Peanut Butter Balls
A no-bake, protein-packed treat that combines creamy peanut butter with rich chocolate. Easy to prepare and perfect for holidays, snacks, or meal prep. Just four main ingredients create a satisfying bite that’s rich in flavor yet balanced in nutrition.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 spatula or spoon
- 1 Baking Sheet
- Wax paper
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
Ingredients
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 Tbsp salted butter softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 Tbsp vegetable shortening or coconut oil optional, for smoother chocolate
Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace: Before you start, gather all your ingredients and equipment. Line a baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper to prevent the peanut butter balls from sticking later. Make sure your mixing bowl, spatula, and microwave-safe bowl (or double boiler) are ready. This simple preparation will make the process smooth and stress-free.
- Mix the Peanut Butter and Butter: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of creamy peanut butter with 3 tablespoons of softened salted butter. Use a spatula or spoon to blend them together thoroughly. The goal is to create a smooth, uniform mixture where the butter and peanut butter are fully incorporated, forming a creamy base that will hold the peanut butter balls together.
- Incorporate the Powdered Sugar: Gradually add 1 cup of powdered sugar to the peanut butter-butter mixture. Stir slowly to avoid a powdery cloud in the air. Mix until fully combined. The texture should become slightly thick and pliable, almost dough-like. This sugar not only sweetens the mixture but also helps the peanut butter balls hold their shape during chilling.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. Chilling firms up the mixture, making it much easier to shape the peanut butter balls without them sticking to your hands. While waiting, you can prepare your chocolate for dipping in the next step.
- Shape the Balls: Once chilled, remove the mixture from the fridge. Using your hands, take small portions and roll them into 1-inch balls. Try to make them as uniform as possible for even chocolate coating. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet lined with wax paper. Once all balls are shaped, cover them loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for an additional 20 minutes. This step ensures that the balls hold their shape when dipped in chocolate.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of vegetable shortening or coconut oil (optional). Microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth.If you prefer, you can melt the chocolate using a double boiler over gently simmering water. The shortening or coconut oil helps make the chocolate slightly thinner, making it easier to coat the peanut butter balls.
- Dip the Peanut Butter Balls: Using a fork, gently pick up one peanut butter ball at a time and dip it into the melted chocolate. Make sure the ball is fully coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. Carefully place the coated ball back onto the wax paper-lined baking sheet. Repeat this process for all the remaining balls, ensuring each is evenly covered in chocolate.
- Chill to Set: Once all balls are dipped in chocolate, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 20-30 minutes to allow the chocolate to fully harden. This step ensures a firm outer shell while keeping the peanut butter center soft and creamy.
- Serve and Enjoy: After chilling, your Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls are ready to enjoy. Serve them as a snack, dessert, or holiday treat. They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, making them perfect for meal prep, gifting, or indulging whenever you want a quick, satisfying treat.
Notes
- Use creamy peanut butter for smooth texture; chunky peanut butter can make rolling balls more difficult.
- If the mixture is too sticky, chill for a few extra minutes before shaping.
- For an even chocolate coating, add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or vegetable shortening to the chocolate.
- Store peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week or freeze for up to three months.
- Adjust sweetness by slightly reducing or increasing powdered sugar to suit your taste.
- Optional: sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top after dipping to enhance flavor.
- Make uniform-sized balls for even chocolate coverage and presentation.
