3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls

Introduction

These 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls with cream cheese are a dessert that will blow you away with how unbelievably good they are! I first made these for a holiday gathering, and they quickly became the star of the dessert table. It’s hard to believe such an easy recipe can result in a treat so rich, creamy, and flavorful. The combination of peanut butter and cream cheese creates a smooth and tangy filling, while the powdered sugar helps bind it all together into the perfect bite-sized treat. These little peanut butter balls are ideal for busy days when you want to whip up something sweet without a lot of effort. Whether you’re making them for a party, holiday, or just because, I guarantee they’ll disappear in no time. Every time I serve them, my family raves about how delicious they are—and I can’t blame them!

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare the Mixture:
   In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and peanut butter together using an electric mixer or a whisk. Beat until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. You’ll want the cream cheese and peanut butter to be fully incorporated so that the mixture has a uniform texture.
2. Add Powdered Sugar:
   Gradually add the powdered sugar into the peanut butter and cream cheese mixture. Mix until the powdered sugar is fully combined and a thick dough-like consistency forms. The dough should be easy to handle and slightly firm.
3. Form the Balls:
   Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place each ball onto a lined baking sheet. I recommend using parchment paper or wax paper for easy cleanup and to prevent the balls from sticking.
4. Chill and Serve:
   After all the balls are shaped, refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling the peanut butter balls helps them firm up and gives them the perfect texture. Once they’ve chilled, they’re ready to serve!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 (1 ball per serving)
Calories per Serving: 120

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on standard ingredients and may vary depending on specific product choices.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: No baking required
• Total Time: 40 minutes (including chilling time)

How to Serve

These Peanut Butter Balls are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways depending on your preferences or the occasion:

• As a Party Snack: These are perfect for parties, especially around the holidays. Serve them as a sweet finger food that everyone can easily pick up and enjoy.
• For Dessert Buffets: Include them on your dessert table next to other treats like cookies, brownies, and cakes for a sweet variety.
• As a Quick Snack: Need something to curb your sweet tooth? These peanut butter balls make an easy snack for an afternoon pick-me-up or a late-night treat.
• For Gifts: These make a great homemade gift! Package them up in a decorative box or tin for a thoughtful present that’s sure to be appreciated.

Additional Tips

1. Ensure the Cream Cheese is Softened: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. This will ensure it blends smoothly with the peanut butter and creates the best texture for the mixture.
2. Chill Before Dipping: If you plan on dipping the peanut butter balls in chocolate or rolling them in crushed nuts or sprinkles, chilling them first makes it easier to work with and ensures the coating adheres better.
3. Use a Cookie Scoop for Uniformity: To ensure the peanut butter balls are all the same size, use a small cookie scoop or melon baller to portion out the dough.
4. Substitute for Crunchy Peanut Butter: If you prefer a little extra texture, feel free to substitute creamy peanut butter with crunchy peanut butter for added crunch in each bite.
5. Double the Recipe: If you’re making these for a large crowd, consider doubling the recipe! They’re so easy to make and store well for several days.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Balls: For an extra indulgent touch, dip the chilled peanut butter balls in melted chocolate. You can use milk, dark, or white chocolate—whichever you prefer.
• Peanut Butter Ball with a Twist: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or cinnamon to the mixture for a slightly different flavor profile. It’s a simple change that can make a big difference.
• Coconut Coated Peanut Butter Balls: Roll the peanut butter balls in shredded coconut for a tropical twist. The coconut adds a nice flavor and texture contrast to the creamy center.
• Nutty Peanut Butter Balls: Add chopped peanuts or any nuts of your choice (like almonds or walnuts) to the mixture for extra crunch and flavor.
• Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Balls: If you need a sugar-free version, substitute the powdered sugar with a sugar-free alternative like stevia powdered sweetener or monk fruit sweetener.

Serving Suggestions

• With Milk or Coffee: These peanut butter balls pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. The creaminess of the peanut butter and cream cheese mixture is perfectly balanced by a warm or cold drink.
• With Fruit: Serve these peanut butter balls alongside fresh fruit like apple slices or strawberries. The sweetness of the fruit complements the richness of the peanut butter balls.
• With Ice Cream: Serve these peanut butter balls as an extra topping for vanilla or chocolate ice cream. They’ll add a delightful crunch and extra peanut butter flavor to your dessert.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing:
These peanut butter balls freeze beautifully! After they’ve chilled and firmed up, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

Storing Leftovers:
If you have leftovers, store the peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They should stay fresh and delicious for several days, but they’ll likely be gone before that!

FAQ Section

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
   Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture, but it may make the mixture slightly harder to form into balls. Just make sure to mix thoroughly.
2. Can I dip these peanut butter balls in chocolate?
   Absolutely! Dipping the peanut butter balls in chocolate is a great idea for extra sweetness and decadence. Melt your favorite chocolate and dip each ball halfway, then let them cool and harden.
3. Do I need to bake these peanut butter balls?
   No, these peanut butter balls do not require baking. The mixture firms up in the refrigerator after chilling.
4. Can I make these peanut butter balls ahead of time?
   Yes! These peanut butter balls can be made a day or two ahead of time. Store them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to serve them.
5. How do I make these sugar-free?
   You can substitute powdered sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit sweetener for a sugar-free version of this recipe.
6. How long should I chill the peanut butter balls?
   Chill the peanut butter balls for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up. If you want them firmer, you can leave them in the refrigerator longer.
7. Can I use a different nut butter?
   Yes, you can replace peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or any nut butter of your choice, depending on your preference or dietary restrictions.
8. How do I make these vegan?
   To make these peanut butter balls vegan, use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and a plant-based powdered sugar substitute.
9. Can I add chocolate chips to the mixture?
   Yes, adding chocolate chips to the mixture is a great way to add more chocolatey goodness. Just fold them in gently before rolling the balls.
10. Can I make mini peanut butter balls?
    Yes, you can make smaller-sized peanut butter balls by rolling the dough into 1/2-inch balls instead of 1-inch balls. Just be sure to adjust the chilling time accordingly.

Conclusion

3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls with cream cheese are the perfect quick and easy dessert that will satisfy your sweet cravings without a lot of fuss. With just three simple ingredients—cream cheese, peanut butter, and powdered sugar—you can create a rich, creamy treat that’s perfect for parties, holidays, or just an indulgent snack. The fact that they require no baking makes them even more convenient, and the possibilities for customization are endless. Whether you keep them simple or add your own twist, these peanut butter balls are sure to be a hit every time!

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