Peanut Butter Balls are tasty little treats made with creamy peanut butter, oats, and a touch of honey. They’re easy to whip up and perfect for a snack or dessert!
These no-bake goodies are great for satisfying sweet cravings without much fuss. I love making a batch and storing them for a quick pick-me-up—so handy! 🥜✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Creamy Peanut Butter: Choose a brand you love for the best flavor. If you prefer, crunchy peanut butter can also add texture to the balls.
Unsalted Butter: This keeps the flavors balanced. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil is a great substitute that works well in this recipe.
Powdered Sugar: It gives a nice sweetness and helps bind the mixture. If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can use powdered erythritol for a lower-calorie option.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These add a lovely crunch. You can substitute with crushed vanilla wafers or oatmeal for a different flavor and texture.
Chocolate Chips: Milk chocolate is sweet, while semisweet offers a bolder taste. Dark chocolate is an excellent option if you like a richer flavor.
How Do I Get a Smooth Chocolate Coating?
Melting chocolate can be tricky, but here’s a method that works! Heating gradually in short bursts helps avoid burning.
- Use a microwave-safe bowl and melt chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to achieve a smoother consistency for coating.
- When dipping, ensure the peanut butter balls are thoroughly covered and allow excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl.
Remember, patience is key! Let the chocolate coating set in the fridge for a bit for the best results.
Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 12 oz semisweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother chocolate coating)
For Topping:
- Additional peanut butter, melted (for drizzling)
- Shredded coconut or crushed peanuts for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 30 minutes to chill in the fridge and another hour for the chocolate to set. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 45 minutes. It’s well worth the wait for these tasty treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Peanut Butter Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and softened butter, stirring until it’s smooth and creamy. This creates the base for your delicious filling!
2. Add Sweetness and Texture:
Gradually add in the powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs. Continue mixing until everything is well combined and you have a firm dough that you can roll into balls easily.
3. Shape the Balls:
Take a small portion of the dough and roll it into 1-inch balls. Place each ball on a lined baking sheet. Once you’re done, pop the tray into the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will help them firm up and hold their shape.
4. Melt the Chocolate:
While the balls are chilling, it’s time to melt the chocolate! Use a microwave-safe bowl to melt the chocolate chips mixed with coconut oil. Heat them in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each one until the chocolate is completely smooth.
5. Coat the Peanut Butter Balls:
Take the chilled peanut butter balls out of the fridge. Using a fork or toothpick, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, making sure it’s fully coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl, then place the coated balls back on the lined baking sheet.
6. Add the Finishing Touches:
Once all the balls are coated, drizzle some melted peanut butter over the top for added flair. If you like, you can also sprinkle them with shredded coconut or crushed peanuts for a nice finish.
7. Set and Serve:
Put the tray back in the fridge for about an hour, or until the chocolate is fully set. Once ready, take them out and serve chilled. Enjoy your delicious homemade peanut butter balls!
These peanut butter balls are absolutely irresistible with their rich, creamy center and a delightful chocolate covering. Perfect for sharing (or not)! 🥜🍫
Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter Instead of Creamy Peanut Butter?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter! Just be aware that it may have a slightly different texture and can be a bit runnier. You might need to adjust the amount of powdered sugar or graham cracker crumbs to achieve the right consistency for rolling into balls.
How Do I Store Leftover Peanut Butter Balls?
Store any leftover peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let them thaw in the fridge before enjoying them!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. You can add mini chocolate chips, dried fruits, or chopped nuts to the peanut butter mixture before rolling them into balls for extra flavor and texture.
How Can I Make My Chocolate Coating Thicker?
If you prefer a thicker chocolate coating, simply dip each ball twice in the melted chocolate. Allow the first layer to set in the fridge before dipping again. This will give you that rich, indulgent chocolate layer!
