Simple PB Treats

Featured in: Desserts to Satisfy Every Craving

With three ingredients, you can create these peanut butter bites in 20 minutes. After a fridge chill, they're ready to enjoy. Add chocolate if you like!
A woman in a kitchen with a stove and oven.
Updated on Mon, 12 May 2025 15:07:42 GMT
A bowl filled with round peanut butter bites sitting on a textured surface. Pin it
A bowl filled with round peanut butter bites sitting on a textured surface. | cookingkitchn.com

These simple grab-and-go 3-ingredient Peanut Butter Balls pack a punch of nutty goodness. They're thrown together with stuff you already have in your kitchen, take just a few minutes to make, and hit the spot when you want something sweet. They're super easy but taste amazing!

What Makes This Treat Special

You'll find this a real game-changer when you're running low on time or supplies. Just grab three basic items from your cupboard and you can create smooth, delicious peanut butter bites that melt right in your mouth. There's no baking needed, you can add your own twists, and they'll keep in your fridge or freezer for snacking whenever you want. Plus, they've got that classic peanut butter cookie taste!

What You'll Need for Peanut Butter Balls

  • Smooth Peanut Butter: 1 cup, stick with standard peanut butter for the best outcome.
  • Confectioners' Sugar: 1 cup, sweetens and helps everything stick together.
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: 1 cup, gives the balls their shape and crunch.
  • Extra Additions if Desired:
    • Melted chocolate to coat them
    • Smashed peanuts to sprinkle on top
    • A dash of sea salt to finish

Steps to Whip Up Peanut Butter Balls

Combine Everything
Put peanut butter, confectioners' sugar, and graham cracker bits in a big bowl and stir until everything's mixed up nicely.
Shape Your Treats
Take small amounts and roll into 1-inch balls, placing them on a sheet lined with parchment paper.
Cool Them Down
Put in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so they get firm.
Add Chocolate if You Want
Dunk the cold balls in melted chocolate and pop back in the fridge until the coating hardens.
A plate of round, beige cookie dough balls dusted with powdered sugar, with one ball partially bitten to reveal a creamy filling inside. Pin it
A plate of round, beige cookie dough balls dusted with powdered sugar, with one ball partially bitten to reveal a creamy filling inside. | cookingkitchn.com

Keeping and Enjoying Your Treats

Keep your peanut butter balls in a sealed container in the fridge and they'll stay good for about 2 weeks. Want to save them longer? Toss them in a freezer bag and they'll last up to 3 months. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight before eating. Want to make them extra fancy? Try covering them in melted chocolate for an even tastier snack!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long will these peanut butter treats stay fresh?
Keep them in a sealed container in the fridge and they'll be good for 2 weeks. Or freeze them for up to 3 months!
→ Why should the butter be soft?
Soft butter mixes smoothly with the peanut butter, ensuring everything blends well and makes rolling easier.
→ Is crunchy peanut butter okay?
Sure! But expect a chunkier texture and a little more effort shaping them smoothly.
→ Can I skip the vanilla?
Yep, it's not necessary. It adds a hint of flavor, but they'll taste great without it.
→ What's the point of chilling them?
Letting them chill keeps their shape intact and firms them up, making them easier to eat and handle.

Conclusion

These quick peanut butter bites need only a handful of pantry items and little effort. They're versatile enough for dessert, snacks, or adding a chocolate edge. Everyone will come back for more!

Three-Ingredient PB Balls

Fast-to-make peanut butter bites with just peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar. Vanilla and/or chocolate coating optional.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Sophia

Category: Sweet Delights

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 28 Servings (Around 26-28 balls)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (totally optional).
02 2 ¼ cups powdered sugar.
03 Melted chocolate to drizzle or dip if you'd like.
04 1 cup smooth peanut butter.
05 ½ cup butter, softened (your choice of salted or unsalted).

Instructions

Step 01

Set up your workspace by covering a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Leave it on the side until ready.

Step 02

Get a big mixing bowl and a hand mixer. Blend the peanut butter and butter until creamy. Toss in powdered sugar and optional vanilla. Keep mixing and scrape the bowl’s edges so everything gets blended well.

Step 03

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. Pop them onto the baking sheet. Chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes before enjoying.

Notes

  1. Both salted and unsalted butter work fine for this.
  2. Vanilla and chocolate are optional upgrades for more flavor.

Tools You'll Need

  • A cookie sheet.
  • Parchment sheet.
  • Electric hand mixer.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains peanuts.
  • Contains dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 128
  • Total Fat: 9 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 12 g
  • Protein: 2 g