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No Bake Peanut Butter Balls

Create irresistible chocolate-covered peanut butter balls with minimal ingredients and no baking required. Perfect for gifting, parties, or satisfying sweet cravings.

Emily Watson
Updated on Sun, 22 Dec 2024 02:06:50 GMT
A hand holds a spoonful of chocolate-covered candies with crushed peanuts, surrounded by more candies in a black dish.
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A hand holds a spoonful of chocolate-covered candies with crushed peanuts, surrounded by more candies in a black dish. Pin it
A hand holds a spoonful of chocolate-covered candies with crushed peanuts, surrounded by more candies in a black dish. | thefamilycooks.com

These No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls have become my signature treat! The combination of creamy peanut butter filling and rich chocolate coating creates pure magic in every bite. My kids love helping me roll the balls and dip them in chocolate making this recipe such a fun family activity. Every time I make them they disappear within hours!

Why These Are Pure Joy

This recipe hits all the right notes perfect peanut butter flavor wrapped in smooth chocolate. I love that I can whip up a batch without turning on the oven. Whether I'm making them for a party or just because they never fail to bring smiles. The hardest part is waiting for the chocolate to set!

What You'll Need

  • Peanut Butter: The creamy kind works best gets that silky smooth center.
  • Unsalted Butter: Makes everything extra rich and helps it all stick together.
  • Vanilla Extract: Just a touch makes the peanut butter shine.
  • Powdered Sugar: This gives us that perfect truffle texture.
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Creates that amazing chocolate shell.
  • Shortening or Coconut Oil: My secret for the prettiest chocolate coating.

Let's Make Some Magic

Create Your Center
Mix up your peanut butter butter and vanilla until it's super smooth. Add powdered sugar bit by bit until you've got a nice dough.
Roll Those Balls
Make little one inch balls pop them on parchment and freeze them until they're nice and firm.
Get Your Chocolate Ready
Melt your chocolate chips with a bit of shortening stirring every 30 seconds until silky smooth.
Dipping Time
Dip each ball in chocolate I use a fork to make it easy. Let the extra drip off then back to the parchment.
Let Them Set
Give them time to harden up you can speed it up in the fridge if you're impatient like me!

My Best Tips

  • Chill Is Your Friend: Cold centers dip so much easier in the chocolate.
  • Shiny Chocolate: Don't skip the shortening it makes such pretty coating.
  • Make Them Pretty: A sprinkle of sea salt or crushed peanuts on top looks amazing.
  • Take Your Time: Dip just a few at once so your chocolate stays perfect.

Make Them Your Own

  • Try Crunchy: Sometimes I use crunchy peanut butter for extra texture.
  • Go White: White chocolate coating looks so elegant especially for holidays.
  • Add Some Spice: A tiny bit of cinnamon makes them taste like Christmas.

Perfect Ways to Share

These little treats are perfect for holiday platters or packed into pretty boxes for gifts. I love serving them after dinner with coffee or hot chocolate. They're always the first thing to vanish at parties!

Keeping Them Fresh

Keep your peanut butter balls in the fridge they'll stay perfect for two weeks. If you want to make extra pop them in the freezer for up to three months. Just let them come to room temperature before serving.

A bowl filled with chocolate-covered balls, one of which is cut in half to reveal a filling of nuts and oats. Pin it
A bowl filled with chocolate-covered balls, one of which is cut in half to reveal a filling of nuts and oats. | thefamilycooks.com

Quick Answers to Questions

  • Natural Peanut Butter OK? Sure just stir it really well first.
  • Making These Dairy Free? Vegan butter and dairy free chocolate work great.
  • Messy Dipping? A fork is your best friend lets the extra chocolate drip right off.

No Bake Peanut Butter Balls

Simple no-bake peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate. An easy treat that's ready in minutes and tastes like homemade peanut butter cups.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
20 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (24 balls)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 cup creamy peanut butter.
02 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened.
03 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
04 2 cups powdered sugar.
05 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips.
06 2 tablespoons shortening or coconut oil (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Mix peanut butter, butter, and vanilla until combined.

Step 02

Gradually add powdered sugar until dough forms.

Step 03

Roll into 1-inch balls, place on lined sheet.

Step 04

Freeze 20-30 minutes until firm.

Step 05

Melt chocolate and shortening in 30-second intervals.

Step 06

Dip balls in chocolate, place on parchment.

Step 07

Let set at room temp or chill 10-15 minutes.

Notes

  1. A simple no-bake treat that tastes like homemade peanut butter cups.
  2. Perfect for holidays, parties, or gifting.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl.
  • Baking sheet.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Microwave-safe bowl.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Peanuts.
  • Dairy (butter).
  • Soy (may contain in chocolate).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 175
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein: 3 g