Peanut Butter Balls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Peanut Butter Balls are the ultimate combination of creamy, sweet, and salty. Coated in smooth chocolate, these bite-sized treats are easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients. Perfect for holiday parties, gifts, or a sweet snack, they’re incredibly satisfying without being overly indulgent. The rich peanut butter filling is complemented perfectly by the chocolate coating, making each bite irresistible. With no baking required, this recipe is a quick and fun way to satisfy your peanut butter and chocolate cravings!

this Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional, for smoother coating)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and softened butter. Use a hand mixer or spoon to blend them together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully combined. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and graham cracker crumbs until everything is evenly distributed.
3. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Freeze the peanut butter balls for 30-45 minutes, or until they are firm and easy to handle.
5. While the balls are chilling, melt the chocolate chips with the vegetable oil (if using) in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 20-30 seconds until smooth.
6. Once the peanut butter balls are firm, dip each one into the melted chocolate, covering it completely. Return the coated balls to the baking sheet.
7. Place the baking sheet back in the freezer for another 10-15 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
8. Once the chocolate is firm, serve immediately, or store in an airtight container.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 20-25 peanut butter balls
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Chill time: 45 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour (including chilling time)

Variations

• Milk Chocolate: Use milk chocolate chips instead of semisweet for a sweeter, creamier coating.
• Dark Chocolate: For a richer flavor, swap out the semisweet chocolate for dark chocolate chips.
• Add-ins: Stir in mini chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or sprinkles for extra texture and flavor.
• Crunchy Peanut Butter: If you prefer a crunchier texture, use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy.
• Flavor Twist: Add a pinch of salt to the peanut butter mixture for a sweet and salty contrast.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks. They can also be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: These treats are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat them. If frozen, thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but it tends to be a little runnier than regular peanut butter. If using natural peanut butter, you may need to adjust the amount of powdered sugar to help the mixture firm up.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! These peanut butter balls can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator or frozen for longer storage.

3. Can I dip the peanut butter balls in white chocolate?

Absolutely! White chocolate is a great alternative to semisweet or milk chocolate for dipping. It adds a sweet contrast to the peanut butter filling.

4. Can I add more flavor to the filling?

Yes! You can add a pinch of cinnamon, or even some mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the peanut butter filling for added flavor and texture.

5. What if I don’t want to use graham cracker crumbs?

You can substitute graham cracker crumbs with crushed pretzels, crushed vanilla wafer cookies, or even rice krispies for a different texture.

6. Can I freeze these peanut butter balls?

Yes! These peanut butter balls freeze well. Just make sure they are stored in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

7. How can I prevent the chocolate from cracking when I dip the balls?

Make sure the peanut butter balls are fully chilled before dipping them in the chocolate. Also, if the chocolate is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of vegetable oil to make it smoother and more pliable.

8. How long do these last in the fridge?

In the refrigerator, peanut butter balls will last about 1-2 weeks. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

9. Can I use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil?

Yes, coconut oil works well for melting chocolate and adds a hint of coconut flavor to the coating. Use it in place of vegetable oil if you prefer.

10. Can I make these with other nut butters?

Yes! You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or any nut butter of your choice for a different flavor.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Balls are the perfect treat for anyone who loves the combination of chocolate and peanut butter. With a rich, creamy filling and a smooth chocolate coating, these bite-sized delights are a sweet and irresistible snack. Whether for the holidays, a party, or just because, these homemade peanut butter balls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Easy to make, customizable, and always delicious—give them a try and enjoy the perfect balance of flavors in every bite!

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