Peanut Butter Balls are one of the most requested no bake treats I make! They are always the first thing gone on any cookie platter, and they are just the perfect, easy, chocolate peanut butter treat!
Here we are on Day 4 of the 12 Days of Christmas Cookies and I’ve already deviated from the whole “cookie” part of the program. BUT, in case you missed the first few days, I’ve shared the best recipe for Easy Sugar Cookies ever, Crock Pot Candy, and Chocolate Chip Shortbread so go catch up!
Anyhow, yep, these aren’t exactly a cookie recipe, but they are, definitely a standard in holiday treats. The chocolate and peanut butter combo is pretty hard to resist, and these sweet, EASY Peanut Butter Balls are delicious, pretty, and a crowd favorite. Let’s talk about how to make one of my most favorite treats of all times!
MY OTHER RECIPES
Tips on How to make Easy Peanut Butter Balls
These Peanut Butter Balls are such an easy treat, but I have to admit, dipping the balls in chocolate isn’t my favorite thing to do! This is where I get my kids involved in the process. They love helping out in the kitchen from time to time, especially if it’s for one of their most favorite treats!
- Make sure the peanut butter balls are chilled when you dip them. It will make the process MUCH easier! The chocolate will set up more quickly and the peanut butter balls will hold their shape when you dip and tap the excess warm chocolate.
- I like to use Ghirardelli Melting Wafers most of all for dipping. They melt SO smooth, and taste delicious. You don’t need to add an extra tablespoon of butter or shortening into the chocolate to thin it out…it’s just the perfect consistency!
- BUT if you can’t find the Ghirardelli wafers, you certainly can use chocolate chips, or even almond bark. Since chocolate chips are necessarily made for melting, this is where you can add a tablespoon of shortening or butter into the chocolate to thin it out a little bit, making the dipping process easier.
- You can melt the chocolate in the microwave in 25- second increments, or over a double boiler.
- If the chocolate thickens up too much while you’re dipping, melt it again for a few seconds, until you reach the desired consistency.
- You can decorate these peanut butter balls with sprinkles, sea salt, or just drizzle some extra chocolate over top, like I did!
- When you dip the peanut butter balls in the chocolate make sure to tap off all the excess chocolate you can! Then when you place the dipped ball onto the parchment lined sheet, use a toothpick and drag it around the base of the ball so it doesn’t pool up at the bottom!
You can even use a toothpick for dipping these peanut butter balls into the chocolate. It tends to get a little messier, but it works!
Peanut Butter Balls can also be referred to as Buckeyes! Buckeyes are popular in Ohio, as the Buckeye is the state tree! Buckeye Balls are only partially dipped in chocolate, leaving the peanut butter showing on the top. That way they look like the nuts from a Buckeye tree. Peanut Butter Balls are traditionally covered in chocolate.
Can You Freeze Peanut Butter Balls?
Yes! You can absolutely freeze peanut butter balls. First allow the chocolate to set completely. Then in a large, airtight, tupperware-style container, place the peanut butter balls in an even layer in the bottom of the container. Place a piece of parchment paper on top of them and make another layer. Repeat as many times as you can, depending on the depth of the container. You can store them in the freezer for up to a month.
I hope you maker these super popular no bake peanut butter balls! They are sincerely one of our favorites!
Description
Classic and Easy Peanut Butter Balls are a no bake favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/4 cups crushed graham crackers
- 15 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (for melting)
Instructions
- In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment combine the peanut butter and butter, mixing on medium speed until smooth.
- Turn mixer to low and add in the powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs, mixing until evenly incorporated. Mixture will be thick.
- Using a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon), portion out the mixture and roll into balls. Place them on a large parchment lined baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to chill.
- In a medium bowl melt the chocolate in 25- second increments, stirring after each until smooth.
- Using a fork, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, tapping off the excess. Place back on the parchment lined baking sheet. Repeat with all balls.
- Drizzle any extra chocolate on top of the balls.
- Allow the chocolate to set before storing.
Notes
Tip – Drag a toothpick around the melted chocolate when you place the dipped peanut butter ball back onto the baking sheet after dipping. This will prevent the chocolate from pooling up at the bottom as it dries, and just making the balls prettier.
Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to a week.
Keywords: peanut butter, recipe, no bake, peanut butter chocolate, chocolate, peanut butter balls
Stay tuned tomorrow for Day 5 of the 12 Days of Christmas Cookies!
Day 1: Easy Cut Out Sugar Cookies
Day 2: Crock Pot Peppermint Pretzel Candy
Day 3: Chocolate Chip Shortbread
Day 4: Peanut Butter Balls
