As the leaves begin to turn vibrant shades of red and gold, and the crisp autumn air fills our homes with anticipation, there’s nothing quite like a simple, delightful treat to celebrate the season. These Nutter Butter Acorns are precisely that—a charming, no-bake dessert that captures the essence of fall and brings a smile to everyone’s face. Over the past few years, these little delights have become a cherished tradition in our household. It’s a wonder I haven’t captured their adorable charm in photos until now!

They are not just adorable; they are irresistibly tempting. The perfect blend of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate makes these bite-sized acorns an instant favorite. Their small stature means you can easily pop one (or two, or three!) into your mouth, experiencing a burst of comforting flavor with every bite. If you’re looking for an easy, fun, and utterly delicious dessert that requires no baking, you’ve found your match.

And

so.darn.tempting.

Why You’ll Love These Easy Acorn Treats

These Nutter Butter Acorns are more than just a sweet snack; they’re a delightful experience. What makes them so special? For starters, their miniature size makes them incredibly appealing. They’re perfectly portioned, ideal for little hands at a party or for a quick, guilt-free indulgence for adults. The classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate, found in the beloved Nutter Butter cookies and Hershey’s Kisses, creates a flavor profile that is universally loved.

Beyond their taste, the ease of preparation is a major highlight. No oven required, no complicated steps, and minimal cleanup! This makes them an excellent choice for busy holidays like Thanksgiving, when oven space is a precious commodity, or for a spontaneous weekend activity with kids. Imagine the joy of crafting these adorable treats together, creating lasting memories while making something truly delicious.

They are so little you can just pop ’em in your mouth!

Perfect blend of peanut butter and chocolate.

I think you should make some of these up for the kids at Thanksgiving…

or anytime really?

Perfect for Any Occasion

While these Nutter Butter Acorns are undeniably a fantastic addition to your Thanksgiving dessert spread, their versatility extends far beyond the holiday season. Their charming fall theme makes them ideal for:

• Thanksgiving Feasts: Offer a cute, bite-sized dessert that’s different from traditional pies. They’re especially great for the kids’ table!
• Fall Harvest Parties: A whimsical touch for any autumn gathering, from school events to neighborhood potlucks.
• Halloween Parties: A less spooky, but equally festive, treat for October celebrations.
• School Bake Sales: Eye-catching and easy to transport, they’re sure to be a hit.
• Cozy Weekend Fun (No-Bake!): A simple and enjoyable project to do with children on a lazy Saturday afternoon.
• Holiday Gift Baskets: Package them up beautifully for a homemade touch that everyone will appreciate.

Truly, there’s no wrong time to enjoy these delightful chocolate and peanut butter acorns. They bring a touch of seasonal magic and a whole lot of deliciousness to any table.

NUTTER BUTTER Acorns Recipe

Inspired by Taste of Home

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for melting)
• 48 additional mini chocolate chips (for stems)
• 48 Mini Nutter Butter Cookies
• 48 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

Equipment You’ll Need:

• Cookie sheet
• Waxed paper or parchment paper
• Microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
• Small spoon or toothpick (for applying chocolate)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Line a large cookie sheet with waxed paper or parchment paper. This will prevent your acorns from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Heat in 15-20 second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize.
3. Assemble the Acorn Caps: Take one unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss. Dip the flat, wider end of the Kiss into the melted chocolate. This chocolate will act as the “glue.”
4. Attach to Cookie: Immediately press the chocolate-dipped end of the Kiss onto one side of a Mini Nutter Butter cookie, creating the “cap” of your acorn. Place the assembled acorn onto the prepared cookie sheet.
5. Chill to Set (First Round): Once all 48 acorn caps are attached, place the cookie sheet into the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chocolate has completely set and the Kisses are firmly attached to the cookies. This step is crucial for stability.
6. Create the Stems: Once the caps are set, use a tiny dab of the remaining melted chocolate (you may need to re-melt it slightly if it has hardened) to attach a single mini chocolate chip to the top of the Nutter Butter cookie, opposite the Hershey’s Kiss. This forms the adorable “stem” of the acorn.
7. Chill to Set (Final Round): Return the cookie sheet to the refrigerator for another 5-10 minutes, or until the mini chocolate chip stems are fully set.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Once firm, your Nutter Butter Acorns are ready to be served!

