Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

The Best Peanut Butter Balls Recipe Ever: Sweet & Irresistible

Crafting irresistible peanut butter balls brings pure delight to any sweet craving.

Chocolate-coated morsels melt in your mouth with creamy richness.

Childhood memories dance across taste buds when you bite into these classic treats.

Simple ingredients combine magically to create addictive little spheres of happiness.

No baking required means instant gratification awaits you.

Quick preparation makes these confections perfect for spontaneous dessert moments.

These delectable bites will have everyone begging for more, so roll up your sleeves and start mixing!

Why Peanut Butter Balls Are Always A Hit

  • Craft with Ease: No advanced baking skills required, perfect for beginners and home cooks looking for a simple yet delicious treat.
  • Quick No-Bake Delight: Prepare these chocolate-covered peanut butter balls without turning on the oven, saving time and reducing kitchen heat.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Irresistible combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate makes these treats a hit at parties, gatherings, and potlucks.
  • Versatile Snack Option: Easily customize by adding sprinkles, drizzling different chocolate types, or incorporating chopped nuts for extra crunch and personal flair.

What You’ll Need For Peanut Butter Balls

For the Base:
  • Butter: Provides a rich, creamy foundation for the peanut butter balls.
  • Peanut Butter: Delivers a classic nutty flavor and smooth texture to the mixture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the ingredients together.
For the Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the overall taste.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the rich flavors of the ingredients.
For the Coating:
  • Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Creates a smooth, glossy chocolate shell that complements the peanut butter interior.

How To Make Peanut Butter Balls Quickly

Step 1: Create Smooth Butter Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine softened butter and peanut butter. Blend them together until the mixture becomes super smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining.

Step 2: Mix in Sweet and Flavorful Ingredients

Add these ingredients to your butter mixture:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt

Stir everything until the mixture transforms into a dense, moldable dough that holds together perfectly.

Step 3: Chill and Firm Up the Mixture

Pop the mixture into the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This cooling time will make the dough easier to handle and shape into delightful little balls.

Step 4: Shape Perfectly Uniform Balls

Take the chilled mixture and roll it into compact, consistent balls about 1 inch in size. Place these cute little spheres on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Pre-Chill the Formed Balls

Return the shaped balls to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes. This extra chilling helps them maintain their perfect round shape during the chocolate dipping process.

Step 6: Melt Chocolate for Coating

Prepare the chocolate coating using a double boiler or microwave. Melt semisweet chocolate chips, stirring constantly to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, glossy finish.

Step 7: Dip and Coat with Chocolate

Using a fork or special dipping tool, carefully submerge each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate. Ensure every inch gets a complete, even chocolate embrace.

Step 8: Remove Excess Chocolate

Gently tap off any extra chocolate and place the coated balls back on the parchment-lined sheet. Let them start setting at room temperature.

Step 9: Set the Chocolate

Refrigerate the chocolate-covered balls for 10-15 minutes until the chocolate sets completely and becomes firm to the touch.

Step 10: Store and Enjoy

Transfer the finished peanut butter balls to an airtight container. Keep them refrigerated and enjoy within one week. They’re best enjoyed straight from the fridge for that perfect, cool texture.

Tips To Improve Peanut Butter Balls

  • Chill for Success: Refrigerate the mixture and formed balls to achieve the perfect firm texture and shape.
  • Control Chocolate Coating: Melt chocolate slowly and stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure smooth, even coverage.
  • Master Portion Control: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to create uniformly sized peanut butter balls for consistent results.
  • Prevent Sticking: Line baking sheets with parchment paper to easily remove chocolate-covered balls and prevent sticking.
  • Enhance Flavor Variations: Experiment with different chocolate types like dark, milk, or white chocolate for unique taste experiences.

Tasty Twists For Peanut Butter Balls

  • No-Bake Vegan Peanut Butter Balls: Replace butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a plant-based version.
  • Almond Butter Alternative: Swap peanut butter with almond butter for a different nutty flavor profile and added nutritional benefits.
  • Keto-Friendly Option: Substitute powdered sugar with powdered erythritol or stevia and use sugar-free dark chocolate for a low-carb treat.
  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Coating: Use gluten-free chocolate and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

What To Serve With Peanut Butter Balls

  • Savor Sweet Chocolate Companions: Rich red wine like Merlot complements the chocolate's depth, cutting through the creamy peanut butter sweetness.
  • Brew Perfect Coffee Pairing: Dark roast espresso or French press coffee creates a bold contrast, enhancing the chocolate and peanut butter's complex flavors.
  • Match Dessert Wine Magic: Port wine's sweet, fortified character provides a luxurious accompaniment, elevating the chocolate-covered peanut butter balls' richness.
  • Craft Milk Alternative Delight: Cold whole milk or almond milk offers a smooth, refreshing counterpoint, cleansing the palate between bites of the decadent treat.

Best Way To Keep Peanut Butter Balls Fresh

  • Place chocolate-covered peanut butter balls in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
  • Wrap individual balls in plastic wrap, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Let chilled balls sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly, allowing the chocolate to become smooth and the peanut butter filling to reach a creamy consistency.
  • Pack frozen or chilled balls in an insulated lunch container with an ice pack to maintain their texture and prevent melting during transport.

Simple Answers To Peanut Butter Balls FAQs

  • How difficult is this recipe to make?

This recipe is beginner-friendly with simple steps and minimal cooking skills required. Even novice bakers can successfully create these delicious peanut butter balls with basic kitchen tools and patience.

  • What type of peanut butter works best?

Use creamy, smooth peanut butter without added oils or sugar for the most consistent texture. Natural or traditional brands like Jif or Skippy work perfectly for this recipe.

  • Can I use different types of chocolate for coating?

Yes, you can substitute semisweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate based on your preference. Each type will create a unique flavor profile for the peanut butter balls.

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Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

Peanut Butter Balls Recipe


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4.5 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 55-65 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Sweet nostalgia meets creamy indulgence in these classic Peanut Butter Balls, a no-bake treat that dances between chocolate and nutty perfection. Quick to prepare and irresistibly delicious, you’ll find these bite-sized delights impossible to resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 3 cups powdered sugar

Coating:

  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Binding/Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend softened butter and peanut butter until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
  2. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt into the mixture, stirring until a dense, moldable dough forms.
  3. Refrigerate the mixture for 15-20 minutes to firm up, making it easier to handle and shape.
  4. Roll the chilled mixture into compact, uniform balls approximately 1-inch in diameter, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Chill the formed balls in the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes to ensure they maintain their shape.
  6. Melt semisweet chocolate chips using a double boiler or microwave, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  7. Using a fork or dipping tool, carefully submerge each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring complete and even coating.
  8. Gently tap off excess chocolate and return the coated balls to the parchment-lined sheet.
  9. Refrigerate the chocolate-covered balls for 10-15 minutes or until the chocolate sets completely.
  10. Store the finished peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, enjoying them chilled for optimal texture.

Notes

  • Prep Ahead Strategy: Chill the peanut butter mixture thoroughly before shaping to prevent sticky, messy hands and ensure perfectly round balls.
  • Chocolate Coating Hack: Use room temperature chocolate for smoother, more even coating and prevent chocolate from cracking when chilled.
  • Dietary Modification: Swap traditional butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version, and use dark chocolate for a vegan-friendly alternative.
  • Storage Pro Tip: Place wax paper between layers when storing to prevent the balls from sticking together and maintain their pristine chocolate coating.
  • Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 169
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 18 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 3 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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