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Homemade peanut butter balls coated in glossy chocolate and arranged on a parchment-lined tray with peanut butter filling visible inside.

Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

These homemade peanut butter balls are creamy, rich, and coated in smooth chocolate for the ultimate no-bake dessert. Perfect for Christmas cookie trays, holiday gifting, parties, and freezer-friendly treats, this easy peanut butter balls recipe comes together with simple pantry ingredients and delivers bakery-style results every time.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 30 peanut butter balls
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 145

Ingredients
  

Peanut Butter Filling
  • cups creamy peanut butter
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • cups powdered sugar
  • 1 cup crushed graham crackers or crispy rice cereal
  • Pinch of salt
Chocolate Coating
  • 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil or shortening

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Electric hand mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Forks or candy dipping tools
  • Refrigerator or freezer

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar until a thick dough forms.
  2. Add Texture

    Fold in crushed graham crackers or crispy rice cereal. This helps create the classic soft-yet-slightly-crunchy texture that makes traditional peanut butter balls so delicious.
  3. Roll the Balls

    Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop the mixture and roll into evenly sized balls using your hands. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  4. Chill Before Dipping

    Refrigerate the peanut butter balls for at least 30–60 minutes. Chilling helps them stay firm and makes dipping easier.
  5. Melt the Chocolate

    In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth and glossy.
  6. Coat in Chocolate

    Using forks or candy dipping tools, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate until fully coated. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing back onto the parchment-lined tray.
  7. Let Them Set

    Refrigerate the coated peanut butter balls until the chocolate hardens completely, about 20 minutes.
  8. Serve and Enjoy

    Serve chilled or at room temperature. These creamy chocolate peanut butter balls are perfect for holiday dessert trays, parties, or homemade edible gifts.

Notes

Notes

  • Use regular creamy peanut butter instead of natural peanut butter for the best consistency.
  • Add extra powdered sugar if the mixture feels too soft.
  • Coconut oil helps create a smooth, shiny chocolate coating.
  • Store in the refrigerator for the freshest flavor and texture.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight container.

Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Ball)

  • Calories: 145
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Sugar: 11g
  • Sodium: 65mg
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