Heres a recipe for Healthier Nutella Protein Balls – made with protein powder, coconut flour and Nutella. They are super creamy and indulgent on the inside and has a silky mouthfeel that is simply just divine. You wont believe how easy it is to make these at home – you’ll only need 4 ingredients total and just a couple minutes of your time.
There’s nothing like a small sweet treat to start a day or end a meal, and recently I’ve been treating myself to one or two of these delicious chocolate nutella protein balls instead of chocolate or ice cream and other desserts I’m guilty of eating when I am craving something sweet and chocolatey.
One of the best ways of learning to eat more healthy, at least for me, has been keeping healthier treats inside my house and also making an effort to make my own desserts or sweets so that I can control the amount of sugar that goes inside. Also so I can make smaller portions.
These Nutella protein balls are so easy to make – Just coconut flour, protein powder, Nutella spread and some chocolate chips. And even though they’re high in fiber and protein they are still incredibly delicious & indulgent, which means you won’t feel like you’re depriving yourself of dessert if you’re like me and want something sweet after a savory meal.
Hey there sweet-tooth squad! If you’re anything like me, the mere mention of Nutella gets your taste buds dancin’. And when you turn that creamy chocolatey, hazelnutty goodness into bite-sized Nutella balls? Oh man, it’s game over. These lil’ spheres of heaven are the perfect snack, dessert, or “I just need a pick-me-up” treat. Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a baking pro, I’m here to spill all the deets on makin’ Nutella balls that’ll have everyone beggin’ for more. So, grab a spoon (or just dive in with your finger, no judgment), and let’s get rollin’!
What Are Nutella Balls, Anyway?
In case you ain’t caught on yet, Nutella balls are basically little round treats made with Nutella—that iconic hazelnut cocoa spread that’s been stealin’ hearts since forever Think of ‘em as truffles, energy bites, or even mini dessert bombs They’re usually no-bake, super easy to whip up, and packed with that rich, nutty-chocolate flavor we all crave. You can roll ‘em in stuff like cocoa powder, crushed nuts, or sprinkles to make ‘em extra fancy, or just leave ‘em plain and still blow minds.
Why are they so freakin’ awesome? For starters, they’re quick. Like, “I got 10 minutes before the kids come home screamin’” quick. Plus, you can customize ‘em to your heart’s content—add oats for a chewy vibe, mix in some peanut butter, or even sneak in some healthy stuff like flaxseed if you’re feelin’ virtuous. Me? I just love how they satisfy my sweet cravings without needin’ to bake a whole dang cake.
Let’s Make Some Nutella Balls: The Basic Recipe
Alright, let’s cut to the chase. I’m gonna share my go-to recipe for Nutella balls that’s stupid simple and uses stuff you probably got in your pantry already. This version is inspired by some energy bite ideas I’ve played with, but trust me, it’s all about that Nutella magic. Here’s how we do it at my house.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nutella | 1/2 cup | The star of the show, duh! |
| Quick Oats | 1 3/4 cups | Helps hold it together; pulse rolled oats if needed. |
| Ground Flaxseed | 1/2 cup | For texture and a lil’ health boost. |
| Cocoa Powder | 1/4 cup | Extra chocolatey punch. |
| Chocolate Chips | 1/2 cup (scant) | Optional, but who skips chocolate? |
| Honey or Maple Syrup | 1/2 cup | Sticky sweetness to bind it all. Use what ya got. |
How to Make ‘Em
- Mix the Dry Stuff: Grab a big ol’ bowl and toss in your oats, flaxseed, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips. Stir it up real good so everything’s mingled.
- Add the Wet Goodies: Scoop in that Nutella (try not to eat half of it straight from the jar, I dare ya) and pour in your honey or maple syrup. Mix it all together ‘til it’s a sticky, doughy mess. If it looks too dry, add a smidge more Nutella or sweetener. If it’s too wet, toss in more oats.
- Roll ‘Em Up: Wet your hands a bit—trust me, it stops the stickiness from drivin’ you nuts—and roll the dough into small balls. I aim for about a tablespoon each, but you do you. Lay ‘em on a tray or plate.
- Chill Out: Pop those bad boys in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up. If you’re impatient like me, 10 minutes in the freezer works too.
- Store and Snack: Keep ‘em in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last a couple weeks, but let’s be real—they ain’t gonna make it past day two.
That’s it! You’ve got yourself a batch of Nutella balls that are perfect for grabbin’ on the go or sneakin’ when no one’s lookin’. My kiddos go wild for these, and I gotta hide a few for myself or I’m outta luck.
Why Nutella Balls Are a Game-Changer
Now that you’ve got the basics down, lemme tell ya why these lil’ treats are worth your time. First off, they’re versatile as heck. You can make ‘em healthy-ish with stuff like oats and nuts, or go full decadent by rollin’ ‘em in powdered sugar or melted chocolate. They’re also a crowd-pleaser—bring a plate of these to a party, and you’re instantly the MVP. And did I mention no baking? That means no hot oven in the middle of summer, no fancy equipment, just a bowl and your hands.
