Make Turtle Cookie Balls in Just Minutes: A Chocolaty Treat! (2024)

Turtle Cookie Balls are known for their indulgent flavors of chocolate, banana, and hazelnuts in a delightful bite-size treat.

This irresistible recipe takes the classic turtle cookie and transforms it into bite-sized, no-bake cookie balls that are not only easy to make but also an absolute crowd-pleaser.

A perfect blend of creamy bananas, chocolate, gooey hazelnut spread, and crunchy hazelnuts coming together in a harmonious union. These Turtle Cookie Balls capture the essence of the turtle cookie while adding a unique twist that will leave you satisfied with joy.

Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to be easy, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. From holiday gatherings and celebrations to simple indulgences, Turtle Cookie Balls are a sweet treat that never fails to impress.

Many more impressive desserts like Almond Hazelnut Nougat, Italian Almond Cookies, Coconut Macaroons, Mint cookies, and Pate de Fruits can provide you with some inspiration for your next creation.

If you need ideas for party appetizers then you can explore 3 Sandwich Spreads and Papas Arrugadas.

⭐Why You'll Love This Turtle Cookie Balls Recipe

Turtle Cookie Balls are an ideal treat in the festival season and here are a few reasons to fall in love with this recipe:

• Uses Simple Ingredients: All the ingredients are easy to find in the supermarket.
• Quick, Simple and Easy to Make: This simple recipe with basic ingredients is perfect for those who want a delicious homemade treat without a lot of hassle.
• Rich Chocolate Flavor: The recipe combines hazelnut spread and dark chocolate for a rich and indulgent chocolatey experience.
• Banana Flavor: Ripe bananas in the cookie base bring natural sweetness and a hint of fruity flavor. They also contribute to the truffles' moist and soft texture.
• Versatility: Customize by using different cookies, experimenting with nuts, or adding your favorite spices. The recipe's versatility lets you tailor the truffles to your liking.
• Nice Presentation: Visually appealing truffles with decorative dark chocolate layers and hazelnut crunch, make an attractive addition to dessert tables or as homemade gifts.
• Perfect for Celebrations: Ideal for holiday gatherings, birthdays, or special occasions.

If you want more treats you should check out Scotcheroos and Chocolate Toffee Bark.

🧾Ingredients Needed & Substitutions

Ingredients for this Turtle Cookie Balls recipe are simple. Here is a list of everything you need:

Ingredients for Hazelnut Spread (Nutella):

• Hazelnut: Adds a nutty flavor that complements the chocolate.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness to the hazelnut spread.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds a rich chocolate flavor with a slight bitterness.
• Coconut Oil: Provides a smooth and glossy consistency to the hazelnut spread.
• Dark Chocolate: Adds a deep, intense cocoa flavor and provides a smooth and creamy texture to the hazelnut spread.

Ingredients for Cookies Balls:

• Bananas: Adds natural sweetness to the truffle mixture. Contributes to the moistness and softness of the truffles. Introduces a subtle fruity flavor that complements the chocolate.
• Cookies: Provides the base and structure for the truffles. Adds a crumbly texture to the truffles.
• Dark Chocolate: Adds depth to the overall truffle’s flavor. Creates an attractive visual contrast on the cookie balls.
• Water: Help to melt the chocolate and create a smoother and creamier texture.
• Hazelnut: Adds a nutty flavor that complements the chocolate.

Here are some substitutions for a Turtle Cookie Balls recipe:

• Cookies: Substitute with graham crackers, digestive biscuits, shortbread cookies, or even cake crumbs.
• Bananas: Replace with an equal amount of applesauce for moisture and sweetness.
• Hazelnut: Substitute with almonds, walnuts, pecans, or any other nut of your choice.
• Powdered Sugar: Replace with alternatives like powdered erythritol or stevia for a lower-calorie option. You can also use honey, agave, or any natural sweetener.
• Dark Chocolate: Replace with semisweet or bittersweet chocolate.
• Coconut Oil: Substitute with unsalted butter, vegetable oil, or melted margarine.

Think about what you like to eat and any special food needs you have when changing ingredients. Try making a small test batch first to make sure the new ingredients taste good and have the texture you like.

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

📖Variations of Turtle Cookie Balls Recipe

Creative variations of Turtle Cookie Balls can add exciting twists to these balls and accommodate a range of tastes and nutritional requirements.

