I didn’t grow up making fancy desserts, but when I discovered these White Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls, everything changed. They’re my go-to no-bake treat—simple, creamy, and perfectly sweet. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a holiday party, these foolproof bites always bring smiles without any stress. Let me show you how to nail this easy recipe every time.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Foolproof Recipe
- The filling is ultra-creamy with a perfect peanut butter and sweetness balance that melts in your mouth.
- The white chocolate coating turns out smooth and glossy, no streaks, no mess.
- Completely no-bake and beginner-friendly cooking, making it easy to get kids involved in the kitchen.
- Perfectly versatile for holidays, parties, or gifting homemade treats with love.
The 5 Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons vegetable shortening, softened
- 1 pound white candy coating, coarsely chopped
- Finely chopped peanuts, optional
Each ingredient plays a crucial role here. Confectioners’ sugar keeps the filling silky smooth and free from grit, unlike granulated sugar. The creamy peanut butter must be “no-stir” style to prevent oil separation, which can ruin the texture. Vegetable shortening adds creaminess and helps with shaping. White candy coating melts perfectly smooth without seizing. This is key to the flawless finish on your balls. Optional chopped peanuts bring a delightful crunch.
The Secret to a Perfect Coating: Choosing Your White Chocolate
When it comes to coating, the differences matter:
- White candy coating/melts are your best bet for beginners. They melt easily into a smooth, silky liquid without seizing.
- White chocolate chips contain stabilizers and can seize or get grainy if overheated, but if you prefer using them, add a teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening to smooth the melt.
- Almond bark is similar to candy coating but often has a sweeter, waxier finish. It works, but candy coating gives the most reliable results.
For your first try, stick with white candy coating to avoid frustration.
How to Make White Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls: A Step-by-Step Guide
Combine confectioners’ sugar, peanut butter, and softened vegetable shortening in a bowl. Mix by hand with a fork until fully incorporated. Then chill the mixture in the freezer for 30 minutes until it has a workable texture.
Shape the chilled mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet. Freeze these balls for another 30 minutes until firm. Editor’s Tip: Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop makes perfectly uniform snowballs.Why this works: Freezing instantly firms up the balls so they hold their shape through dipping and don’t melt your coating.
Melt the chopped white candy coating in a microwave-safe bowl or over the stovetop. Dip each ball into the melted coating, then place them on waxed paper to harden. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts if you like.
Pro Tips for Candy-Shop-Quality Results
- Uniform Size Secret: Use a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop for perfectly sized balls that freeze and dip evenly.
- The Two-Fork Dipping Method: Lower the ball into the chocolate with one fork, then lift it out with another, allowing excess coating to drip off cleanly.
- Work in Batches: Keep half the peanut butter balls frozen while dipping the first batch. Cold balls are key to a smooth, quick-setting coating.
Fun Variations to Try
| Variation Name | How to Make It |
|---|---|
| Salty Pretzel Crunch | Mix 1/2 cup of finely crushed pretzels into the peanut butter filling before chilling. |
| Peppermint Snowballs | Add 1/4 tsp of peppermint extract to the filling and top with crushed candy canes instead of peanuts. |
| Rice Krispie Crunch | Mix 1/2 cup of Rice Krispies cereal into the filling for a classic, crispy texture. |
| Dark Chocolate Drizzle | After the white chocolate has set, melt 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips and drizzle over the tops. |
How to Store and Freeze White Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
Store finished balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To freeze, first flash freeze on a baking sheet for 1 hour. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator for several hours before bringing to room temperature. This prevents sweating and preserves texture.
Packaging for Gifting (A Holiday Must!)
- Use small holiday tins lined with parchment paper for a charming homemade look.
- Clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons make quick, pretty presentation.
- Small bakery boxes with mini cupcake liners keep the balls separated and neat.
Download our free printable gift tags here for the perfect finishing touch!
White Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine confectioners’ sugar, peanut butter, and softened shortening in a bowl and mix until smooth. Freeze 30 minutes until the mixture firms up and is easy to handle.
- Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a waxed paper–lined baking sheet. Freeze 30 minutes until solid; a cookie scoop helps portion evenly (optional).
- Melt white candy coating in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler. Dip each ball, place on waxed paper to set, and sprinkle with chopped peanuts if desired.
Notes
– Let excess coating drip off before setting on waxed paper for a neat base.
– Flavor swaps: add a pinch of salt, vanilla, or use crunchy peanut butter for texture. Drizzle with dark or milk chocolate for contrast.
– Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 1 week or freeze up to 2 months. Contains peanuts and may contain soy/dairy depending on coating used.
Frequently Asked Questions (Troubleshooting Common Issues)
Why is my filling too dry and crumbly?
Different peanut butter brands affect texture. Add more peanut butter, one teaspoon at a time, until it holds together.
Help! My filling is too soft or oily to roll.
It needs extra chilling. If still soft, add extra confectioners’ sugar, one tablespoon at a time.
How do I stop my white chocolate from getting thick and pasty (seizing)?
Melt slowly in short microwave bursts. Avoid any contact with water as it causes seizing.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! When adding Rice Krispies, use a gluten-free version to keep them safe.
Conclusion
This White Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls recipe is the perfect no-fuss treat that anyone can master. Between the creamy filling and silky coating, it’s reliable, adaptable, and always impressive. Now that you have the secrets to perfect White Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls, I’d love to know—what’s your favorite occasion to make them for? Let me know in the comments below.
