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–+ servings
Peanut Butter Balls recipe

Peanut Butter Balls

Creamy peanut butter with a dash of vanilla and just the right hint of salt, all hugged by a smooth, rich chocolate shell. That sounds about right! No baking is needed, but they taste like they came from a fancy bakery.
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Course: Cake
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 35 balls
Calories: 168kcal
Author: Brenda Maher

Ingredients

  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar
  • ⅔ tsp pure vanilla extract
  • a pinch tsp salt
  • 3 semi-sweet chocolate bars (about 12 ounces), coarsely chopped
  • ⅓ tbsp vegetable oil
  • Optional sprinkles

Instructions

  • Line your baking sheet with either a silicone mat or parchment paper. Set the sheet aside for now.
  • Use a stand or handheld mixer with the paddle/whisk attachment and blend in the butter on medium-high (2 to 3 minutes) until creamy. Add the peanut butter and keep it mixing (1 to 2 minutes) until combined.
  • Lower the speed and toss in the powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla. Blend this mix on low (2 to 3 minutes) until slightly crumbly.
  • Scoop out about a tablespoon of the peanut butter mixture and roll it between your palms into a 1-inch ball (about 32 to 35 balls in total). Set each ball on your prepared baking sheet.
  • Refrigerate the balls (1+ hour to 24 hours, your choice).
  • Put the chocolate and oil into a microwave-safe bowl, then microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring each time until glossy. Let the chocolate sit for a few minutes after melting.
  • Pull your peanut butter balls from the fridge, then drop each one into the chocolate and give it a good roll for full coverage. Lift the ball out (wait a few sec for all the excess chocolate to drip off) and slide it onto your baking sheet. Optional: drizzle leftover chocolate or throw in some sprinkles.
  • Pop the balls back in the fridge for about 30 to 35 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Use classic creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy for a smoother, easier-to-roll texture.
  • Want to keep the peanut butter balls uniform in size? Then, use a cookie scoop for even chilling and dipping (or aim for about a tablespoon per ball if you don't have one). 
  • You can freeze the tray for 10–15 minutes right after dipping to help the chocolate set faster. 
  • Add toppings like sea salt, crushed nuts, or pretzels before the chocolate sets for extra crunch and flavor.
  • Choose high-quality chocolate for the coating if you want to achieve a perfect melt-in-your-mouth finish.

Nutrition

Calories: 168kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 3.6g | Fat: 11.1g | Saturated Fat: 4.1g | Cholesterol: 5.2mg | Sodium: 82.7mg | Potassium: 105.9mg | Fiber: 0.8g | Sugar: 4g | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1.4mg
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