🥜🍫 Peanut Butter Balls (Classic No-Bake Treat)

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Creamy peanut butter centers dipped in rich chocolate—an irresistible, old-fashioned favorite.
These Peanut Butter Balls are easy to make, require no baking, and are always a crowd-pleaser, especially during the holidays. With their perfect balance of sweet and salty, they taste like a homemade version of a peanut butter cup—only better.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Classic homemade candy—nostalgic, rich, and creamy

  • No-bake & beginner-friendly—no oven or special tools

  • Perfect for holidays & gifting—great for Christmas trays and cookie tins

  • Freezer-friendly—make ahead and enjoy anytime

  • Easy to customize—dark, milk, or white chocolate coatings

🧾 Ingredients

Peanut Butter Filling

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter (no-stir works best)

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 2½–3 cups powdered sugar, sifted

  • ½ cup graham cracker crumbs (optional but recommended)

Chocolate Coating

  • 2½ cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (or melting wafers)

  • 1 tsp coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smoother dipping)

🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Peanut Butter Base

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Mix in the vanilla extract.

2️⃣ Sweeten & Thicken

Gradually add powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in graham cracker crumbs if using. The mixture should be thick and dough-like but still smooth.

3️⃣ Shape the Balls

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into smooth balls. Place it on the prepared sheet.
You should get about 30–40 balls.

4️⃣ Chill

Refrigerate for 30 minutes or freeze for 15 minutes until firm. This makes dipping much easier.

5️⃣ Melt the Chocolate

Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil in 30-second microwave intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
(Or use a double boiler for more control.)

6️⃣ Dip & Coat

Using a fork or toothpick, dip each peanut butter ball into the chocolate, tap off excess, and return to parchment paper.
Optional: sprinkle with flaky sea salt or drizzle extra chocolate on top.

7️⃣ Set & Serve

Let the chocolate set at room temperature or refrigerate for 20 minutes until firm. Transfer to an airtight container.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use natural peanut butter?
You can, but it’s not ideal. Natural peanut butter can be oily. If using it, stir very well and add extra powdered sugar or graham crumbs.

How do I get smooth, shiny chocolate?
Make sure the balls are cold, and add a little coconut oil or shortening to the melted chocolate.

Can I make them vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Can I freeze peanut butter balls?
Absolutely. Freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight container.

Why are my peanut butter balls sticky?
Add more powdered sugar or graham cracker crumbs and chill longer.

🧊 Storage Tips

  • Refrigerator: Up to 2 weeks in an airtight container

  • Freezer: Up to 3 months

  • Tip: Use mini cupcake liners to prevent sticking and for gifting

🔄 Variations

  • Crunchy: Add Rice Krispies or crushed pretzels

  • White Chocolate: Coat in white chocolate and drizzle with peanut butter

  • Oreo Peanut Butter Balls: Add crushed Oreos to the filling

  • Coconut: Mix in shredded coconut

  • Healthier Option: Use honey, natural peanut butter, and dark chocolate

⭐ Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Balls recipe turns simple pantry staples into pure joy. Creamy, chocolatey, and irresistibly nostalgic, they’re perfect for holidays, parties, or sneaking straight from the fridge. Once you make them from scratch, you’ll understand why they’ve been a family favorite for generations. 🥜🍫❤️

If you want, I can also create:
📌 Pinterest Pin description
🎄 Holiday cookie-tray caption
📱 Instagram Reel script
🖨 Printable recipe card
🌱 Vegan or low-sugar version

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