Heart-Shaped Nutella Truffles for Valentine’s Day are the perfect homemade treat when you want something sweet, romantic, and irresistibly chocolatey. These no-bake truffles are made with creamy Nutella, finely crushed cookies, and a smooth chocolate coating, then shaped into adorable hearts for a festive Valentine’s touch. They are easy to make, beautiful to serve, and ideal for gifting to someone special.
Whether you are planning a romantic dessert, a Valentine’s Day party, or a homemade edible gift, these truffles deliver big flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love These Heart-Shaped Nutella Truffles
These truffles are a favorite Valentine’s Day dessert for many reasons.
- No baking required
- Rich Nutella flavor with a smooth, fudgy texture
- Fun heart shape perfect for Valentine’s Day
- Easy to customize with decorations and coatings
- Great for gifting, parties, or dessert boards
They look fancy and impressive but come together with simple ingredients and beginner-friendly steps.
Ingredients for Heart-Shaped Nutella Truffles
Truffle Filling
- 1 cup Nutella
- 1.75 cups finely crushed chocolate sandwich cookies or chocolate wafers
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate Coating
- 1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 1 tsp coconut oil or vegetable oil, optional for smoothness
Optional Decorations
- Valentine sprinkles
- Pink or red sanding sugar
- White chocolate for drizzle
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Cookie choice: Chocolate sandwich cookies create a rich filling, but plain chocolate wafers also work well.
- Nut-free option: Use a nut-free chocolate spread or cookie butter instead of Nutella.
- Dairy-free: Use dairy-free chocolate and plant-based butter.
- Less sweet: Choose dark chocolate for the coating and reduce the cookie amount slightly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Truffle Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the Nutella, crushed cookies, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until a thick, uniform mixture forms. The texture should be soft but moldable.
Step 2: Chill the Mixture
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the mixture is firm enough to shape without sticking excessively to your hands.
Step 3: Shape the Hearts
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and gently shape it into a heart using your hands. Place shaped truffles on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining mixture.
Step 4: Freeze Briefly
Place the shaped truffles in the freezer for 15 minutes. This helps them hold their shape during dipping.
Step 5: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with the coconut oil in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and glossy.
Step 6: Dip the Truffles
Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each heart-shaped truffle into the melted chocolate. Tap off excess chocolate and place back on the parchment-lined sheet.
Step 7: Decorate
While the chocolate is still wet, add sprinkles or sanding sugar. If using white chocolate drizzle, wait until the coating sets slightly before decorating.
Step 8: Set and Serve
Refrigerate the truffles for 20 minutes or until the chocolate is fully set. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature.
Pro Tips for Success
- Crush cookies very finely for a smooth filling.
- Chill often if the mixture becomes too soft while shaping.
- Use a fork to dip for clean edges and smooth coating.
- Tap off excess chocolate to avoid thick pools at the base.
- Store truffles chilled for the best texture and shape.
Flavor Variations
- Hazelnut crunch: Add finely chopped toasted hazelnuts to the filling.
- Espresso chocolate: Mix 0.25 tsp espresso powder into the Nutella mixture.
- Orange chocolate: Add orange zest for a bright citrus note.
- White chocolate: Coat truffles entirely in white chocolate.
- Double chocolate: Add mini chocolate chips inside the filling.
Serving Suggestions
Arrange heart-shaped Nutella truffles on a dessert platter with fresh berries and strawberries. They also look beautiful in mini cupcake liners for gifting or party displays. Pair with coffee, hot cocoa, or a non-alcoholic sparkling drink for a complete Valentine’s dessert moment.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
- Freezing: Freeze truffles in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Room temperature: Keep cool. Truffles may soften if left out too long.
Heart-Shaped Nutella Truffles for Valentine’s Day
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 truffles
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Heart-Shaped Nutella Truffles for Valentine’s Day are an easy no-bake dessert made with creamy Nutella, crushed cookies, and a smooth chocolate coating, shaped into festive hearts perfect for gifting or sharing.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Nutella
- 1.75 cups finely crushed chocolate sandwich cookies or chocolate wafers
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 1 tsp coconut oil or vegetable oil (optional)
- Valentine sprinkles (optional)
- Pink or red sanding sugar (optional)
- White chocolate for drizzle (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix Nutella, crushed cookies, melted butter, and vanilla until a thick mixture forms.
- Refrigerate the mixture for 20 to 30 minutes until firm enough to shape.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture and shape into heart shapes. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze shaped truffles for 15 minutes to firm up.
- Melt chocolate with coconut oil in short intervals until smooth.
- Dip each heart-shaped truffle into melted chocolate and return to parchment.
- Decorate with sprinkles or sanding sugar while chocolate is wet.
- Refrigerate until chocolate is fully set, then serve.
Notes
Chill the mixture as needed while shaping to keep clean heart shapes and smooth chocolate coating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition Facts (Per Truffle)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 35 mg |
FAQ About Heart-Shaped Nutella Truffles for Valentine’s Day
Can I make these truffles ahead of time?
Yes. These truffles are perfect for making ahead. Store them refrigerated for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage.
Do I need a heart-shaped mold?
No. These truffles are shaped by hand. If you prefer, you can use silicone heart molds for perfectly uniform shapes.
Can kids help make this recipe?
Absolutely. Kids can help mix the filling and decorate the truffles. Adults should handle melting chocolate.
Why is my mixture too soft?
If the mixture feels too soft, chill it longer or add a tablespoon of extra crushed cookies.
Can I use milk chocolate instead?
Yes. Milk chocolate works well and creates a sweeter truffle. Adjust sweetness based on preference.
Final Thoughts
Heart-Shaped Nutella Truffles for Valentine’s Day are a sweet, thoughtful way to celebrate love with homemade chocolate treats. With a rich Nutella center, smooth chocolate coating, and festive heart shape, these truffles are easy to make yet feel incredibly special. Whether you gift them or enjoy them yourself, they are sure to make Valentine’s Day a little sweeter.