Donkey Balls Recipe

Get ready for a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! Donkey Balls are a perfect mix of peanut butter, crunchy nuts, and smooth chocolate. The name might make you laugh, but these little balls of joy are serious business when it comes to flavor. Whether you’re preparing them for a party, a casual snack, or just to surprise your friends with something fun, this recipe is a winner!

Why You’ll Love Donkey Balls

  • Easy and Quick: No baking, just mix, roll, and dip—this recipe is as simple as it gets.
  • Sweet and Salty Perfection: A creamy peanut butter center, crunchy nuts, and a rich chocolate coating—what’s not to love?
  • Fun and Shareable: These little bites are a great conversation starter, and they’re perfect for sharing at parties, gatherings, or as an everyday treat.

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Ingredients

You don’t need a ton of ingredients to make these tasty Donkey Balls. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Donkey Balls:

  • 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, your choice!)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for sweetness and smooth texture)
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (for that perfect crunch)
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (like peanuts, almonds, or pecans, for extra crunch)
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for flavor)
  • A pinch of salt (if you like a salty-sweet vibe!)

For the Chocolate Coating:

  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil (to help the chocolate coat smoothly and set nicely)

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Making Donkey Balls is quick and easy! Follow these simple steps to make these delicious treats:

Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs, chopped nuts, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until it forms a thick, dough-like consistency. It should be firm enough to roll into balls but still slightly sticky.

Step 2: Roll the Balls

Take about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball using your hands. Place the rolled balls onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet or tray. Continue rolling the remaining mixture until you’ve got a batch of bite-sized balls.

Step 3: Chill the Balls

Pop the tray of rolled balls into the freezer for about 20-30 minutes. This will firm them up and make it easier to dip them in chocolate.

Step 4: Melt the Chocolate

While the peanut butter balls are chilling, melt the chocolate. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring in between, or over a double boiler. Once the chocolate is completely smooth, stir in the coconut oil to help give it a shiny, smooth coating.

Step 5: Dip the Balls in Chocolate

Once the peanut butter balls have chilled, dip each one into the melted chocolate. You can use a fork or toothpick to dip them and allow any excess chocolate to drip off. Place the chocolate-coated balls back onto the parchment paper-lined tray.

Step 6: Let the Chocolate Set

Once all the balls are coated, place them back in the fridge to allow the chocolate to set, which should take about 30 minutes. If you’re in a rush, you can pop them into the freezer for 10-15 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the chocolate is set and firm, your Donkey Balls are ready to enjoy! Serve them as a fun treat for a party, as an afternoon snack, or just to share with friends and family.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate breakdown of nutrition per Donkey Ball (based on 12 servings):

Calories per ball: 150
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 60mg
Total Carbohydrates: 15g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin A: 0%
Calcium: 1%
Iron: 3%

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Chill Time: 20-30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40-50 minutes

How to Serve Donkey Balls

These chocolatey peanut butter treats are great for many occasions. Here are a few serving ideas:

As a Party Treat:

These are the perfect sweet finger food for any celebration! Just make a big batch and serve them up in a fun bowl—guests will love them.

Gift Them:

Put a batch of Donkey Balls in a cute gift box or jar, and you’ve got a quirky, fun gift for any friend or family member who loves sweet treats.

Snack On-the-Go:

Throw a few in a zip-lock bag and take them with you on your next road trip or outdoor adventure. They’re the perfect portable snack.

Additional Tips

Variations:

  • Nut-Free Option: Swap the peanut butter for almond butter or sunbutter (sunflower seed butter) if your dog or anyone in your household has peanut allergies.
  • Decorate: If you’re feeling extra, drizzle some white chocolate over the coated balls for a decorative touch.
  • Customize the Filling: You can add mini chocolate chips, raisins, or even coconut flakes to the peanut butter mixture for extra texture and flavor.

Storage:

Store your Donkey Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the fridge for up to 1 week. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?

A1: Absolutely! Almond butter works just as well, though it will give the balls a slightly different flavor. Just make sure to choose a natural almond butter without any added sugars or xylitol.

Q2: Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?

A2: Yes! Dark chocolate will add a richer, less sweet taste to the treats. It’s a great option if you prefer less sweetness or want to balance out the peanut butter.

Q3: How can I make these Donkey Balls vegan?

A3: To make these vegan, simply swap out the regular chocolate for dairy-free chocolate chips, and use maple syrup or agave instead of powdered sugar.

Q4: Can I add more flavor to the chocolate coating?

A4: Definitely! You can add a touch of vanilla extract, cinnamon, or even a pinch of sea salt to the melted chocolate for extra flavor.

Q5: How do I store leftover Donkey Balls?

A5: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the fridge for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

Q6: Can I make these ahead of time?

A6: Yes! You can make these a day or two ahead of time, and they’ll hold up well in the fridge. Just be sure to store them properly in an airtight container.

Q7: Can I use a different type of nut instead of peanuts?

A7: Yes! You can use almonds, cashews, or even walnuts. Just chop them up into smaller pieces so they can easily mix with the peanut butter mixture.

Q8: Can I skip the nuts altogether?

A8: Yes, you can definitely skip the nuts if your dog or a guest has nut allergies, or simply for a smoother, simpler treat.

Q9: How do I make the balls smaller or larger?

A9: If you want smaller balls, just use a teaspoon to scoop the mixture, and for larger ones, use a tablespoon. Adjust the serving size as needed, but remember this will change the overall nutritional content.

Q10: Can I make these without graham cracker crumbs?

A10: Yes! If you don’t have graham crackers, you can substitute with crushed pretzels, oats, or even crushed cereal. It’ll give a slightly different texture but will still taste delicious.

Conclusion

These Donkey Balls are the ultimate sweet and salty treat—fun to make, fun to say, and absolutely delicious to eat! Whether you’re serving them at a party, gifting them to friends, or just snacking at home, these little bites of joy will always be a hit. Go ahead, roll up your sleeves and get ready to create some fun and flavorful treats!

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Donkey Balls Recipe


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: 1620 bars 1x

Description

These Donkey Balls are a fun and delicious treat! A savory snack made with a blend of ground beef, cheese, and spices, shaped into bite-sized balls and baked to perfection. Great for parties, appetizers, or as a tasty snack!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, if preferred)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup (optional, for glaze)

 

  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. 1. Preheat the Oven:

    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

    2. Prepare the Donkey Balls:

    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, green bell pepper (if using), garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
    • Scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch meatballs (or larger if preferred).

    3. Bake the Donkey Balls:

    • Place the formed meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced apart.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C for beef).

    4. Optional Glaze:

    • If you’d like a sweet and tangy glaze on top of the Donkey Balls, mix together 2 tablespoons of ketchup and a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. Brush this glaze over the meatballs about 5 minutes before they’re done baking.

    5. Serve:

    • Once the Donkey Balls are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
    • Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch, BBQ sauce, or hot sauce.

Notes

  • Variation: For a spicy twist, you can add some finely chopped jalapeños or chili flakes to the meat mixture.
  • Make Ahead: You can prep the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs and bake them when you’re ready.

 

  • Serve with: These are great as an appetizer for parties, or you can serve them with rice, pasta, or as a slider filling.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

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