Get ready to fall in love with a sweet treat that’s as easy to make as it is to devour: Peanut Butter Balls. These classic no-bake bites combine creamy peanut butter, soft butter, and sweet vanilla, all wrapped in a shell of smooth chocolate. Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic holiday treat or a quick fix for your sweet tooth, Peanut Butter Balls deliver a perfect blend of salty and sweet in every bite. They’re a crowd-pleaser at parties, a fun activity for kids, and an irresistible snack to keep tucked away in your fridge or freezer for those moments when only chocolate and peanut butter will do.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a handful of pantry staples transforms into something so crave-worthy. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from the creamy richness of peanut butter to the silky chocolate coating that makes these treats impossible to resist.
- Creamy peanut butter (1 cup): This is the heart of your Peanut Butter Balls, bringing that iconic flavor and smooth texture.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/4 cup): Adds richness and helps the dough come together perfectly.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Just a splash brings all the flavors together with a warm, aromatic note.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the dough, making it easy to roll into perfect little balls.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups): Melted for dipping, these give each ball its shiny, decadent shell.
- Coconut oil or shortening (1 tablespoon, optional): Stirring this in with the chocolate creates a smoother, glossier coating that’s easier to dip.
How to Make Peanut Butter Balls
Step 1: Mix the Peanut Butter Base
Start by grabbing a large bowl and mixing together your creamy peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is smooth and completely blended—you’re looking for a glossy, unified mixture that already smells delicious!
Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar
Gradually add in the powdered sugar, stirring a bit at a time to avoid lumps. The mixture will quickly thicken and transform into a soft dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Don’t be afraid to get in there with your hands if it gets too tough for a spoon!
Step 3: Roll into Balls
Scoop out heaping teaspoons of dough and roll them between your palms to form 1-inch balls. Place each one on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch. This step is a little messy, but totally fun!
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Pop the tray into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the balls firm up, making them easier to dip in chocolate later. If you’re short on time, the freezer for 10–15 minutes works too.
Step 5: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and optional coconut oil or shortening. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring well each time, until the chocolate is silky smooth. The coconut oil isn’t required, but it makes the dipping process much easier and gives you that beautiful, glossy finish.
Step 6: Dip and Set
Using a fork or toothpick, dunk each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off before placing it back on the lined sheet. Once all your Peanut Butter Balls are coated, return the tray to the fridge for 15–20 minutes so the chocolate sets up perfectly.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Balls
Garnishes
A little flourish goes a long way! Try sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt, a drizzle of contrasting white chocolate, or a dusting of crushed peanuts on top of each ball before the chocolate sets. These simple touches make your Peanut Butter Balls look as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
Pair Peanut Butter Balls with fresh fruit like strawberries or sliced bananas for a playful dessert platter. They’re also wonderful alongside a cup of hot coffee or a tall glass of cold milk, turning snack time into a special occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Peanut Butter Balls in mini cupcake liners for a bakery-worthy look, or stack them in a glass jar with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift. For parties, try threading a few on skewers or creating a dessert “charcuterie” board with other bite-sized sweets.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra Peanut Butter Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks. The chocolate shell keeps them from drying out, and they’re always ready for a quick snack or dessert.
Freezing
These treats freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight or let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before enjoying.
Reheating
No reheating is necessary for Peanut Butter Balls, but if you want a softer, meltier center, just let them sit out at room temperature for a few minutes. If you prefer them chilled and firm, straight from the fridge or freezer is perfect.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a wonderful texture and a bit of extra peanut flavor to your Peanut Butter Balls. Just swap it in for the creamy version and enjoy those little bits of crunch in every bite.
Do I have to use coconut oil in the chocolate coating?
Nope! The coconut oil is totally optional. It helps make the chocolate smoother and easier to dip, but your Peanut Butter Balls will still be delicious if you skip it or use shortening instead.
Can I make these nut-free?
Yes, you can try using sunflower seed butter or a similar nut-free spread in place of peanut butter. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be slightly different, but you’ll still get a tasty treat.
How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking?
Make sure the balls aren’t too cold when you dip them in the warm chocolate. If they’re straight from the freezer, let them sit for a few minutes so the temperature difference isn’t too drastic, which can cause cracks.
Can kids help make Peanut Butter Balls?
Definitely! Kids love rolling the dough into balls and dipping them in chocolate. Just be sure to supervise when melting the chocolate and dipping, as things can get a little messy (and a lot of fun).
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert, you can’t go wrong with Peanut Butter Balls. They’re rich, chocolatey, and guaranteed to disappear fast—so don’t be surprised if you find yourself making them again and again. Give them a try and enjoy sharing this sweet little tradition with friends and family!
Print
Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 24 balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy no-bake peanut butter balls coated in smooth semi-sweet chocolate. Perfect for a quick treat, holiday dessert, or gift, these creamy and sweet bites combine peanut butter, powdered sugar, and rich chocolate for a satisfying snack.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Coating
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smoother coating)
Instructions
- Prepare the peanut butter mixture: In a large bowl, mix together the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Add powdered sugar: Gradually stir in the powdered sugar a little at a time until a thick, dough-like consistency forms that can be rolled into balls.
- Shape the balls: Roll the peanut butter mixture into 1-inch diameter balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Chill the balls: Refrigerate the peanut butter balls for at least 30 minutes to firm them up, making them easier to dip in chocolate.
- Melt the chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with the coconut oil or shortening (if using) in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each interval until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Coat the peanut butter balls: Using a fork or toothpick, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, allowing excess chocolate to drip off before placing it back onto the parchment-lined sheet.
- Set the coating: Refrigerate the chocolate-coated balls for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chocolate hardens and sets completely.
Notes
- Store the peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- For longer storage, freeze the balls for up to 3 months and thaw before serving.
- Use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer added texture inside the balls.
- Coconut oil is optional but helps achieve a smoother, shinier chocolate coating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
