Peanut Butter Balls

Name: Peanut Butter Balls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens the filling and provides structure. Its fine texture blends seamlessly into the peanut butter mixture.; 1 cup peanut butter – Creamy peanut butter works best, but crunchy can be used if you prefer texture. Avoid natural peanut butter that separates, as it can make the mixture too oily.; 6 tablespoons butter, melted – Adds richness and smooth consistency.; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances flavor and warmth.; Dipping chocolate of choice – Semi-sweet is classic, but milk chocolate or white chocolate can work equally well depending on your preference.

Posted on August 27, 2025

Dessert

Some recipes are so simple, yet so irresistible, that they become timeless classics in home kitchens. Peanut Butter Balls are one of those recipes. They are little bites of joy: a creamy, sweet peanut butter filling wrapped in a rich chocolate coating. They require no baking, use pantry-friendly ingredients, and can be customized in countless ways.

This recipe has been passed down through generations in many families, often appearing during the holidays, at school bake sales, or as a quick fix for dessert cravings. Whether you’re making them for Christmas platters, gifting them in decorative boxes, or just stocking your freezer for late-night snacking, peanut butter balls are a guaranteed hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s no shortage of desserts to choose from, but here’s why this one deserves a spot in your regular rotation:

Quick and Easy: Only six ingredients and less than an hour of active time.
No-Bake Treat: Perfect when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
Kid-Friendly: Easy enough for children to help with rolling and decorating.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer.
Customizable: Works with dark, milk, or white chocolate, and can be dressed up with sprinkles, crushed nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel.

If you enjoy the flavor of peanut butter and chocolate together, this recipe will likely become one of your go-to favorites.

Ingredients

Every great recipe starts with a short, reliable list of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens the filling and provides structure. Its fine texture blends seamlessly into the peanut butter mixture.
1 cup peanut butter – Creamy peanut butter works best, but crunchy can be used if you prefer texture. Avoid natural peanut butter that separates, as it can make the mixture too oily.
6 tablespoons butter, melted – Adds richness and smooth consistency.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances flavor and warmth.
Dipping chocolate of choice – Semi-sweet is classic, but milk chocolate or white chocolate can work equally well depending on your preference.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and vanilla extract. Add the peanut butter, stirring until the mixture is completely smooth. This step ensures a consistent base for your filling.

Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar

Gradually add the powdered sugar into the peanut butter mixture. Mix until it forms a thick, smooth dough. The mixture should be firm enough to roll but still soft and pliable. Adjust as necessary: more powdered sugar if too sticky, or a touch more peanut butter if too dry.

Step 3: Roll into Balls

Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly sized for consistent chilling and dipping.

Step 4: Chill or Freeze

Freeze the peanut butter balls for about 30 minutes. This step is essential; it firms up the filling so the balls won’t fall apart or lose shape when dipped in melted chocolate.

Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate

Melt your chosen chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler on the stove. Stir until the chocolate is smooth and glossy. If you want a thinner coating, add a teaspoon of shortening or coconut oil to the melted chocolate.

Step 6: Dip and Coat

Using a fork or a toothpick, dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate. Let the excess drip off before placing it back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Continue until all balls are coated.

Step 7: Let Set

Allow the coated peanut butter balls to set at room temperature or place them in the refrigerator until the chocolate hardens completely. Once set, they are ready to enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

Peanut butter balls are versatile and can be presented in many ways:

Holiday Platters: Arrange alongside cookies, brownies, and truffles for a festive spread.
Gift Boxes: Package in tins, jars, or boxes lined with parchment for an edible present.
Dessert Table Addition: Add variety to party dessert tables, especially when decorated with drizzles or sprinkles.
Everyday Treat: Keep a stash in the refrigerator or freezer for quick snacking or an after-dinner bite.

Tips for Success

Consistency Matters: If your peanut butter mixture feels too soft, add more powdered sugar. If it’s crumbly, add more peanut butter.
Chill Before Dipping: Don’t skip the chilling step—it prevents the filling from crumbling in the chocolate.
Smooth Chocolate: Melt chocolate slowly and stir often to avoid burning.
Decorating Touches: If adding toppings such as sprinkles, sea salt, or crushed nuts, do so before the chocolate sets.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

Flavor Variations

This basic recipe is delicious as is, but you can also get creative:

Crunchy Peanut Butter Balls – Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
White Chocolate Version – Dip in melted white chocolate for a sweeter variation.
Nutty Topping – Sprinkle chopped peanuts, almonds, or pistachios on top before the chocolate sets.
Festive Touch – Decorate with colored sprinkles or candy melts to match holidays or events.
Healthier Alternative – Substitute almond butter or cashew butter for peanut butter and use dark chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage.

Make-Ahead and Storage

One of the best things about peanut butter balls is how well they keep.

Refrigerator Storage: Place in a sealed container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They will last up to 2 weeks.
Freezer Storage: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Transporting: If giving as gifts, line boxes with parchment or decorative wrappers to keep them neat.

Prep and Chill Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Nutritional Information (per piece, based on 30 servings)

Calories: 120 kcal
Protein: 2 g
Sodium: 45 mg

Note: Values vary depending on the type of chocolate and peanut butter used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use natural peanut butter?
A: It’s not recommended, as natural peanut butter separates and can make the filling oily. Stick to regular creamy peanut butter for best results.

Q: How can I make the coating extra shiny?
A: Adding a small amount of coconut oil or shortening to the melted chocolate helps create a glossy finish.

Q: Do I have to freeze the balls before dipping?
A: Yes, chilling makes dipping much easier and prevents the balls from breaking apart.

Q: How many peanut butter balls does this recipe yield?
A: Depending on size, expect about 25–30 pieces.

Q: Can kids help make this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Children can roll the peanut butter mixture into balls and help with decorating. Supervision is advised when working with melted chocolate.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Balls are a treat that combines simplicity with indulgence. With their creamy filling and crisp chocolate coating, they embody the perfect sweet bite. Easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and loved by both kids and adults, they’ve earned their place as a staple recipe in many households.

Whether you’re making them for the holidays, giving them as gifts, or just keeping them stocked in your freezer for a quick snack, peanut butter balls deliver every time. Once you’ve made them, you’ll understand why this recipe has stood the test of time—and why it will remain a favorite in your kitchen for years to come.