Easy Peanut Butter Balls Recipe – No-Bake Chocolate-Coated Treats
This easy peanut butter balls recipe is a no-bake, classic treat featuring a creamy peanut butter filling coated in smooth chocolate. Perfect for holidays, parties, or as a quick dessert, these bite-sized delights are simple to make and irresistibly delicious!
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls (for combining ingredients)
- Hand Mixer or Wooden Spoon (for blending the peanut butter mixture)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons (for accurate ingredient portions)
- Baking Sheet or Tray (lined with parchment paper)
- Parchment Paper or Wax Paper (to prevent sticking)
- Small Cookie Scoop or Spoon (for uniform peanut butter balls)
- Microwave-Safe Bowl or Double Boiler (for melting chocolate)
- Fork or Toothpicks (for dipping balls in chocolate)
Ingredients
- For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 cup peanut butter creamy or crunchy
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt optional
- For the Chocolate Coating:
- 12 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips or melting wafers
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil optional, for smooth melting
- Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup crushed nuts almonds, pecans, or walnuts
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- ½ cup Rice Krispies for extra crunch
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the Peanut Butter Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Mix with a hand mixer or wooden spoon until a thick, dough-like consistency forms.
- If the mixture is too soft, chill in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes before rolling.
- Step 2: Shape the Peanut Butter Balls
- Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to scoop equal portions of the mixture.
- Roll each portion into smooth, round balls using your hands.
- Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 3: Chill the Peanut Butter Balls
- Refrigerate the balls for at least 30 minutes or freeze for 15 minutes to firm up.
- This step helps prevent them from falling apart when dipping in chocolate.
- Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
- Alternatively, use a double boiler to melt the chocolate slowly over simmering water.
- If the chocolate is too thick, stir in 1 teaspoon of coconut oil for a smoother consistency.
- Step 5: Coat the Peanut Butter Balls in Chocolate
- Using a fork or toothpick, dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, coating evenly.
- Let excess chocolate drip off before placing the coated balls back on the parchment-lined tray.
- If desired, drizzle with additional melted chocolate or sprinkle with crushed nuts.
- Step 6: Chill and Set
- Refrigerate the chocolate-covered peanut butter balls for at least 20 minutes until the chocolate hardens.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Storage: Store peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
Dietary Adjustments: Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a peanut-free version. Swap sugar-free chocolate for a low-carb option.
Texture Tip: For a crunchier texture, add Rice Krispies or chopped nuts to the filling.
Dietary Adjustments: Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a peanut-free version. Swap sugar-free chocolate for a low-carb option.
Texture Tip: For a crunchier texture, add Rice Krispies or chopped nuts to the filling.