Another thing I love? They’re a sneaky way to get some good stuff into picky eaters. Mix in some ground flax or chia seeds, and boom, you’ve got fiber and omega-3s disguised as a dessert. I’ve even tricked my husband into eatin’ healthier with these, and he’s usually all about the junk food.
A Lil’ History on Nutella Itself
Alright, let’s take a quick detour and chat about Nutella, ‘cause this spread deserves some props. If you didn’t know, Nutella hails from Italy, born way back in the 1960s outta a need for somethin’ sweet when cocoa was scarce after the war. Some genius baker dude figured out that mixin’ hazelnuts with a bit of chocolate could stretch the flavor, and bam, a legend was born. It started as a solid block, then turned into the creamy spread we know today. By 1964, the first jar rolled outta a factory in a lil’ Italian town famous for hazelnuts, and the world ain’t been the same since.
Fun fact: Nutella’s got a ton of hazelnuts in every jar—about 50 per small tub, I’ve heard. The company behind it uses a huge chunk of the world’s hazelnut supply just to keep up with demand. And while it’s mostly sugar and palm oil (yeah, it ain’t health food, let’s be real), there’s somethin’ magical about that nutty-chocolate combo that’s got folks hooked globally. I mean, they’ve even got cafes dedicated to Nutella in some places—how wild is that?
Variations to Spice Up Your Nutella Balls
Now, I ain’t sayin’ the basic recipe ain’t perfect, but if you’re like me, you love switchin’ things up in the kitchen. Here are some funky twists on Nutella balls to keep things fresh:
- Nutella Truffle Vibes: Skip the oats and mix Nutella with crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs. Roll ‘em in cocoa powder or crushed hazelnuts for a fancy truffle look. These are straight-up decadent and perfect for gifting—if you can resist eatin’ ‘em all.
- Peanut Butter Nutella Mashup: Swirl in a spoonful of peanut butter with the Nutella before rollin’. The salty-sweet combo is gonna blow your mind. I tried this once on a whim, and now it’s a family fave.
- Coconut Crazy: Add shredded coconut to the mix or roll the finished balls in it. Gives ‘em a tropical flair that’s perfect for summer vibes. My beach-lovin’ sister flipped for these.
- Boozy Balls: For the grown-ups, mix in a tiny splash of Baileys or Kahlua. Just a lil’ bit, now—don’t go turnin’ dessert into a cocktail party. These are a hit at holiday gatherings, trust me.
- Healthy-ish Hack: If you’re watchin’ your sugar, use less Nutella and sub in some homemade hazelnut butter (just blend roasted hazelnuts ‘til smooth). Toss in some chia seeds for extra crunch. They won’t be as sweet, but still dang tasty.
Feel free to play around with whatever you got in your cupboard. Crushed pretzels, dried fruit, or even a pinch of cinnamon can take these to the next level. Half the fun is experimentin’ and seein’ what sticks!
Tips for Nailing Your Nutella Balls Every Time
I’ve made my fair share of kitchen flops, so lemme save you some headaches with a few pro tips I’ve picked up along the way:
- Sticky Hands Fix: Like I said earlier, wet your hands before rollin’. It’s a game-changer. Keeps the dough from gluin’ itself to your fingers and makes nice, smooth balls.
- Texture Troubles: If your mix is crumbly and won’t hold together, add more Nutella or a drizzle of honey. Too sticky? More oats or even a spoonful of flour can help. It’s all about findin’ that sweet spot.
- Storage Smarts: Keep ‘em in the fridge in a sealed container. They get harder the longer they sit, so if you like ‘em soft, let ‘em sit out a few minutes before munchin’. They’re good for a couple weeks, but good luck makin’ ‘em last that long.
- Portion Control (Or Not): I use a small cookie scoop to keep ‘em uniform, but if you’re just snackin’ at home, eyeballin’ it works fine. Make ‘em tiny for bite-sized treats or big for a full-on indulgence.
- Rollin’ Fun: Get the kids involved! My little ones love rollin’ these up, even if half the mix ends up in their mouths. It’s messy, but the giggles are worth it.
Serving Ideas to Impress Your Crew
Nutella balls are fab on their own, but if you wanna level up, here’s how to serve ‘em with some pizzazz:
- Party Platter: Stack ‘em on a cute tray with some fresh strawberries or banana slices. The fruit cuts through the richness, and it looks all gourmet.
- Dessert Duo: Pair ‘em with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold creaminess with the fudgy Nutella ball? Heaven. I did this for a date night once, and let’s just say it scored me some points.
- Coffee Break Buddy: Dunk one (or three) in your morning coffee. It’s like a mocha experience in snack form. I’m guilty of this every dang day.
- Gift ‘Em: Pop a few in a cute bag or jar with a ribbon. Instant homemade gift for teachers, neighbors, or anyone who needs a lil’ sweetness in their life. I’ve done this for Christmas, and folks loved it.
