Peanut Butter Balls

Featured in: Desserts to Satisfy Every Craving

Obsessed with peanut butter and chocolate? These quick treats combine the two perfectly! With just 4 simple ingredients, they're great for celebrations or snack time.

A woman in a kitchen with a stove and oven.
Updated on Sun, 04 May 2025 15:35:42 GMT
Chocolate-dipped balls with one bitten, showing a peanut butter filling. Pin it
Chocolate-dipped balls with one bitten, showing a peanut butter filling. | cookingkitchn.com

A buddy passed this down to me ages ago, and man - these goodies are absolute treasures! Combine peanut butter with sugar and butter, dunk in chocolate, and presto - they're tastier than anything from the store. My little ones reckon they knock Reese's out of the park every time.

What Makes These So Special

It's such a blast to make in the kitchen! My children always squabble about who gets to shape the balls and add the toppings. You won't deal with a hot oven, there's hardly any mess to clean, and you can whip them up days before any gathering.

Ingredients You'll Need

  • Peanut Butter: Go for the smooth variety.
  • Sugar: The powdered type creates that velvety texture.
  • Butter: Remember to let it warm up first.
  • Chocolate: Semi-sweet chips work wonders.
  • Extra Tip: A touch of coconut oil adds that gleam.

How To Make Them

Blend Everything
Combine your peanut butter, butter, and sugar in a bowl. Stir until it reminds you of play-dough. If it's too gooey, add more sugar. If it falls apart, drop in another tablespoon of peanut butter.
Shape Into Spheres
This is when my children love to help! Form small balls - roughly the size of a penny. Place them on wax paper and chill them in the fridge until firm.
Prepare The Chocolate
Gently melt your chocolate in the microwave. Mix in that tablespoon of coconut oil - it gives everything a nice sheen.
Start Dipping
Submerge each ball into chocolate, lift it out with a fork, and shake off any excess. My little girl thinks they look like tiny worlds getting their chocolate coats!
Add Decorations
Now's the time for sprinkles if you want them. We typically go overboard here!

Insider Secrets

Always keep those balls chilled - you won't regret it. Looking for some texture? Mix in smashed pretzels or Rice Krispies. During Christmas, we go all out with red and green decorations. And don't worry if they're not perfectly round - they'll vanish just as quickly!

A bowl filled with chocolate-dipped truffles, one of which is partially bitten to reveal a creamy filling. Pin it
A bowl filled with chocolate-dipped truffles, one of which is partially bitten to reveal a creamy filling. | cookingkitchn.com

How To Keep Them Fresh

I like to tuck some away in the freezer - they're perfect when unexpected visitors come by. They'll remain tasty in the fridge for about two weeks, but in my home they vanish by the third day! Just put wax paper between layers so they don't stick together.

Perfect For Giving

Put these in a pretty container, and you've got an amazing present. Folks think I bought them from a fancy shop - I never tell them how simple they are to make! My neighbor keeps dropping hints for more, and my mom saves hers for a special after-dinner indulgence.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I switch creamy for crunchy peanut butter?

If you prefer crunch, go for it! Crunchy peanut butter works too. Just roll the balls tighter to avoid crumbles.

→ Why refrigerate the peanut butter mixture?

Cold mixture is easier to handle. It keeps its shape when you're rolling and dipping in chocolate.

→ How long will these treats last?

Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Freeze them if you need longer—they hold up to 3 months!

→ Could I use milk chocolate instead?

Yep! Milk, dark, or even semi-sweet work just fine. Pick whatever chocolate you enjoy most.

→ Do I really need to add oil to the chocolate?

A splash of oil helps thin out the chocolate, so dipping’s smoother and the coating stays even.

Peanut Butter Balls

Mix peanut butter, sugar, and butter till smooth, form into balls, then dip in melted chocolate. Sweet and easy to make!

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
5 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Sophia

Category: Sweet Delights

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (24)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips.
02 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter.
03 1 cup powdered sugar.
04 3 tablespoons softened salted butter.
05 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Blend soft butter and peanut butter in a bowl.

Step 02

Gradually mix in powdered sugar until everything's fully combined.

Step 03

Pop the mixture in the fridge for 15 minutes so it firms up.

Step 04

Use your hands to roll the mixture into balls about an inch in size.

Step 05

Set the balls on a baking tray, cover them, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.

Step 06

Follow the directions on the chocolate chip bag to melt them.

Step 07

Use a fork to coat each ball in the melted chocolate.

Step 08

Shake off any extra chocolate gently.

Step 09

Set the coated balls on a sheet of wax paper.

Step 10

Cover the balls and keep them cold in the fridge until you're ready to eat.

Notes

  1. Go with smooth peanut butter for the best results.
  2. Don’t skip chilling between steps—makes everything easier.
  3. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
  4. Put extras in the freezer for a 3-month shelf life.
  5. Adding oil helps create smoother chocolate.

Tools You'll Need

  • A bowl for mixing.
  • Tray or baking sheet.
  • Wax paper for setting.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains peanuts.
  • Includes dairy (butter).
  • Chocolate chips may contain soy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 107
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 10 g
  • Protein: 2 g