Peanut Butter Balls are a yummy treat made with creamy peanut butter, sweet honey, and just a touch of cocoa. They’re no-bake and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
Rolling these little bites of joy is so much fun! I often make a big batch and keep them in the fridge for snack attacks. They disappear faster than I can roll them! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Creamy Peanut Butter: This gives your balls a rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture. If you prefer, you can use chunky peanut butter for extra crunch or swap it for almond or cashew butter for different tastes.
Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the mixture and helps it hold together. If you need a sugar-free option, consider using a powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener as a substitute.
Unsalted Butter: Butter adds creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative works well and can add a slight coconut flavor.
Semisweet Chocolate Chips: These are great for coating. If you want something sweeter, use milk chocolate; for a darker taste, opt for bittersweet or dark chocolate. You can also use dairy-free chocolate for a vegan-friendly option.
Shortening or Coconut Oil: This helps thin the chocolate for easier coating. If you skip it, the chocolate may become thick and hard to work with.
How Do I Get a Smooth Chocolate Coating?
Coating the peanut butter balls can be tricky, but with the right technique, it can be easy!
- First, melt the chocolate slowly in the microwave to avoid burning it. Use small intervals and stir until smooth.
- Use a fork or dipping tool to dip each ball, allowing excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. This gives a nice, even coat.
- If the chocolate thickens, reheat it gently to make it easier to work with.
Don’t forget to place them back on parchment to cool and set properly! This makes the cleanup easier too.
How to Make Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Peanut Butter Mixture:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate
- 1 tablespoon shortening or coconut oil (optional, to thin the chocolate)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped peanuts
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful treat requires about 15 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 1 to 1.5 hours for chilling. The total time is around 1 hour and 30 minutes to set, depending on how firm you’d like the balls to be before coating.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Peanut Butter Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter together. Mix until the combination is smooth and creamy—this will be your delicious base!
2. Adding Flavors & Sweetness:
Next, pour in the vanilla extract and mix to combine. Then, slowly add in the powdered sugar, a little at a time, mixing until a firm dough forms. It should feel thick enough to roll into balls without falling apart.
3. Shape the Balls:
Now it’s time to form your treats! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the peanut butter mixture into 1-inch balls and place them neatly on the prepared sheet. Pop them in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up before coating.
4. Melt the Chocolate:
While the balls chill, it’s time to melt the chocolate! In a microwave-safe bowl, add your chocolate chips and the shortening (if using). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
5. Coat the Peanut Butter Balls:
Using a fork or dipping tool, take each chilled peanut butter ball and dip it into the melted chocolate, coating it thoroughly. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off, then return the coated ball to the parchment-lined sheet.
6. Final Touches:
If you’d like, now is the time to add some flair! Drizzle melted peanut butter or additional melted chocolate over the top, then sprinkle with chopped peanuts for decoration.
7. Chill and Store:
Refrigerate the coated peanut butter balls for about an hour, or until the chocolate is set. Once they’re ready, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks—if they last that long!
Enjoy these tasty peanut butter balls as a snack or dessert at any time! With their rich and creamy insides, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone!
Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter Instead of Creamy Peanut Butter?
Yes, you can! Just make sure the natural peanut butter is well-stirred and not too runny. It may alter the texture slightly, but it will still be delicious!
What Can I Use Instead of Powdered Sugar?
If you’re looking for an alternative, you can use coconut sugar powdered in a blender until fine. Alternatively, powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener can also work for a sugar-free option.
How Do I Store Leftover Peanut Butter Balls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. They can also be frozen for longer storage; just place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container.
Can I Make These Without Chocolate?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of chocolate, you can roll the peanut butter balls in crushed nuts, oats, or even a layer of shredded coconut for a different flavor and texture!
