Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls are the ultimate treat for any chocolate and peanut butter lover. These irresistible bite-sized sweets combine the rich, creamy texture of peanut butter with the smoothness of chocolate, creating a perfect balance of flavors. With a few simple ingredients and no baking required, these treats are incredibly easy to make and are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth in no time. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion, a party, or simply as an indulgent snack, Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls are a crowd-pleaser that everyone will adore.
The combination of salty and sweet in each bite makes these little balls a fun and delicious way to enjoy two classic flavors. Once coated in chocolate, they become an even more decadent treat, offering the perfect contrast between the smooth peanut butter filling and the rich chocolate coating. These bites are versatile too, as they can be customized with different types of chocolate, toppings, or even a hint of sea salt for an added twist. Quick, easy, and utterly delicious, Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls are sure to become a go-to favorite for many occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. No Baking Required
These treats are incredibly simple to make, and since they require no baking, they’re perfect for when you’re short on time or don’t want to heat up the oven.
2. Perfectly Balanced Flavors
The combination of sweet and salty from the peanut butter and chocolate creates the perfect balance of flavors that is sure to satisfy any dessert craving.
3. Customizable Coating
You can customize the chocolate coating—use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate depending on your preference.
4. Great for Gift Giving
Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls make a wonderful homemade gift, whether it’s for the holidays, birthdays, or just because. They’re beautifully packaged and look as good as they taste.
5. Easy to Store
These treats keep well for days in the refrigerator and can even be frozen, making them perfect for meal prepping or preparing in advance for a special event.
Ingredients
- Creamy peanut butter
- Powdered sugar
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Butter (melted)
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate)
- Vanilla extract
- Sea salt (optional, for topping)
Variations
- Dark Chocolate Coating: For a richer flavor, try coating the balls with dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate.
- Add Chopped Nuts: For added texture, roll the peanut butter balls in crushed peanuts, almonds, or hazelnuts.
- Peanut Butter Crunch: Add crispy rice cereal or cornflakes into the peanut butter mixture for extra crunch.
- Sea Salt Finish: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate coating for a salty-sweet combination.
- Vegan Version: Use a plant-based butter and a dairy-free chocolate to make these peanut butter balls vegan-friendly.
- White Chocolate Coating: For a twist, dip the balls in white chocolate for a creamy and sweet contrast.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Make the Peanut Butter Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine creamy peanut butter, melted butter, powdered sugar, and graham cracker crumbs. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth and dough-like.
Step 2: Shape the Balls
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the peanut butter mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Refrigerate them for about 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth and fully melted. You can also melt the chocolate over a double boiler if you prefer.
Step 4: Dip the Peanut Butter Balls
Once the peanut butter balls have chilled, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. You can use a fork to help dip and lift the balls from the chocolate. Tap the fork gently to remove any excess chocolate before placing the coated balls back on the parchment paper.
Step 5: Chill the Chocolate Coated Balls
Return the chocolate-covered peanut butter balls to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes or until the chocolate coating has hardened. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each ball for an extra burst of flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chocolate has fully set, serve the peanut butter balls and enjoy! These treats are best kept refrigerated, especially if you live in a warm climate, as the chocolate may soften at room temperature.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Chill the Balls: Make sure to chill the peanut butter balls before dipping them in chocolate. This helps them hold their shape and prevents them from falling apart during the coating process.
- Use a Fork for Dipping: Using a fork for dipping ensures that the balls are evenly coated and helps remove excess chocolate.
- Roll the Balls Evenly: To ensure uniform-sized balls, use a cookie scoop or your hands to portion the mixture evenly. This makes them look more uniform when serving.
- Experiment with Coatings: Don’t be afraid to try different chocolate coatings or toppings to personalize your Peanut Butter Balls to your liking.
- Keep Refrigerated: For the best texture and to keep the chocolate firm, always store these treats in the fridge.
