left. Sitting beside them was an untouched jar of chocolate-hazelnut spread. Remembering my sister’s kitchen advice that form follows function, I experimented—and loved the result.

Dipping peanut butter balls into melted chocolate to make buckeyes.

There are many ways to make buckeyes, but this version keeps the filling simple. A handful of pantry ingredients come together quickly, and the recipe requires no oven.

Ingredients

  • Peanut butter (creamy)
  • Softened butter
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt
  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • Hazelnut spread (such as Nutella)

The filling is quick to prepare and effortlessly formed into small balls that chill and firm up before dipping. A small debate around presentation came up while making them: fully coated or left with an open top like the traditional buckeye?

Because we often eat with our eyes first, I left the top exposed so you can see the peanut butter center. That distinctive look also makes them especially appealing on a holiday dessert tray.

Plate of holiday treats with ornaments and hazelnuts, dusted with powedered sugar.

Adding a few tablespoons of hazelnut spread to the melted chocolate chips transforms the coating without overwhelming the peanut butter center. The result is a balanced, slightly nutty chocolate flavor that complements the filling and keeps you reaching for another bite.

If you need one more sweet for your holiday table, these Hazelnut Buckeyes are an easy, crowd-pleasing choice. From our family to yours, enjoy and have a happy holiday season.

A man leaning on a table
Signature of Scott from Platter Talk
Festive plate of buckeye candies with hazelnuts and ornaments dusted with powdered sugar.

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A plate of buckeyes with Christmas ornaments.
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Hazelnut Buckeyes

5 from 4 votes
Classic peanut butter buckeye recipe updated with Nutella for a subtle hazelnut chocolate flavor.
Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Yield: 36 servings
By: Scott from Platter Talk

Ingredients 

  • 1 1/2 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
  • 1/2 cup Softened Butter
  • 3 cups Powdered Sugar
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Vanilla
  • 8 oz Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
  • 2 TBS Hazelnut Spread (Nutella)

Instructions 

  • In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and salt until smooth and combined.
  • Add vanilla and mix into the filling.
  • Gradually add powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time, until the mixture is firm enough to roll into 1-inch balls and hold on a toothpick.
  • Chill the formed balls in the refrigerator until firm.
  • Place chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 30 seconds.
  • Stir the chocolate, then continue microwaving in 20–30 second intervals, stirring between, until fully melted.
  • Stir in the hazelnut spread until the chocolate is smooth and evenly flavored.
  • Using a toothpick to hold each chilled peanut butter ball, dip into the chocolate-hazelnut coating, leaving a small opening at the top so some of the filling remains visible.
  • Place dipped buckeyes on a tray lined with waxed or parchment paper.
  • Repeat with remaining balls. If the chocolate firms up while dipping, reheat briefly until smooth.
  • Refrigerate finished buckeyes until the coating is set.
  • Serve and enjoy.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 167kcal, Carbohydrates: 16g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 7mg, Sodium: 105mg, Potassium: 110mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 14g, Vitamin A: 82IU, Calcium: 10mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Holidays
Tried this recipe?Mention @plattertalk or tag #plattertalk!
Updated from the original post of December 24, 2015