Reese’s Peanut Butter Balls

Introduction

If you’ve ever tried Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, you know just how irresistible the combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate can be. But when you turn that beloved flavor combination into bite-sized peanut butter balls, it’s an entirely new level of deliciousness. This recipe for Reese’s Peanut Butter Balls is the ultimate indulgence, and I’ve made it countless times for my family and friends. Each time I serve them, they disappear in minutes. My kids especially love helping roll the peanut butter mixture into balls, making it a fun, family-friendly treat. Not only are these peanut butter balls simple to make, but they also provide that perfect balance of salty and sweet, making them dangerously addictive. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion, a holiday treat, or just a sweet snack, Reese’s Peanut Butter Balls are sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

For the peanut butter balls, you will need:

• 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 ½ cups crushed Reese’s Pieces
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil or shortening

Instructions

1. Make the Peanut Butter Mixture:
   In a large bowl, beat the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. This forms the base for the peanut butter filling.
2. Add the Powdered Sugar:
   Gradually add the powdered sugar to the peanut butter mixture. Continue mixing until a firm dough forms. The mixture should hold together well but not be too sticky.
3. Stir in the Reese’s Pieces:
   Gently stir in the crushed Reese’s Pieces, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. These little candies will add a delightful crunch and burst of extra peanut butter flavor.
4. Roll into Balls:
   Roll the peanut butter mixture into 1-inch balls. Place each ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent the balls from sticking and make cleanup easier. Once all the balls are formed, freeze them for 20-30 minutes until they become firm.
5. Prepare the Chocolate Coating:
   In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil (or shortening). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
6. Dip the Peanut Butter Balls:
   Using a toothpick or fork, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate. Make sure the ball is fully coated in chocolate, allowing any excess chocolate to drip off. Place the coated peanut butter ball back on the parchment paper to cool.
7. Decorate:
   If desired, sprinkle a few crushed Reese’s Pieces on top of each ball for extra decoration and flavor.
8. Chill Until Set:
   Once all the peanut butter balls are coated in chocolate, chill them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes until the chocolate coating is set.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
   Once the chocolate has hardened, the peanut butter balls are ready to serve! Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and enjoy the perfect balance of peanut butter and chocolate whenever you crave something sweet.

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 36 pieces
Calories per piece: 120 kcal

Nutritional Breakdown (per piece):

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 55mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 5mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve
Reese’s Peanut Butter Balls are incredibly versatile and perfect for various occasions. Here’s how to serve them:

• As a Sweet Snack: These peanut butter balls are ideal for a quick, satisfying snack.
• For Parties: Serve these at parties or gatherings, and watch guests flock to the dessert table.
• During Holidays: They make great holiday treats for Christmas, Halloween, or any other special occasion.
• With Coffee or Tea: Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful after-dinner treat.
• Gift Them: Package them in a cute tin or box and gift them to friends and family. They make for a great homemade gift!

Additional Tips

1. Use Room Temperature Butter: To ensure smooth mixing, make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before adding it to the peanut butter.
2. Don’t Overheat the Chocolate: When melting the chocolate, heat it in intervals and stir between each session to avoid burning the chocolate.
3. Chill the Balls Properly: Freezing the peanut butter balls before dipping them in chocolate ensures that they don’t fall apart while being dipped.
4. Customize the Coating: If you prefer, you can use white chocolate or milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate for a different flavor.
5. Use Parchment Paper: Make sure to line the baking sheet with parchment paper, so the peanut butter balls don’t stick and are easy to remove after they’re chilled.

Recipe Variations

1. White Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls: Instead of semi-sweet chocolate, use white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier version of these peanut butter balls.
2. Peanut Butter Cup Balls: Add chopped mini peanut butter cups into the peanut butter mixture for an extra peanut butter punch.
3. Nutty Peanut Butter Balls: Mix in chopped nuts like almonds, peanuts, or walnuts into the peanut butter mixture for added crunch and flavor.
4. Coconut-Coated Peanut Butter Balls: After dipping the peanut butter balls in chocolate, roll them in shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
5. Spicy Peanut Butter Balls: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the peanut butter mixture to give the balls a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

• For Dessert Tables: These peanut butter balls are perfect for dessert tables at parties, weddings, or holiday gatherings.
• With Ice Cream: Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert duo.
• As a Gift: Package them nicely and give them as a sweet homemade gift for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions.
• With a Cold Drink: These peanut butter balls pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, iced coffee, or a milkshake.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze the peanut butter balls for up to 3 months. After forming the balls, freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours.
• Storage: Keep the peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They will stay fresh and ready to enjoy whenever you need a sweet snack.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
   Yes! Crunchy peanut butter can be used instead of creamy for added texture. Just make sure to stir it well.
2. Can I make these without coconut oil or shortening?
   Yes, if you don’t have coconut oil or shortening, you can simply melt the chocolate without it, but the chocolate may not coat as smoothly.
3. Can I make the peanut butter balls ahead of time?
   Absolutely! These peanut butter balls can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or frozen for longer storage.
4. Can I add different types of candy to the peanut butter balls?
   Yes, feel free to experiment with different candy pieces such as M&Ms, chocolate chips, or crushed pretzels for a unique twist.
5. What kind of chocolate can I use?
   Semi-sweet chocolate is typically used, but you can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate depending on your preference.
6. How can I make these vegan?
   Use dairy-free chocolate chips and substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative.
7. Can I skip the chilling step?
   While the chilling step is crucial for setting the balls, you can skip it if you’re short on time, but it helps the chocolate to set faster and prevents the balls from falling apart.
8. How do I get the perfect coating?
   Make sure the peanut butter balls are completely firm before dipping them in chocolate. Also, allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing them back on the parchment paper.
9. How can I make these spicier?
   Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the peanut butter mixture for a spicy twist.
10. How long do these last in the fridge?
    These peanut butter balls will last about 1 week in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Reese’s Peanut Butter Balls are the perfect treat for anyone who loves the combination of peanut butter and chocolate. These bite-sized delights are easy to make

, and their addictive taste will have you coming back for more. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and indulgent snack that will impress family and friends. Whether for a special occasion, a holiday treat, or an everyday snack, Reese’s Peanut Butter Balls are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

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