How to Make Easy Peanut Butter Balls: A Holiday Treat

Peanut butter balls are one of my absolute favorite holiday treats! They’re easy to make, so fun to roll up, and always a hit. What I love most is how they use simple ingredients, so I don’t have to make multiple trips to the store during the busy holiday season. We all know how crazy that can be! This is a great recipe that I got over a decade ago at a recipe-cookie exchange.

Peanut butter balls are one of my favorite treats to make during the holiday season. They’re simple, fun, and a perfect recipe to share with family and friends. These little bites of goodness come together with creamy peanut butter, a touch of vanilla extract, and a smooth chocolate coating. The best part? You don’t need any fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients—just a few pantry staples.

The Perfect Peanut Butter Filling for These Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls

Start with a peanut butter mixture that’s easy to make. Mix creamy peanut butter, confectioners’ sugar, and a bit of vanilla extract until it forms a dough-like consistency. If you prefer a little crunch, swap the smooth peanut butter for crunchy peanut butter. A natural peanut butter option works too, but make sure it’s at room temperature to blend well. Once combined, roll the mixture into small balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper to keep them from sticking.

Creating the Chocolate Coating for These No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls 

For the chocolate coating, you can use melting chocolate or chocolate chips. I like to melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each until smooth. You can also use a double boiler if you prefer. Dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Use a fork or a toothpick to help lift them out, then place them back on the parchment paper to set. If you want a classic Buckeye Ball look, leave a small portion of the peanut butter filling exposed at the top.

Pro Tips for Easy Peanut Butter Balls

One trick I’ve learned is to freeze the peanut butter balls for about 15 minutes before dipping them. This helps them hold their shape and makes the chocolate coating process so much easier. After dipping, let the chocolate harden completely. You can speed up this step by placing the tray in the fridge.

Storing Your No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

When storing these treats, use an airtight container to keep them fresh. Layer them with parchment paper between each row to prevent sticking. They’ll stay delicious at room temperature for a few days or in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Not a Rice Krispie Recipe – And That’s Okay! 

This is a great traditional recipe. It’s not a Rice Krispie recipe, but a classic one that highlights the creamy peanut butter filling. The simple ingredients and straightforward process make it perfect for busy moms who want a festive treat without the stress. You can always experiment with Rice Krispies to see if you like them better that way or not. I prefer without, but I don’t have any problems eating them with Rice Krispies.

Why These Peanut Butter Balls Are a Holiday Favorite

These peanut butter balls are more than just a dessert—they’re a holiday tradition. I look forward to having these every year. Whether you’re gifting them to neighbors, serving them at a party, or just enjoying them with your family, these treats never disappoint.

So, grab your parchment paper, your favorite peanut butter, and some melting chocolate, and get started. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a holiday staple in your house too!

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