Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls- no-bake peanut butter balls made with just 5 ingredients! An easy to make, melt in your mouth, classic sweet treat!
Easy No-Bake Dessert
If you love the chocolate peanut butter combination, these are for you! A cross between a Reese’s peanut butter cup and chocolate peanut butter fudge. Packed with flavor and so hard to resist. Plus, you can make them ahead of time and freeze them until ready to serve/devour!
I will warn you, these peanut butter balls are quite addictive, but luckily Christmas calories don’t count, right?!
Why this recipe is the best
- No-Bake- simply combine the needed ingredients, roll into balls, chill, and dip! Easy peasy!
- Only 5 ingredients- using minimal ingredients, you may already have what you need on hand!
- Flavor Packed- melt-in-your mouth goodness, hard to resist!
- Great for gifts- freeze until needed and since each batch makes a lot, put some in tins or jars and give to friends/family/neighbors
Ingredients needed
These are a must for Holiday cookie plates and always the most requested. They are so simple to make, and kids can even make these all by themselves.
- Chunky Peanut Butter- about 3 cups
- Powdered Sugar
- Rice Krispies Cereal
- Butter- or margarine, softened at room temperature, unsalted
- Milk Chocolate Melting Chocolate- or almond bark
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
Scroll below for printable recipe card with ingredient amounts and directions
- Mix- all ingredients except chocolate in a large bowl. *Add in more peanut butter if mixture isn’t sticking together.
- Place wax paper- on a cookie sheet and roll dough into one-inch balls. Place on cookie sheet and place in fridge for about two hours to firm.
- Once balls are set- melt a few squares of chocolate in microwave at a time and roll peanut butter ball through chocolate two times.
- Set back onto wax paper- and refrigerate.
- Once chilled- store in a tin or container. *Can be frozen as well (although mine don’t last long enough to make it to the freezer before I eat them)
How to Coat Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
After many years of playing around with different methods, I have found the easiest and most fool proof way to get the peanut butter balls coated perfectly each and every time.
- Ensure the peanut butter balls are FULLY chilled! I love the using the freezer more often than refrigerator.
- Melt the chocolate in SMALL batches. If using almond bark, use only 1/2 the package at a time. Melt in microwave in 30 second increments to avoid burning.
- Typically, I am team toothpick for dipping. However, I have found using a fork is easiest. Simply toss the frozen peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, stir around to coat using a fork, and strain off any dripping chocolate with the fork before placing on wax paper to set.
Expert Tips
- Don’t rush the chilling process. The peanut butter balls tend to soften and fall apart quickly if not chilled enough.
- Use a cookie scoop to form the balls. This keeps them perfectly symmetrical and the same size!
- Feel free to use different flavors of melting chocolates to dip the balls in. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate all make great options!
- After dipping the balls in the chocolate, tap the fork on the side of the bowl a few times to let the excess chocolate drip off so it doesn’t pool on the bottom when you place the balls to set.
- If the dough is too soft or sticky to easily roll in your hands, pop it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to firm up.
- You can use any nut butters for this recipe. Almond butter, cashew butter, etc…
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of peanut butter should I use? I love using Crunchy Peanut Butter for an added crunch. You can also use creamy peanut butter, but the texture will change slightly. Avoid using natural peanut butters as they tend to be too oily.
How long do these last? In my house, not long, ha-ha! About 4-5 days at room temperature, about 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator, and up to 3 months if frozen!
Are there any fun variations? Although I haven’t personally tried it, I have heard from several others that you can add 1 cup shredded coconut into the peanut butter dough before rolling for an added flavor boost.
Storage
- Room Temperature- in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Refrigerator- in an airtight container/bag for up to 3 weeks
- Freezer- in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or place on the counter for 1 hour before serving for best consistency
How to Decorate Peanut Butter Balls
- Holiday Sprinkles – You can decorate these peanut butter balls with sprinkles for the holidays. Red and Green for Christmas or change up the colors for whichever season is current.
- Drizzle Chocolate – Drizzle them with caramel or white chocolate syrup for a fun and eye pleasing treat.
- Sea Salt or Chopped Peanuts– when the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle some salt or peanuts on top.
More Holiday recipes to try
TOP Christmas Cookie Collection
Chocolate Crinkle Candy Cane Cookies
Do you have a favorite Holiday cookie or treat? I’d love to hear which ones! Comment below and let me know!
Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups Peanut butter *chunky
- 1 lb powdered sugar
- 2 cups Rice Krispy cereal
- 4 tablespoon butter *or margarine
- 2 lbs chocolate *I use Moulding chocolate or almond bark
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients except chocolate in a large bowl. Add in more peanut butter if mixture isn't sticking together.
- Place wax paper on a cookie sheet and roll dough into one-inch balls. Place on cookie sheet and place in fridge for about two hours to firm.
- Once balls are set, melt a few squares of chocolate in microwave at a time and roll peanut butter ball through chocolate two times.
- Set back onto wax paper and refrigerate.
- Once chilled, you can store in a tin or container. Can be frozen as well (although mine don't last long enough to make it to the freezer before I eat them)
Nutrition
Recipe updated 12/8/21
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