Peanut Butter Balls are a delightful treat that combines creamy peanut butter, sweet powdered sugar, and a rich chocolate coating.
These no-bake bites are perfect for holidays, parties, or as an easy dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth. Simple to make and absolutely delicious, they’re a crowd favorite that’s sure to impress!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 12 oz semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smooth melting)
Directions
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Form the Balls
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
- Chill the Balls
- Refrigerate the peanut butter balls for at least 30 minutes or until firm.
- Melt the Chocolate
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth. Add coconut oil or shortening for a shinier finish if desired.
- Coat the Balls
- Using a fork or skewer, dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing it back on the parchment paper.
- Set the Coating
- Let the chocolate harden by refrigerating the coated balls for another 20–30 minutes.
- Serve
- Once the chocolate is set, transfer the peanut butter balls to an airtight container or serve immediately.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Chill Time
50 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 10 minutes
Nutrition (Per Ball – Makes 24)
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 7g
- Sodium: 40mg
Expert Tips
- For Smoother Dipping: Use a toothpick or dipping tool to make coating easier and achieve a polished finish.
- Customize the Toppings: Sprinkle with crushed peanuts, sea salt, or drizzle with white chocolate for a decorative touch.
- Adjust Sweetness: Add more or less powdered sugar to suit your taste preference.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes! Crunchy peanut butter adds texture and works perfectly in this recipe.
How long do peanut butter balls last?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can I use white or dark chocolate?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your preferred chocolate for coating.
Storing & Reheating
- Storage: Keep the balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Freezing: Arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Defrost in the refrigerator before serving.
Substitutions & Variations
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or almond butter.
- Low-Sugar Version: Use powdered erythritol and sugar-free chocolate chips.
- Holiday-Themed: Add food coloring to white chocolate or sprinkle with festive decorations for seasonal events.
Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
Peanut Butter Balls are a delightful treat that combines creamy peanut butter, sweet powdered sugar, and a rich chocolate coating.
Equipment
- - Mixing bowl
- - Spoon or spatula
- - Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- - Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
Ingredients
- - 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- - 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- - 2 cups powdered sugar
- - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- - 12 oz semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- - 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening optional, for smooth melting
Instructions
- **Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture**
- - In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- **Form the Balls**
- - Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
- **Chill the Balls**
- - Refrigerate the peanut butter balls for at least 30 minutes or until firm.
- **Melt the Chocolate**
- - In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth. Add coconut oil or shortening for a shinier finish if desired.
- **Coat the Balls**
- - Using a fork or skewer, dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing it back on the parchment paper.
- **Set the Coating**
- - Let the chocolate harden by refrigerating the coated balls for another 20–30 minutes.
- **Serve**
- - Once the chocolate is set, transfer the peanut butter balls to an airtight container or serve immediately.
Leave a Reply