Peanut Butter Balls
These Peanut Butter Balls are rich, creamy, and fully coated in silky chocolate. A foolproof no-bake treat, they’re better than store-bought candy and freezer-friendly for holiday gifting or a personal sweet fix.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Filling
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter no-stir kind works best
- 2.5 cups confectioners’ sugar sifted for smoothness
- 0.5 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 0.125 tsp salt to balance the sweetness
Chocolate Coating
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate bars roughly chopped
- 1 tsp vegetable oil helps the chocolate coat smoothly
Optional Toppings
- Festive sprinkles or flaky sea salt for extra texture and color
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set it aside to prepare for shaping the balls.
- Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat the softened butter on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the peanut butter and continue mixing for another minute until well blended.
- Reduce speed to low and add confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix for 2 minutes until a soft, crumbly dough forms.
- Scoop and roll the dough into balls, about 1 tablespoon each. If sticky, refrigerate for 15 minutes or dust hands with powdered sugar. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Chill the rolled balls in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm them for dipping.
- Melt the chocolate and oil in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler. Let it cool for about 6 minutes before dipping.
- Dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate using a fork or spiral dipping tool. Tap to remove excess chocolate and place on a clean sheet.
- Add sprinkles or sea salt while the coating is still wet, if desired.
- Refrigerate the dipped balls for 30 minutes or until the chocolate is fully set.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, in the fridge for 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
If dough is too sticky, chill it or add more confectioners’ sugar. Use a glass measuring cup for easier dipping. For variations, try swapping in almond butter, adding Rice Krispies, or skipping the chocolate for a no-bake bite. These make excellent gifts when packaged in tins or boxes with parchment.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 115
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 55mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 11g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 2g