Peanut Butter Balls – recipesshubb

Peanut Butter Balls (No-Bake, Sweet, and Decadent)

Peanut butter balls are the ultimate sweet-and-salty treat—soft, chewy, and coated in chocolate. These little bites are perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime you need a quick dessert that impresses without turning on the oven. This recipe is easy to follow, requires minimal ingredients, and produces rich, creamy peanut butter treats with a satisfying chocolate coating.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No-bake: ready in about an hour
Sweet, salty, and chocolatey all at once
Perfect for gifts or parties
Easy to customize with nuts, coconut, or sprinkles
Stores well in the fridge or freezer

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 30–40 minutes
Coating Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Yield: 24–30 peanut butter balls
Difficulty Level: Easy

Ingredients

Peanut Butter Mixture

1 cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Coating

12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
1 tablespoon shortening or coconut oil (optional, for smoother coating)

Optional Add-Ins

Chopped peanuts for rolling
Sprinkles or crushed candy for decoration

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Peanut Butter Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and fully combined.

The mixture should be firm enough to hold a ball shape but soft enough to roll without cracking.

Step 2: Form the Balls

Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the peanut butter mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Chill the balls in the refrigerator for 30–40 minutes. This makes them firm enough to dip in chocolate without breaking.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Coating

While the peanut butter balls chill, melt the chocolate. Place chocolate chips and optional shortening in a heatproof bowl.

Microwave Method: Heat in 20-second intervals at medium power, stirring each time, until smooth.
Double Boiler Method: Place the bowl over simmering water and stir until melted and smooth.

The chocolate should be fully melted and slightly warm, around 110°F (43°C), for easy dipping.

Step 4: Dip the Peanut Butter Balls

Using a fork or toothpick, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, coating completely. Let excess chocolate drip off.

Place the coated balls back onto the parchment-lined sheet. If desired, sprinkle toppings like crushed peanuts or festive sprinkles before the chocolate sets.

Step 5: Chill to Set

Place the chocolate-coated peanut butter balls in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes or until the chocolate hardens.

Once set, transfer the peanut butter balls to an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for 1–2 months.

Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Balls

Firm Mixture: If the peanut butter mixture is too soft, add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time.
Smooth Chocolate Coating: Add a small amount of shortening or coconut oil to prevent chocolate from cracking.
Chilling: Don’t skip chilling the peanut butter balls—this ensures they keep their shape when dipped.
Variations: Try white chocolate, dark chocolate, or a mix for visual appeal.

Serving Ideas

Holiday trays or party platters
Gift boxes or jars with decorative ribbons
Snack with coffee, milk, or hot chocolate

Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer: Freeze in layers with parchment paper for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving