Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Buckeyes: A Modern Twist on a Classic Treat

Break away from tradition and serve these Chocolate Hazelnut Buckeyes at your next party! The filling is made with chocolate hazelnut spread, giving this sweet treat a double dose of chocolate.

It’s no secret I’m a sweets girl, a fact wholeheartedly embraced in my kitchen. While I relish the savory delights that often grace party tables – think flavorful dips, crispy wings, and an array of satisfying snacks – I’ve always found myself pondering a curious omission: where’s the dessert? Especially for grand occasions like the upcoming Big Game, it feels like the sweet finale is an afterthought. Perhaps it’s the sheer volume of appetizers that fills us to the brim before we even consider a sweet bite, but I argue that no celebration is truly complete without at least one tray of delightful confections. Just one, for me? Please?

This yearning for a perfect party dessert often leads me down a nostalgic path, straight to the beloved buckeye. If there’s one treat that consistently vanishes from any spread, it’s these delightful peanut butter and chocolate morsels. They possess an almost magical appeal, drawing guests back again and again. But then, a spark of inspiration hit: what if we gave this timeless classic a contemporary twist? And thus, the idea for these utterly irresistible Chocolate Hazelnut Buckeyes was born.

As I enthusiastically shared my plans for these innovative buckeyes, envisioning them as the star of our Game Day spread, a friend posed a question that genuinely took me aback. “Aren’t buckeyes typically a Christmas recipe?” she mused, “Do people really make them at other times of the year?” I confess, I had never encountered such a query. While it’s true that buckeyes enjoy immense popularity during the festive holiday season, I couldn’t recall any unwritten rule that restricted their enjoyment to just a few weeks of the year.

Perhaps my perspective is skewed by my own experiences. In previous professional settings, every major office gathering invariably featured a generous tray of buckeyes, always among the first treats to disappear. Or perhaps it’s Pittsburgh’s legendary ‘cookie table’ tradition, a phenomenon so ingrained in our culture that it has its own Wikipedia page. Picture a wedding reception, not with a single cake, but with an elaborate, sprawling table laden with hundreds, sometimes thousands, of homemade cookies – and yes, buckeyes are always a cherished component. Just behold this monstrous cookie table, a testament to our city’s sweet tooth, proudly featuring buckeyes!

Then there’s the undeniable influence of being neighbors with Ohio, the birthplace of the buckeye candy, where their year-round appeal is surely unquestioned. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s simply my profound love for buckeyes that makes me steadfastly refuse to believe they are merely a one-time, seasonal indulgence. Is it possible I’ve been living in a sweet delusion all this time? I choose to believe not.

What Exactly Are Buckeyes? The Classic and Our Innovative Twist

For those unfamiliar with this regional delight, buckeyes are a confectionery treat meticulously crafted to resemble the actual buckeye tree nut – a smooth, round, reddish-brown seed with a distinctive lighter spot, which is native to the state of Ohio. The candy version perfectly mimics this appearance: a rich, creamy filling partially dipped in chocolate, leaving a tell-tale circle of the lighter filling exposed at the top. This striking color contrast is what gives the buckeye its iconic look.

Traditionally, this delectable filling is made from a rich blend of peanut butter, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla, creating a dense, sweet, and nutty center. It’s the quintessential flavor that many grew up with and associate with this beloved candy. However, my quest for an exciting new flavor profile led me to consider a delightful substitute: chocolate hazelnut spread. My reasoning was simple yet brilliant: this spread boasts a remarkably similar texture and consistency to creamy peanut butter, making it an ideal candidate for the filling. The result? A buckeye that offers a double dose of chocolatey goodness, while still retaining the familiar, melt-in-your-mouth experience of the original.

My Love Affair with Chocolate Hazelnut Spread

My initial, transformative encounter with chocolate hazelnut spread dates back to 2007, when I was studying abroad in the picturesque landscapes of Ireland. Before then, such a wondrous concoction hadn’t even registered on my culinary radar. It was one of my housemates, with a knowing smile, who offered me a spoonful to sample. From that moment forward, my perception of sweets, and indeed my life, was irrevocably changed. The rich, smooth, chocolatey, and nutty flavor was an instant revelation – a taste sensation I never knew I was missing.

Since that fateful day, chocolate hazelnut spread has become a staple in my pantry and a constant source of inspiration in my baking. Its versatility is astounding, capable of transforming everything from simple toast to elaborate desserts. Need more proof of its enchanting power? Just take a look at this incredible Nutella ice cream – a testament to the magic that happens when this spread is unleashed in the kitchen. It’s this profound appreciation for the spread’s unique qualities that fueled my desire to integrate it into a classic like the buckeye, promising a familiar yet excitingly new experience.

