These Peanut Butter Balls are a delightful fusion of smooth, creamy peanut butter and rich, melted chocolate, creating a heavenly treat that’s impossible to resist. Each bite offers the perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making them an ideal choice for dessert lovers.
Not only are these treats delicious, but they’re also incredibly easy to make. With no baking required, they’re a great project for an afternoon of fun in the kitchen. Whether you’re making them for a party, as a gift, or just to satisfy your sweet cravings, these Peanut Butter Balls are sure to be a hit!
Table of contents
Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
Ingredients
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 cup (258 g) of creamy peanut butter
- 6 tablespoons (85 g) of unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (250 g) of confectioners’ sugar
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 4 bars (16 ounces total) of semi-sweet baking chocolate, chopped
- 1-3 teaspoons of vegetable oil (adjust as needed for thinning the chocolate)
- Optional: Crushed or finely chopped peanuts for topping
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Instructions
- Preparing the Peanut Butter Filling:
- In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a handheld mixer in a large bowl), beat together the peanut butter and butter until creamy, which should take about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, about ½ cup at a time, beating on low initially and then increasing to high speed. Continue until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes in total.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the peanut butter mixture for at least one hour, or up to 24 hours.
- Shaping the Peanut Butter Balls:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Once the peanut butter mixture is chilled, use a one tablespoon scoop to form it into balls, placing each on the parchment paper.
- After shaping all the peanut butter mixture into balls, put them in the freezer to chill while you prepare the chocolate coating.
- Making the Chocolate Coating:
- Melt the chocolate by combining the chopped chocolate bars and vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before proceeding.
- Assembling the Peanut Butter Balls:
- Take a few peanut butter balls out of the freezer at a time (to prevent them from melting). Dip each ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are completely covered.
- Lift out the chocolate-covered balls with a fork, and use a toothpick or another fork to gently slide them back onto the parchment paper. If desired, sprinkle crushed peanuts over them at this stage.
- You may need to reheat the chocolate occasionally to keep it smooth for dipping.
- Chill the coated peanut butter balls in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate sets.
- Storing the Treats:
- Store your chocolate-covered peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 weeks.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes Kcal: 300 kcal per serving | Servings: Makes about 20 balls
Enjoy these delicious homemade treats, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or sharing with friends and family!
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Peanut Butter Balls FAQS
Peanut butter balls may be soft due to a few reasons:Ingredient Ratios: If there’s too much peanut butter or other wet ingredients compared to dry ingredients like powdered sugar or graham cracker crumbs, the mixture can be too soft.
Temperature: If the peanut butter or any other ingredient was warm, or if the balls haven’t been chilled long enough, they may remain soft.
Quality of Peanut Butter: The type of peanut butter used (creamy, natural, etc.) can affect the texture. Natural peanut butters, especially those that are runnier, can make the mixture softer.
To make peanut butter balls less sticky, try the following:Add Dry Ingredients: Increase the amount of powdered sugar or add dry ingredients like graham cracker crumbs to absorb excess moisture.
Chill the Mixture: Before rolling, chill the peanut butter mixture in the refrigerator. This makes it firmer and less sticky.
Use Cooking Spray or Wet Hands: Lightly coat your hands with cooking spray or water to prevent sticking when rolling the balls.
Dust with Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust the rolled balls with powdered sugar or cocoa powder.
Yes, peanut butter balls can go bad. They should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and are typically good for up to a week. If they contain ingredients that spoil quickly, they may have a shorter shelf life. Always check for signs of spoilage like an off smell or mold before consuming.
The calorie content in a peanut butter ball can vary depending on the size and specific recipe used. On average, a small peanut butter ball (about the size of a tablespoon) may contain around 80-100 calories. This estimate can vary significantly based on ingredients like the type of peanut butter, whether additional items like chocolate or powdered sugar are used, and the size of each ball.