Tips for Nutter Butter Acorn Success

Creating these delightful treats is incredibly straightforward, but a few pointers can ensure your acorns turn out perfectly every time:

• Chocolate Melting Mastery: When melting chocolate, low and slow is the way to go. If using a microwave, stir frequently. For a more controlled melt, a double boiler (a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water) works wonders. This prevents burning and keeps the chocolate smooth and workable.
• Cookie Choice Matters: Stick to “mini” Nutter Butter cookies for the best acorn shape and size. Larger cookies might make the proportions look a bit off.
• Unwrap Kisses Ahead of Time: Save yourself time and sticky fingers by unwrapping all your Hershey’s Kisses before you start melting the chocolate.
• Don’t Rush the Chill: Allowing sufficient time in the refrigerator for the chocolate to set is key. This ensures your acorns are sturdy and won’t fall apart when handled.
• Creative Stem Application: For the mini chocolate chip stems, a toothpick or the very tip of a small knife can help apply the melted chocolate precisely. You can also carefully use your finger if you don’t mind a little mess!
• Storage: Store these Nutter Butter Acorns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for extended freshness, especially if your home is warm.
• Make Ahead: These are perfect for making a day or two in advance of an event. They hold up beautifully!

Variations & Customizations

While the classic Nutter Butter Acorn is perfect as is, don’t hesitate to get creative and customize them to your liking or for different dietary needs:

• Cookie Swaps: Experiment with other mini cookies! Mini Oreos, vanilla wafers, or even shortbread cookies could offer a different base flavor. Just ensure they are flat enough for the Kiss to attach securely.
• Chocolate Choices: Instead of semi-sweet, try milk chocolate chips for a sweeter treat, or dark chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor. White chocolate chips could also be used for a lighter, more whimsical look.
• Nut-Free Option: If allergies are a concern, swap out Nutter Butter cookies for a nut-free alternative like SunButter sandwich cookies. Use carob chips or allergy-friendly chocolate chips to ensure the entire treat is safe.
• Decorative Sprinkles: Before the chocolate holding the Kiss or stem sets completely, you can roll the chocolate-dipped portion in fall-themed sprinkles for an extra festive touch. Gold, brown, or orange sprinkles would be beautiful.
• Edible Glitter: A light dusting of edible gold or bronze glitter can add a magical shimmer to your acorns, making them truly stand out on a dessert platter.
• Extracts: For a subtle flavor twist, add a tiny drop of vanilla, almond, or maple extract to your melted chocolate. Stir it in well before dipping.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use full-sized Nutter Butter cookies?

While you certainly can, mini Nutter Butter cookies create the most authentic and adorable “acorn” shape. Full-sized cookies might make the proportions look a bit off, and they won’t be as easy to pop in your mouth!

What if my chocolate becomes too thick to work with?

If your melted chocolate starts to thicken, you can gently re-warm it in the microwave for 5-10 seconds, stirring thoroughly. A tiny bit of coconut oil or vegetable oil (about 1/4 teaspoon per 1/2 cup of chocolate chips) can also help thin it out, but use sparingly to avoid altering the chocolate’s setting properties.

How far in advance can I make these Nutter Butter Acorns?

These treats are quite stable and can be made 2-3 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

Can I freeze Nutter Butter Acorns?

While technically possible, freezing may alter the texture of the Nutter Butter cookie slightly. If you do freeze them, place them in an airtight freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before bringing to room temperature. For best results, it’s recommended to enjoy them fresh or stored in the fridge.

Are there any alternative “caps” if I don’t have Hershey’s Kisses?

Absolutely! Small chocolate candies like M&M’s (the larger, original size) or even chocolate-covered espresso beans could work, though the distinct shape of a Hershey’s Kiss really lends itself to the acorn cap look. You could also melt more chocolate and pipe a rounded “cap” shape onto the cookie, then quickly attach sprinkles before it sets.

Pop one in your mouth and say thanks!!

Sometimes it’s ok to talk with your mouth full!

Share Your Acorn Creations!

There’s a unique joy in crafting simple, beautiful treats, and these Nutter Butter Acorns embody that spirit perfectly. They are a testament to how a few basic ingredients and a little creativity can result in something truly special and memorable.

We encourage you to try this recipe, gather your loved ones, and immerse yourselves in the fun of making these charming fall treats. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, a casual get-together, or just a sweet moment with family, these acorns are sure to be a hit.

Once you’ve made your batch, don’t forget to share your creations! Tag us on social media with your adorable Nutter Butter Acorns. We love seeing how you bring these recipes to life in your own kitchens.

Happy making, and happy autumn!