Nutella’s Global Love Affair
One thing that always blows my mind is how Nutella’s taken over the world. I mean, it started as a lil’ Italian invention, but now you can’t walk into a grocery store anywhere without seein’ that familiar jar. Kids in Italy grow up spreadin’ it on bread for an after-school snack, while in France, they slap it on baguettes with their coffee. Heck, I’ve heard in some African countries, it’s a sandwich filler for a quick bite. It’s like Nutella speaks every language, ya know?
And the company behind it ain’t messin’ around. They’re big on makin’ sure their palm oil is sustainable—somethin’ about bein’ certified and avoidin’ deforestation, which I respect. Their cocoa comes from farms that follow strict rules too. So, while we’re indulgin’ in these Nutella balls, at least we can feel a smidge better knowin’ they’re tryin’ to do right by the planet.
How to Make Your Nutella Balls Healthier (If You Care)
Look, I ain’t gonna pretend Nutella is some kinda superfood. It’s loaded with sugar and fat—delicious fat, but still. A single spoonful packs a calorie punch, so if you’re tryin’ to keep things lighter with your Nutella balls, here’s some hacks:
- Cut the Sweet: Use less Nutella and more natural hazelnut butter. It’s got that nutty vibe without all the added sugar. You might need a touch of sweetener still, but it’s better than goin’ overboard.
- Boost the Good Stuff: Add in ground flaxseed, chia seeds, or even protein powder to up the nutritional game. These keep you full longer, so you’re not eatin’ the whole batch in one sittin’ (guilty as charged).
- Swap the Chips: Ditch the chocolate chips for chopped nuts or dried cranberries. You still get texture and flavor, just with less processed junk.
- Portion It Out: Make ‘em smaller. Tiny Nutella balls mean you can pop a couple without feelin’ like you’ve ruined your day. I’ve started doin’ this, and it actually works… sometimes.
Don’t get me wrong, though—these are still a treat. Ain’t no point in makin’ somethin’ so healthy it don’t taste good. Balance is key, my friends.
Wrappin’ It Up with Some Nutella Love
So, there ya have it—everything you need to know about makin’ and lovin’ on some Nutella balls. Whether you stick to my basic no-bake recipe or go wild with boozy truffles or coconut twists, these lil’ bites are gonna bring some serious joy to your kitchen. I’ve shared my fave tips, servin’ ideas, and even a bit of Nutella history to give ya the full scoop. And hey, if you mess up a batch, don’t sweat it. My first try was a sticky disaster, but I ate it anyway—straight from the bowl with a spoon.
Ingredients used to make Healthier Nutella Protein Balls
**Ive linked some of these ingredients to amazon.com to give you an idea of what they are, but you should also be able to find them in your local grocery store (usually, the natural & organic food section). They are also affiliate links, which means that I earn a commission as an Amazon Associate if you decide to purchase the items. The price will be the same for you, link or no link
- Protein Powder – You can use any protein powder for this, but I found that whey protein tends to produce gummier results. I used a vanilla plant-based protein powder, like this one below.
- Coconut Flour – Packed with fiber and nutrients, you can’t forget about this gluten-free, wheat free and grain-free ingredient. Coconut flour is great for those allergic to gluten and wanting a low-carb option. While it’s called coco-nut it’s actually nut-free because this flour is made from coconut flesh (which is a fruit, not a nut) that’s been dried and then grind into small flour particles. Coconut flour feels and looks similar to grain flour, and also it has a very mild taste. Here is a brand of coconut flour I like to use.
- Chocolate Hazelnut Spread– You can use whatever chocolate hazelnut spread you have on hand, I used Nutella in this recipe but you can also use Nutiva which is organic, and has a lower sugar content
you can buy Nutiva
- Chocolate Chips – you can use any chocolate chips in this recipe. I like this lower sugar, stevia-sweetened brand
Mix all ingredients together except the ingredients for the chocolate covering.
Add more coconut flour (only a teaspoon at a time) if the dough is too soft, add a teaspoon or more of water, or almond milk if the dough is too thick.
Roll the batter into tablespoon sized balls, refrigerate for 15 minutes to set
melt chocolate chips in the microwave in 20 second bursts until melted, stirring in between. Stir in chocolate hazelnut spread. Dip the protein balls into the chocolate and then set them on a clean parchment paper.
Sprinkle cocoa powder on top, and let the chocolate set before serving. Its so worth waiting for the chocolate shell to set!
How to Make this Healthier
- Make this even healthier by adding a handful of nuts, seeds and old-fashioned oats to add texture and nutrition. Even better, add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed, hemp seeds, or chia seeds.
- Store these protein balls covered in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.
- Coconut flour and protein powders are all very different depending on brands, so if you find that the dough is too soft, add more coconut flour; if the dough is too thick, add a teaspoon or more of water, honey or liquid sweetener of choice.
Small, Big, Giant, Nutella!? – Red Ball 4 Animation (w/ @LukeDidThat) #asmr #eatingshow
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