Easy Holiday Peanut Butter Balls with Chocolate Drizzle Recipe
Introduction
These Peanut Butter Balls are a holiday classic made with just four simple ingredients. Quick and easy to prepare, they’re perfect for cookie trays, dessert tables, or as thoughtful homemade gifts. Customize them with chocolate drizzle or festive toppings to make them extra special.
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 8 ounces melting chocolate
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened butter, and powdered sugar. Stir or beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with the powdered sugar fully blended in.
- Step 2: Using a 1 ½ inch scoop or spoon, portion the mixture and roll into balls by hand. Place the balls onto parchment paper and chill in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes until firm.
- Step 3: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate in 30-second increments, stirring well between each, until the chocolate is smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Remove the peanut butter balls from the refrigerator. Using a fork, dip each ball into the melted chocolate until fully coated. Return them to the parchment paper. Repeat until all balls are dipped.
- Step 5: Allow the chocolate coating to set before serving. You can speed up this process by placing the balls back in the refrigerator.
Tips & Variations
- Try adding festive toppings like colorful sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or chopped nuts for a holiday touch.
- If using chocolate chips instead of melting wafers, add 1 teaspoon of shortening, coconut oil, or vegetable oil to help them melt smoothly.
- Almond bark or specialized melting wafers work best for a smooth, glossy chocolate coating.
Storage
Store leftover peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Thaw before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, both crunchy and creamy peanut butter work well. Crunchy will add a bit of texture to the peanut butter balls.
What is the best way to melt chocolate without burning it?
Melt chocolate in short, 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring thoroughly between each interval. This helps prevent overheating and burning. Alternatively, use a double boiler on the stovetop for gentle melting.
PrintEasy Holiday Peanut Butter Balls with Chocolate Drizzle Recipe
These Peanut Butter Balls are a quick and easy holiday classic made with just four simple ingredients. Creamy or crunchy peanut butter is combined with softened butter and powdered sugar, then shaped into bite-sized balls and dipped in smooth melting chocolate. Perfect for festive cookie trays, dessert tables, or as thoughtful homemade gifts, these treats can be customized with drizzled chocolate or colorful toppings like sprinkles, candy canes, or nuts for added flair.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 peanut butter balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Ball Mixture
- 1 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
Chocolate Coating
- 8 ounces melting chocolate (such as almond bark, melting wafers, or block chocolate)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, thoroughly stir or beat together the peanut butter, softened butter, and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring the powdered sugar is fully incorporated.
- Shape the Balls: Using a 1 ½ inch portion scoop, form the mixture into balls by rolling between your hands. Place the formed peanut butter balls onto a parchment paper-lined tray.
- Chill: Refrigerate the peanut butter balls for 15-20 minutes until they are firm to the touch, making them easier to dip.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate in 30-second increments, stirring well each time to avoid burning, until the chocolate is smooth and creamy.
- Dip and Coat: Remove the peanut butter balls from the fridge. Using a fork, dip each ball into the melted chocolate to coat fully. Place the coated balls back onto the parchment paper. Repeat until all balls are coated.
- Set the Chocolate: Allow the chocolate coating to fully set before serving. You can refrigerate them briefly to speed up the setting process.
Notes
- Storage Information: Store leftover peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- They freeze well for up to 3 months. When freezing, layer with wax paper between the peanut butter balls to prevent them from sticking together. Thaw before serving.
- Chocolate Options: Use almond bark, melting wafers, melting chocolate, or block chocolate. For chocolate chips, add 1 teaspoon of shortening, coconut oil, or vegetable oil to ensure smooth melting.
Keywords: Peanut Butter Balls, Holiday Treats, No-Bake Desserts, Easy Peanut Butter Recipes, Chocolate Dipped
