These Peanut Butter Balls are a tasty treat made with creamy peanut butter, oats, and a touch of honey. They’re simple to make and perfect for snacking!
Honestly, who can resist the combo of peanut butter and chocolate? I often make a batch and hide them in the fridge, but they never last long. 🙈
Making these is a breeze! Just mix, roll, and chill. They’re great for a quick energy boost or as a sweet snack anytime. Enjoy with a friend (or keep them all to yourself)! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Creamy Peanut Butter: This is the star of the show! Creamy works best for a smooth texture, but crunchy peanut butter can add a nice crunch. If you need a nut-free option, try sunflower seed butter!
Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter helps control the overall saltiness of the recipe. If you want a vegan version, you can substitute it with coconut oil or margarine.
Powdered Sugar: This gives the balls their sweetness and helps bind everything together. If you’re looking for a lower-sugar option, you can use powdered erythritol or a similar sweetener.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These are perfect for coating, but you could use dark chocolate if you prefer a richer flavor. Milk chocolate also works well for those with a sweet tooth.
How Can I Achieve Smooth Chocolate Coating?
Coating the balls in chocolate is one of the most important steps. Here’s how to make it easy:
- Use a microwave or double boiler to melt the chocolate. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
- If using shortening or coconut oil, add it to make the chocolate smoother and easier to work with.
- When dipping, let the excess chocolate drip back into the bowl. This prevents the coating from being too thick.
- Work quickly; the chocolate can harden as it cools. If it does, gently reheat it.
With these tips, you’ll have beautiful peanut butter balls ready to enjoy! Happy snacking! 😊
How to Make Yummy Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon shortening or coconut oil (optional, for smoother chocolate)
- Crushed peanuts (for garnish)
- White chocolate or peanut butter chips (for drizzling, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus time for chilling the peanut butter balls. You’ll need at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to firm them up and an additional 15-20 minutes to let the chocolate set. Overall, expect to spend about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes in total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Peanut Butter Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Use a spatula or mixing spoon to mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. It should smell amazing!
2. Combine with Powdered Sugar:
Now, gradually add the powdered sugar to the peanut butter mixture. Mix well after each addition. Keep mixing until the mixture forms a firm dough. It should be easy to handle and hold its shape.
3. Shape the Balls:
Once your dough is ready, take small portions and roll them into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place all the rolled balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. They should be cute little round treats!
4. Refrigerate to Firm Up:
Chill the peanut butter balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step helps them hold their shape when dipped in chocolate.
5. Melt the Chocolate:
While those balls are chilling, it’s time to melt the chocolate! In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and shortening (if you’re using it). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is smooth and melted.
6. Dip the Balls:
Now comes the fun part! Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate until it’s fully coated. Lift it out and gently let the excess chocolate drip back into the bowl.
7. Place and Decorate:
Transfer the coated balls back to the parchment-lined sheet. If you want to drizzle some melted white chocolate or peanut butter chips on top, now’s the time! Get creative with your drizzle.
8. Add the Garnish:
While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle some crushed peanuts on top of the coated balls for an extra crunch and nice look.
9. Final Chill:
Put the baking sheet back in the fridge for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate coating is fully set. You can sneak a taste now, but I won’t tell anyone! 😉
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once set, store your delicious peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the fridge. Serve chilled and enjoy every delightful bite!
Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter Instead of Creamy?
Yes, natural peanut butter will work, but it may make the balls a bit more oily and harder to form. If you use natural peanut butter, consider reducing the butter slightly to maintain the right texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for longer storage—up to 3 months!
What If My Chocolate Is Too Thick?
If your melted chocolate is thickening up, you can add a teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening while melting. This will help thin it out and make it easier to coat the peanut butter balls smoothly.
Can I Add Other Mix-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your peanut butter balls. Add-ins like mini chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even protein powder can enhance flavor and texture. Just keep the overall ratios in mind to maintain the consistency!