Peanut Butter Balls Recipe: A Sweet, No-Bake Treat

Peanut butter lovers, rejoice! This recipe for Peanut Butter Balls is a game-changer. These sweet bites feature a creamy, nutty center wrapped in a smooth, velvety chocolate coating. They’re quick to prepare, don’t require baking, and are perfect for everything from holidays to an everyday indulgence.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy and Quick: No oven required, just mix, chill, and dip.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These are perfect for gatherings, holidays, or gifting.
• Customizable: You can tweak the recipe with fun add-ins like coconut, sprinkles, or even pretzel bits for added crunch.
• Deliciously Nostalgic: If you’ve ever loved the combination of peanut butter and chocolate, these will hit the sweet spot.

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What Do Peanut Butter Balls Taste Like?

Imagine biting into a rich, chocolatey shell that gives way to a sweet and slightly salty peanut butter center. They’re creamy, smooth, and absolutely addictive. These treats taste like a homemade version of Reese’s but with a personalized touch.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make about two dozen Peanut Butter Balls:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter: Avoid natural peanut butter with oils.
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter: Softened for easy mixing.
• 2 cups powdered sugar: The perfect binding agent for that creamy texture.
• 16 oz chocolate bark: For a glossy, smooth coating.

Tools You’ll Need

• Medium-sized mixing bowl
• Electric hand mixer or spatula for mixing
• Small cookie scoop for shaping the balls
• Double boiler or heat-safe bowl and saucepan for melting chocolate
• Toothpicks for dipping
• Wax paper or parchment paper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the Filling
   In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter and softened butter until smooth and creamy. Slowly incorporate the powdered sugar, mixing until the mixture comes together. It will look crumbly at first, but keep mixing—it’ll form a smooth, pliable dough.
2. Chill the Mixture
   Transfer the peanut butter mixture into a small bowl, cover it, and refrigerate for a few hours until firm.
3. Shape the Balls
   Scoop 1-inch portions of the chilled mixture, roll them into smooth balls, and arrange them on a cookie sheet. Place the sheet in the freezer while you prepare the chocolate.
4. Melt the Chocolate
   Using a double boiler, melt the chocolate bark until smooth and glossy. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
5. Dip and Coat
   Remove the peanut butter balls from the freezer. Insert a toothpick into each ball and dip it into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Gently tap your wrist to shake off excess chocolate.
6. Set and Store
   Place the coated balls on wax paper and let the chocolate harden completely. Once set, transfer them to an airtight container and store at room temperature or in the fridge.

Creative Additions and Substitutions

• Add-ins: Mix in shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or mini chocolate chips for texture.
• Sprinkles: Dip the balls in sprinkles immediately after coating them with chocolate for a festive touch.
• Substitutions: Try almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.

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Serving Suggestions

Peanut Butter Balls are perfect on their own but pair wonderfully with:

• A hot cup of coffee or cocoa.
• A platter of other treats like Martha Washington Candy or Homemade Peppermint Patties.
• As part of a holiday dessert spread featuring Gumdrop Fudge.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
• Refrigerator: Extend their shelf life to two weeks by keeping them chilled.
• Freezer: These freeze beautifully. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use natural peanut butter?
It’s best to stick with creamy peanut butter without added oils, as natural peanut butter can make the mixture too soft and difficult to shape.

What’s the best way to melt chocolate bark?
Using a double boiler ensures smooth, even melting, but you can also microwave the chocolate in 20-second increments, stirring frequently.

How do I fix crumbly dough?
If the mixture feels too dry, add a small amount of softened butter or a splash of milk until it reaches the right consistency.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Peanut Butter Balls can be made days or even weeks in advance when stored properly.

Let’s Connect!

If you give these Peanut Butter Balls a try, I’d love to see your creations! Snap a photo and tag me on Pinterest at EMMARECIPES18.

For more no-bake delights, check out my recipes for Martha Washington Candy or Homemade Peppermint Patties.

Peanut Butter Balls are a timeless, easy-to-make treat that everyone loves. Their versatility and decadent flavor make them a go-to for holidays, parties, or a cozy night at home. So go ahead, whip up a batch and let the chocolate-peanut butter magic begin!

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