No Bake Peanut Butter Balls

These no bake peanut butter balls have saved me on more than one occasion when I needed a quick dessert that everyone will love There is nothing fussy about them and they come together with just five easy ingredients that you probably already have on hand

The first time I made these was for a school bake sale and they disappeared before I could even grab one for myself Now my youngest asks for them on snow days and they have become our go to treat for last minute gatherings

Ingredients

• Peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter works best for these balls Try to pick one with just peanuts and salt for pure flavor
• Unsalted butter: Brings a rich smoothness to the mixture Softened butter blends in more easily making the dough light and creamy
• Powdered sugar: Helps create that classic truffle texture Choose fine powdered sugar for the smoothest results
• Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely warm note that rounds out the sweetness Pure vanilla makes a difference here
• Melted chocolate: Dipping in dark or milk chocolate adds a delicious shell Opt for good quality chocolate bars or chips that melt well and taste great on their own

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Base:

Combine the peanut butter and softened butter in a large mixing bowl Use a hand mixer on medium speed and beat until the mixture is smooth creamy and thoroughly blended

Mix in the Dry Ingredients:

Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the bowl Start on low speed and increase as the sugar starts to incorporate Mix until the dough becomes thick almost like cookie dough and pulls away from the sides of the bowl Test by pinching a bit between your fingers it should not stick

Shape the Balls:

Line a large plate or tray with parchment paper Using a tablespoon cookie scoop or your hands scoop and roll the dough into even balls Each ball should be compact and smooth Place each one onto the lined tray making sure they do not touch

Chill to Set:

Put the tray of peanut butter balls in the freezer for about ten minutes This allows the balls to firm up and makes the next step so much easier especially if your kitchen is warm

Dip in Chocolate:

Melt your chocolate using a microwave in short bursts or over a double boiler until smooth Remove balls from the freezer Working one by one dip each ball into the melted chocolate using a fork to lift and let the excess drip off Place back on the parchment for a clean look or drizzle chocolate for a more rustic effect

Final Chill:

Return the chocolate dipped balls to the freezer for a few minutes until the chocolate is fully set Once hardened move them to a freezer safe bag or container and store for up to one month

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My favorite part is rolling the dough with my kids We all get messy hands and laugh when someone tries eating the chocolate before it hardens Last Christmas my youngest decorated a few with sprinkles and called them magic snowballs They really do taste magical

Storage Tips

Keep leftover peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the freezer for the best freshness They will last up to a month but honestly ours rarely make it longer than a week If you want the best bite let them sit out of the freezer for a minute or two before enjoying The chocolate stays crisp but the inside becomes perfectly creamy

Ingredient Substitutions

Sunflower seed butter can be swapped for peanut butter to make these nut free Almond butter is another delicious choice If you need dairy free just use vegan butter and check that your chocolate is milk free For a lower sugar option try gently cutting the powdered sugar to one cup and replacing some with a sugar substitute

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Serving Suggestions

Arrange them on a pretty platter for parties or stack in mini cupcake liners for easy gifting Sometimes I drizzle extra chocolate over the top right before serving Sprinkles or crushed nuts make them look festive for birthdays or holiday trays

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, using crunchy peanut butter adds texture and nutty bits to each ball. You may need to adjust mixing time for best results.

→ How can I melt the chocolate easily?

You can melt chocolate in the microwave using short intervals or use a double boiler for gentle heating to avoid scorching.

→ Do I need to freeze before dipping in chocolate?

Chilling the balls before dipping helps them hold their shape and makes it easier to coat them evenly with chocolate.

→ How should I store leftover peanut butter balls?

Keep them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag in the freezer for lasting freshness. They can be enjoyed straight from the freezer.

→ Can I skip the chocolate coating?

Absolutely! The balls taste delicious on their own, but the chocolate adds a rich finish and extra sweetness.

→ Is it possible to make them dairy-free?

Swap unsalted butter with dairy-free butter or coconut oil to create a dairy-free version of these treats.