Here are a few ideas for Turtle Cookie Balls variations:

• Fruity Delight: Add dried fruit such as raisins, cranberries, or chopped dried apricots to the truffle mixture for a burst of sweetness and chewiness.
• Spiced Sensation: Incorporate ground spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spiced twist to the truffles.
• Coffee Flavor: Mix in a tablespoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to the truffle mixture to add a rich coffee flavor.
• Minty Fresh: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the truffle mixture for a refreshing minty taste and consider topping the truffles with crushed candy canes.
• Orange Zest: Grate orange zest into the truffle mixture to infuse a citrusy aroma and flavor.
• Peanut Butter Bliss: Swirl in creamy or crunchy peanut butter into the truffle mixture for a delightful peanut butter taste.
• Coconut Twist: Add shredded coconut to the truffle mixture and roll the truffles in additional coconut flakes for a tropical twist.

Get creative and make Turtle Cookie Balls variations by adding and experimenting with different ingredients. Get it your twist!

👩🏻‍🍳How to Make Turtle Cookie Balls

These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.

How to Make Hazelnuts Spread:

1. Toast the hazelnuts in a pan for approximately 8 minutes, or until the skins turn dark and crack.

2. Place the hazelnuts on a plate, let them cool briefly, then peel away loose skins and transfer them to a small bowl.

3. Put the toasted hazelnuts into a food processor and blend for approximately 3-4 minutes until a smooth hazelnut butter is formed.

4. Combine powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and coconut oil with the hazelnut butter.

5. Blend until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined, resulting in a smooth chocolate hazelnut spread.

6. Incorporate melted chocolate and blend until the mixture attains a silky and smooth consistency.

7. Transfer the homemade Nutella into a small bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

How to Make the Cookie Balls:

See Also

Chokito Chocolate Caramel SliceThe Best Chocolate Chip BlondiesOatmeal Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies - Choosing ChiaChocolate chip edible cookie dough for one + 3 variations

1. In a big bowl, mash the ripe bananas until they're smooth.

2. Put the cookies in a food processor and pulse until they become fine crumbs.

3. Add the cookie crumbs to the bowl with mashed bananas and mix thoroughly until well combined.

4. Grab a bit of the cookie mix and roll it into small balls.

5. Use your thumbs to gently press and create space in the dough.

6. Put hazelnut spread into the space.

7. Put a bit of the cookie mix on top, making sure to completely cover the Hazelnut spread or Nutella.

8. Roll the mixture between your hands to form a round ball shape, then put it on a cutting board lined with parchment paper.

9. Keep doing this until you've used up all the cookie mixture.

10. Put the cutting board in the fridge for at least 2 hours to let the cookie balls firm up.

11. After the balls have chilled, put them on a lovely serving plate.

12. Melt the chocolate with a bit of water in the microwave.

13. With a spoon of melted chocolate cover the top of each ball.

14. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle crushed hazelnuts on the balls for decoration.

15. Put it in the fridge for 30 minutes.

16. After the chocolate coating is firm, your Nutella-filled cookie balls are ready to be enjoyed!

See Also

I Guarantee My Melt-in-Your-Mouth Fudgy Brownies Will Be the Best You've Ever Had

Check out all of my kitchen essentials in my Amazon Store!

Here is a list of kitchen utensils for making these Turtle Cookie Balls.

• Knife
• Pan
• Small Bowl
• Hand Mixer
• Large Bowl
• Spatula

❄️How to Store, Freeze, Defrost and Serve

Turtle Cookie Balls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored with some precautions to maintain their smooth texture and flavor.

Here is how you can manage its storage:

Storing:

• Put your cookie balls in a closed container, making sure they don't touch each other to avoid sticking.
• Keep the container in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.

Freezing:

• Spread your cookie balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they don't touch.
• Put the sheet in the freezer until the cookie balls become firm.
• Once they're firm, move them to a container or a zip-top bag that's safe for the freezer. Don't forget to write the date on the container.
• They can stay frozen for about 2-3 months.

Defrosting:

• To thaw them, move the frozen cookie balls to the fridge. Let them thaw slowly for a few hours or overnight.
• If you're in a rush, you can also put them at room temperature for faster thawing, which might take about 1-2 hours.
• Avoid using the microwave to defrost, as it can change the texture of the cookie balls.

Serving:

• If you like them chilled, let the cookie balls warm up a bit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
• Once they're thawed or if they were kept in the fridge, they're ready to be enjoyed.
• For a fancy touch, you can roll them in extra coatings like powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or crushed nuts just before serving.
• Serve chocolate cookie balls on a nice tray or in mini cupcake liners for a cute presentation.

❓Frequently Asked Questions for Turtle Cookie Balls

Here are some commonly asked questions about making homemade Turtle Cookie Balls:

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