How to Serve
Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a sweet snack. Serve them on a festive tray at holiday parties, or package them in a decorative box to give as a thoughtful homemade gift. They’re also great for enjoying after dinner with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store the Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Keep them cool to maintain the firmness of the chocolate coating.
Freezing
These treats freeze well! Place the peanut butter balls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply place them in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
Reheating
Since these are no-bake treats, there’s no need to reheat them. Enjoy them straight from the fridge or freezer for the best texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture, but keep in mind that it may affect the smoothness of the filling.
2. Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate for coating the peanut butter balls. Each will offer a unique flavor.
3. Do I have to refrigerate the balls?
Yes, refrigerating them helps the chocolate coating set properly and keeps the peanut butter filling firm.
4. Can I make these balls ahead of time?
Yes! These peanut butter balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to serve them.
5. How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking?
Be sure to chill the peanut butter balls before dipping them in the chocolate, and handle the chocolate gently to avoid any cracking when it hardens.
6. Can I make these peanut butter balls without graham cracker crumbs?
If you don’t have graham crackers, you can substitute them with crushed cookies, like digestive biscuits, or even rice cereal for added crunch.
7. Can I add other fillings to the peanut butter mixture?
You can try adding small amounts of mini chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or even a dash of vanilla extract for an extra flavor boost in the peanut butter mixture.
8. How do I make these peanut butter balls vegan?
Use dairy-free chocolate chips and substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil.
9. Can I add a sprinkle of salt to the chocolate?
Yes! A light sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate coating complements the sweetness and adds a delicious salty-sweet contrast.
10. How can I make the chocolate coating thinner?
If you prefer a thinner chocolate coating, you can add a small amount of coconut oil to the melted chocolate, which will help it spread more easily.
Conclusion
Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls are the perfect combination of sweet and salty, with a rich, creamy peanut butter filling covered in smooth, decadent chocolate. Easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion, these treats are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re making them for a holiday, a gift, or simply as a special snack, these bite-sized delights are guaranteed to be a hit. Store them in the fridge or freezer for a quick and indulgent treat whenever you need it!
Print
Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 24–30 balls (depending on size) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls are the ultimate indulgence, with a creamy peanut butter center coated in rich chocolate. No baking required, just mix, roll, and dip! A perfect treat for peanut butter lovers, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a sweet snack.
Ingredients
For the Peanut Butter Center:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or powdered milk as a substitute)
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or coconut oil (to help thin the chocolate for dipping)
Instructions
- Make the Peanut Butter Center:
- In a medium bowl, mix the peanut butter and butter together until smooth and fully combined.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and graham cracker crumbs. Mix well until the mixture forms a dough-like consistency. If it feels too sticky, you can add a little extra powdered sugar.
- Use your hands or a spoon to roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the peanut butter balls on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Chill the Peanut Butter Balls:
- Once all the balls are rolled, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator or freezer for about 30-60 minutes to firm up. This makes the coating process easier and ensures the balls hold their shape when dipped in chocolate.
- Prepare the Chocolate Coating:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and vegetable oil in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. You can also melt the chocolate using a double boiler if preferred.
- Dip the Peanut Butter Balls:
- Using a fork or toothpick, dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, making sure it’s fully coated. Tap off any excess chocolate and place the coated ball back on the parchment paper.
- Continue dipping each peanut butter ball until they’re all coated.
- Chill Again:
- Once all the peanut butter balls are coated in chocolate, refrigerate them for an additional 30 minutes or until the chocolate has set and hardened.
- Serve:
- Once the chocolate coating is firm, the Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls are ready to be enjoyed! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Notes
- You can drizzle extra melted chocolate over the top for a decorative touch or even roll the balls in crushed nuts or sprinkles for added texture.
- If you prefer a sweeter chocolate coating, you can use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
- These are perfect for gift-giving! Just place them in a cute tin or box for a delicious homemade treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1-2 hours
- Category: Dessert, No-Bake Treat
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American