Crafting Your Own Chocolate Hazelnut Buckeye Masterpiece

Ready to embark on this delightful journey and create your own batch of Chocolate Hazelnut Buckeyes? This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, requiring minimal fuss and delivering maximum flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, you’ll find these buckeyes a joy to make and an even greater joy to devour. The combination of rich chocolate hazelnut filling and a smooth chocolate coating is simply irresistible, making them perfect for parties, gifts, or simply a sweet indulgence for yourself.

Chocolate Hazelnut Buckeyes

Yield:
15 buckeyes

Prep Time:
2 hours

Total Time:
2 hours

Nutella Buckeyes

Ingredients

1 1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread
1/4 cup (2 ounces or 4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 teaspoon unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, chocolate hazelnut spread, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until a dough forms, about 2-3 minutes. Dough may look dry but should keep its form when pressed together.
Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.
In a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (do not let the bowl touch the water), melt together the chocolate and 1 teaspoon butter until smooth. Transfer to a narrow yet deep bowl or cup for dipping.
Stick a toothpick into the top center of one dough ball. Dip into the chocolate, leaving a circle of dough visible on top. Let the excess drip off then return to the baking sheet. Smooth out the hole left by the toothpick. Repeat with the remaining balls. If they start falling off the toothpick, refrigerate until firm again.
Chill until chocolate is firm, about 30 minutes. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week (refrigerate if the chocolate gets too soft).

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Tips for Perfectly Dipped Chocolate Hazelnut Buckeyes

Achieving that perfectly smooth chocolate coating and iconic “buckeye” look is easier than you think with a few simple tips:

Chill is Key: Ensure your chocolate hazelnut balls are thoroughly chilled and firm before dipping. This prevents them from collapsing or sticking to the toothpick, and helps the chocolate set faster. If they start to soften during the dipping process, pop them back in the fridge for a few minutes.
Chocolate Quality Matters: Use good quality chocolate for dipping. Semisweet chocolate chips or a chopped baking bar work best for a smooth melt. Adding a small amount of butter (as in the recipe) helps create a glossier, more pliable coating.
Melting Method: The double-boiler method (heatproof bowl over simmering water) is ideal for melting chocolate gently and preventing it from seizing or burning. Ensure the bowl does not touch the water. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, heating in short bursts (30 seconds) and stirring frequently until smooth.
Dipping Technique: Use a sturdy toothpick for dipping. Plunge the ball almost entirely into the melted chocolate, leaving a small circle of the chocolate hazelnut mixture exposed at the top. This creates the signature buckeye appearance. Let excess chocolate drip off before returning to the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Smooth the Toothpick Hole: After placing the dipped buckeye back on the baking sheet, gently smooth over the small hole left by the toothpick with your finger or a tiny spatula while the chocolate is still slightly soft.

Storage and Make-Ahead Advice

These Chocolate Hazelnut Buckeyes are not only delicious but also remarkably easy to store, making them an excellent make-ahead treat for any occasion.

Airtight Container: Store your finished buckeyes in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and prevent them from drying out or absorbing other odors from the refrigerator.
Refrigeration: While buckeyes can often be stored at room temperature in cooler climates, the chocolate hazelnut filling and coating will remain firm and pristine when refrigerated. This is especially important in warmer environments or if your chocolate coating tends to soften quickly. They will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freezing for Longer Storage: For extended enjoyment, buckeyes freeze exceptionally well! Place the firm buckeyes in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Creative Variations to Explore

While these Chocolate Hazelnut Buckeyes are perfect as is, feel free to experiment with these ideas to personalize your batch:

Different Chocolate Coatings: Instead of semisweet, try milk chocolate for a sweeter profile, dark chocolate for a more intense flavor, or even white chocolate for a striking visual contrast.
Sprinkles or Toppings: Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle with sea salt flakes for a sophisticated sweet and salty combination, chopped toasted hazelnuts for added crunch, or colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.
Flavor Extracts: A tiny drop of espresso extract or almond extract in the chocolate hazelnut filling could add another layer of complexity.

Why These Chocolate Hazelnut Buckeyes Are a Must-Try

Stepping away from the traditional peanut butter buckeye, this chocolate hazelnut version offers a truly irresistible experience. It’s a sophisticated upgrade that marries the beloved texture and dipping style of a classic buckeye with the rich, decadent flavor of chocolate hazelnut spread. Whether you’re looking to surprise your guests at a party, bring a unique treat to a potluck, or simply satisfy a craving for something extraordinarily sweet, these buckeyes are guaranteed to be a hit.

So, next time you’re planning a gathering, don’t forget the dessert! Embrace the delicious versatility of buckeyes and let these Chocolate Hazelnut Buckeyes prove that some traditions are simply begging for a delightful, chocolate-infused twist. They’re easy to make, beautiful to present, and utterly unforgettable.