Chocolate No Bake Peanut Butter Balls
These chocolate peanut butter balls are a simple recipe for any peanut butter lover, especially during the holidays! These treats are made with simple ingredients and are ideal for the holiday season. Whether creating a batch for a Christmas cookie tray or treating yourself to an indulgent snack, this easy recipe will become your favorite recipe in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake and Easy: No oven is required, making it quick and hassle-free.
- Perfect Texture: A creamy chocolatey peanut butter treat.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Rolling and dipping is a fun activity for kids.
- Easy to Store: Keeps well in the fridge or freezer for make-ahead convenience.
- Gifting: These make the perfect addition to a Christmas cookie tray or a sweet treat to share with family and friends.
Peanut Butter Balls Ingredients
- Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter, but you can use crunchy peanut butter for an optional crunch.
- Powdered Sugar: Helps hold the mixture together.
- Salted Butter: Softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the flavor.
- Chocolate: For the best results, consider using melting wafers, almond bark, or even baking chocolate bars. These options melt smoothly and provide a perfect coating. While I prefer Lily’s chocolate chips because of their cleaner ingredients, remember that chocolate chips may not melt as easily as the other choices.
- Coconut Oil: Use refined coconut oil for a neutral flavor—it ensures a smooth and glossy chocolate coating.
How to Make Peanut Butter Balls
Step 1: Make the Peanut Butter Mixture
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to combine the creamy peanut butter, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Mix to form a crumbly peanut butter dough.
Step 2: Shape into Balls
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper. For easier dipping, insert a toothpick into the center of each ball. Chill the peanut butter balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up before adding the chocolate coating.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Coating
Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler. Stir until smooth.
Step 4: Dip the No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
Dip each chilled ball into the warm chocolate, ensuring a smooth chocolate coating. Let any excess chocolate drip off before placing the dipped ball back on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Optional Decorations
After dipping the peanut butter balls in the chocolate coating, you can remove the toothpicks and drizzle additional chocolate over the top for a decorative touch. For extra decorations, drizzle with melted white chocolate, sprinkle with unsweetened coconut, or top with crushed Reese’s peanut butter cups for a fun and tasty topping.
Step 6: Chill and Store
Refrigerate until the coating hardens. Transfer to an airtight container or freezer-safe container until ready to serve.
Recipe Tips
- The dough should be firm enough to easily roll into balls without being sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more powdered sugar, a tiny bit at a time, until you reach the right consistency.
- For best results, make sure the peanut butter balls are chilled before dipping them in chocolate to help them hold their shape.
How to Store Peanut Butter Balls
- Refrigerator: Peanut butter balls should be stored in an airtight container to keep them fresh. You can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. Layer them with wax paper or parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Freezer: Place them in a freezer-safe container, with wax or parchment paper layers between them. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving to maintain their texture.
FAQs
- Can I use dark chocolate or almond bark instead of milk chocolate? Absolutely! Both work well and give a delicious variation.
- What’s the best way to avoid a messy dipping process? Using a wooden skewer (toothpick) helps minimize mess and ensures an even coating.
- How should I store the finished balls? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks or in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
- What’s the difference between buckeyes and peanut butter balls? Buckeyes are partially dipped in chocolate, leaving the top exposed, while peanut butter balls are entirely coated in chocolate.
Chocolate No Bake Peanut Butter Balls
Equipment
- Double Boiler
- baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1½ cup peanut butter
- ½ cup salted butter room temperature
- 2 ½ – 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 12 ounces chocolate
- 3 tablespoon refined coconut oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to combine the creamy peanut butter, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Mix to form a crumbly peanut butter dough.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper. For easier dipping, insert a toothpick into the center of each ball. Chill the peanut butter balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up before adding the chocolate coating.
- Dip each chilled ball into the warm chocolate. Let any excess chocolate drip off before placing the dipped ball back on the prepared baking sheet.
- After dipping the peanut butter balls in the chocolate coating, you can remove the toothpicks and drizzle additional chocolate over the top for a decorative touch. For extra decorations, drizzle with melted white chocolate, sprinkle with unsweetened coconut, or top with crushed Reese’s peanut butter cups for a fun and tasty topping.
- Refrigerate until the coating hardens. Transfer to an airtight container or freezer-safe container until ready to serve.
- Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler. Stir until smooth.
Notes
- The dough should be firm enough to easily roll into balls without being sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more powdered sugar, a tiny bit at a time, until you reach the right consistency.
- For best results, make sure the peanut butter balls are chilled before dipping them in chocolate to help them hold their shape.
About Sarah
Wife. Mother. From-Scratch Cook. Homemaker.
I’m Sarah, the creator of Rocky Hedge Farm, where I share my love for simple living, homemade meals, and creating a cozy home. As a wife and mother, I’m passionate about slowing down, cooking from scratch, and finding joy in the everyday moments of life. From DIY projects and family-friendly recipes, I hope to inspire others to embrace a life rooted in simplicity and warmth.
