I remember the first time I made these Peanut Butter Balls—they were a lifesaver on one hectic evening when I needed a quick, no-bake dessert. Now, they’re a go-to treat in my house, perfect for holidays or whenever a sweet craving hits. This guide will help you make perfect peanut butter balls every time, with zero stress and all the comfort.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
- Incredibly easy and quick to prepare—no baking required.
- Super customizable: smooth, crunchy, or with fun mix-ins.
- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for parties, potlucks, or simple family treats. If you’re a fan of the classic peanut butter and chocolate pairing, you might also enjoy our Ultimate Peanut Butter Blossom Recipe.
- Freezer-friendly, so you can make them ahead and enjoy anytime. These delicious bites are a fantastic addition to any holiday spread, just like amazing gingerbread crinkle cookies.
Ingredients for Classic Peanut Butter Balls
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 Tbsp vegetable shortening (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
- 1 Tbsp vegetable shortening or coconut oil (optional)
Each ingredient plays a crucial role here. Creamy peanut butter forms the smooth, rich base. Vegetable shortening in the filling softens and binds everything together. Powdered sugar sweetens and firms up the mixture. The semi-sweet chocolate chips coat the balls in a luscious shell. Adding the optional shortening or coconut oil to the chocolate is the secret to achieving a smooth, easy-to-dip consistency. For the best results, use a commercial creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy to ensure a firm and predictable shape.
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
Essential Tools
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or wax paper
Helpful but Not Required
- Stand mixer (makes mixing easier)
- Cookie scoop (for uniform ball size)
- Chocolate dipping tools (forks, dipping set)
These tools make the process even smoother, but don’t worry if you don’t have them. This recipe is designed to be accessible to everyone.
How to Make Peanut Butter Balls (Step-by-Step)
1. Make the Peanut Butter Filling
Mix the peanut butter and softened vegetable shortening together in a mixing bowl. Gradually stir in powdered sugar until fully combined. Cover and place in the fridge for about 15 minutes to firm up.
2. Chill and Shape the Balls
Using your hands, shape the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on a baking sheet, cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes. This will help them hold their shape when dipping.
3. Melt the Chocolate
Melt the chocolate chips according to package instructions.
4. Dip and Chill the Final Peanut Butter Balls
Using a fork, dip the peanut butter balls one at a time into the melted chocolate. Allow the excess chocolate to fall off. Place the chocolate balls onto wax paper, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
The Secret to Perfect Dipping: Chocolate 101
Melting chocolate is easier than it looks. You can use the microwave method by heating in short 20-30 second bursts, stirring in between to avoid burning. Or use a double boiler: place a heatproof bowl over simmering water and stir the chocolate until smooth. When dipping, place a peanut butter ball on a fork, submerge it fully in melted chocolate, lift slowly, then gently tap the fork on the side of the bowl. This lets excess chocolate drip off for a neat coating every time.
Pro Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Balls
- Don’t Skip the Chilling: Cooling the filling and shaped balls helps them keep their shape and prevents melting when dipped in warm chocolate.
- Uniform Size: Use a small cookie scoop to make consistently sized balls for even chilling and dipping.
- Parchment is Your Friend: Line your baking sheet with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup simple.
- Work in Batches: Keep undipped balls refrigerated while you work to maintain firmness and a smooth chocolate coat.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Q: Why is my mixture too dry or crumbly?
A: Likely you used natural peanut butter or measured powdered sugar inaccurately. Add a teaspoon of melted butter or milk to soften.
Q: Why is my mixture too sticky?
A: It needs more powdered sugar. Stir in a tablespoon at a time until you reach the right consistency.
Q: Why is my chocolate so thick?
A: Add the optional coconut oil or vegetable shortening (1 Tbsp per cup of chips) to thin it out for better dipping.
Q: Why did my chocolate get grainy and seize?
A: This happens when water gets into the chocolate. Avoid water contact when melting. Unfortunately, once seized, it’s tough to fix.
Customize Your Peanut Butter Balls
| Mix-In / Topping | How to Add It |
|---|---|
| Crunchy Rice Krispies | Mix in 1 cup of Rice Krispies cereal with the powdered sugar. |
| Graham Cracker Crumbs | Substitute 1/2 cup of the powdered sugar with 1/2 cup of fine graham cracker crumbs. |
| Mini Chocolate Chips | Gently fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips before chilling. |
| Flaky Sea Salt | Sprinkle a tiny pinch on top of each ball while the chocolate is still wet. |
Making Them Work for You
| Dietary Need | Substitution Instructions |
|---|---|
| Vegan | Use dairy-free butter (like Miyoko’s) instead of shortening and ensure your chocolate chips are certified vegan. |
| Lower-Carb / Keto | Use a sugar-free peanut butter, swap powdered sugar for a powdered keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol, and use sugar-free chocolate chips (like Lily’s). |
How to Store and Freeze Peanut Butter Balls
Store your peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh for up to 2 weeks. To freeze, place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and flash-freeze for an hour. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. These can be frozen for up to 3 months and thawed in the fridge when ready to enjoy, making them ideal for preparing a Christmas cookie lasagna or other festive treats.
Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, beat peanut butter with softened shortening, then gradually mix in powdered sugar until a smooth dough forms; chill 15 minutes.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a lined baking sheet; cover and refrigerate 20 minutes to firm.
- Melt chocolate chips (add 1 Tbsp shortening or coconut oil if desired) according to package directions until smooth.
- Using a fork, dip each peanut butter ball into the chocolate, let excess drip off, then set on wax paper; cover and chill until set.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Peanut Butter Balls and Buckeyes?
Buckeyes are similar but have a small circle of peanut butter showing on top, resembling the nut from a buckeye tree.
Can I make these without a mixer?
Yes, absolutely! Just use a sturdy spatula and some elbow grease to stir and combine.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
You can, but the mixture will be oilier and may require more powdered sugar to firm up. Commercial processed peanut butter works best for this recipe.
Conclusion
This recipe truly is the ultimate guide to perfect peanut butter balls—easy, delicious, and fuss-free. Whether you try the classic smooth version or get creative with mix-ins, you’re in for a rewarding treat. Which version will you try first—classic smooth or crunchy? Let me know in the comments below! If you make these peanut butter balls.
