Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

Looking for a sweet treat that’s simple, irresistible, and downright delicious? Let me introduce you to Peanut Butter Balls—the perfect balance of creamy peanut butter, sweet chocolate, and a hint of crunch. These little bites of heaven are packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack or need a fun treat for the holidays, these peanut butter balls are always a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one!

Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Balls

This treat is a total game-changer, and here’s why:

Sweet & Savory Combo: The smooth peanut butter inside is the star, and when coated in chocolate, it’s like the ultimate sweet and savory experience. Every bite is a perfect combination of creamy, salty, and sweet.

No-Bake: One of the best things about this recipe is that you don’t need to turn on your oven! These peanut butter balls come together with minimal effort, so you can have a treat ready in no time.

Customizable: You can make these peanut butter balls your own. Want to add some crunch? Toss in some chopped nuts or rice krispies. Or try drizzling a little extra chocolate on top for a fancier touch.

Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re hosting a party or need a gift for someone special, these peanut butter balls are ideal for sharing. They’re small, portable, and the perfect size for popping in your mouth!

Kid-Friendly: These are a hit with kids and adults alike, making them a great option for family gatherings or a fun baking activity with little ones.

Ingredients

Let’s take a look at the ingredients that make these peanut butter balls a real treat. The best part? You probably already have most of these in your pantry!

Peanut Butter: The base of the recipe, creamy peanut butter gives these balls their irresistible flavor and texture.

Powdered Sugar: This helps to sweeten the peanut butter filling and give it that perfect consistency that holds together well when rolled into balls.

Butter: A little bit of softened butter adds richness and helps bind the peanut butter and powdered sugar together.

Vanilla Extract: Just a splash of vanilla brings everything together with a warm, aromatic flavor.

Chocolate: The magic happens when you coat these peanut butter balls in melted chocolate. You can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate, depending on your preference.

(Optional) Chopped Nuts: For an extra crunch, consider rolling your peanut butter balls in chopped peanuts or other nuts for a delightful texture contrast.

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

Instructions

Let’s get to the fun part: making these peanut butter balls! Here’s how to make them step-by-step:

Step 1: Mix the Peanut Butter Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a spoon or your hands to mix everything together until it’s smooth and well-combined. The mixture should be thick and hold its shape when rolled into balls.

Step 2: Shape the Balls

Once your peanut butter mixture is ready, roll it into small balls about the size of a golf ball or slightly smaller. Place each ball onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If the mixture is too sticky, you can refrigerate it for a few minutes before rolling to make it easier to handle.

Step 3: Chill the Peanut Butter Balls

Pop the tray into the refrigerator and let the peanut butter balls chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up so they won’t fall apart when you dip them in chocolate.

Step 4: Melt the Chocolate

While the peanut butter balls are chilling, melt your chocolate. You can do this either in the microwave (in 20-second intervals, stirring between each) or in a double boiler on the stovetop until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.

Step 5: Coat the Peanut Butter Balls

Once the peanut butter balls have chilled, use a fork to dip each ball into the melted chocolate, coating it evenly. Let any excess chocolate drip off and return the balls to the baking sheet. You can also drizzle a little extra chocolate over the top for a pretty, decorative touch.

Step 6: Let the Chocolate Set

Allow the chocolate to set by placing the peanut butter balls back in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes. This step will ensure the chocolate hardens around the peanut butter filling and gives the balls that perfect snap when you bite into them.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the chocolate is fully set, your peanut butter balls are ready to enjoy! Serve them chilled or at room temperature—either way, they’ll be a hit!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Balls

Peanut butter balls are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to make them even more festive and fun:

Holiday Treats: Make these as part of a holiday cookie tray or gift them in cute boxes. They make excellent gifts, and they’re always a favorite at Christmas, Easter, or any occasion.

With a Cup of Milk: Pair these peanut butter balls with a glass of cold milk for the ultimate snack experience. The creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate go perfectly with a refreshing drink.

Add a Twist: Try rolling the peanut butter balls in crushed pretzels, sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips for a fun variation.

For Parties: These are great for parties or potlucks—make a big batch and watch them disappear!

Additional Tips

Storage: Store any leftover peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They stay fresh and delicious!

Freezer-Friendly: These peanut butter balls freeze wonderfully! Simply freeze them on the baking sheet for about an hour before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to a month in the freezer, and you can take out just a few at a time for a quick treat.

Make Ahead: You can prepare the peanut butter filling and shape the balls ahead of time, then dip them in chocolate when you’re ready. This is a great time-saver for parties or holiday prep!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chunky peanut butter?
A1: Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will give the balls a bit more texture and crunch. Just make sure to use smooth peanut butter for the chocolate coating for the best results.

Q2: Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
A2: Yes, milk chocolate will work beautifully! It’ll make the peanut butter balls sweeter, so feel free to adjust the sweetness of the filling to your taste.

Q3: Can I skip chilling the balls?
A3: While you can skip this step, chilling the balls helps them hold together better and ensures they’re easy to dip in the chocolate. I highly recommend this step!

Q4: Can I make these without chocolate?
A4: You can! If you’re not a fan of chocolate, you can roll the peanut butter balls in powdered sugar or crushed nuts instead for a different finish.

Q5: How long do these last?
A5: When stored properly in an airtight container, these peanut butter balls will stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to a month.

Enjoy!

These Peanut Butter Balls are the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet cravings with just the right amount of crunch, creaminess, and chocolate goodness. Whether you’re making them for yourself, sharing with loved ones, or giving them as gifts, they’re sure to be a hit. So, what are you waiting for? Get rolling and enjoy these little bites of bliss!

Print