Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

Introduction

Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls are a delightful no-bake treat combining creamy peanut butter with smooth chocolate. These bite-sized snacks are perfect for holidays, parties, or satisfying a sweet craving anytime.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups chunky or creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup butter (softened)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 12 oz bag of chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons paraffin wax
• Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well until fully combined.
2. Step 2: Form the mixture into 25 equal-sized balls and set aside.
3. Step 3: Prepare a double boiler by bringing water to a rolling boil. Add chocolate chips and paraffin wax to the top bowl and stir until smooth. (If using candy melts instead of chocolate chips, omit the wax and follow the package instructions.)
4. Step 4: Using a spoon, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate to fully coat, then place on a rimmed sheet pan lined with wax or parchment paper.
5. Step 5: If desired, sprinkle holiday-themed sprinkles or drizzle with white chocolate over the coated balls for decoration.
6. Step 6: Refrigerate or freeze for about 30 minutes until the chocolate hardens.

Tips & Variations

• For a smoother texture, use creamy peanut butter, or try crunchy for extra bite.
• Skip the paraffin wax if you prefer a softer chocolate coating, but the wax helps the chocolate harden with a shiny finish.
• Add a pinch of sea salt inside the peanut butter mixture to enhance the flavor contrast.
• Try dipping in dark, milk, or white chocolate depending on your preference.

Storage

Store these peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months. Allow frozen treats to thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Reheat is not recommended as it can affect texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

Yes, natural peanut butter can be used but may make the mixture slightly softer, so you might need to adjust the powdered sugar amount to achieve the right consistency for rolling.

What if I don’t have paraffin wax?

You can omit the paraffin wax and just melt the chocolate chips alone, but the coating might be softer and less glossy. Using candy melts is a good alternative as they do not require wax.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 110 reviews

Delicious and easy-to-make Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls combine creamy peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar for a sweet, smooth filling coated in rich, melted chocolate. These no-bake treats are perfect for holiday gifting or a simple dessert, with an option to decorate with colorful sprinkles or white chocolate drizzle.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 25 balls 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling

• 1½ cups chunky or creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup butter (softened)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Coating

• 12 oz bag of chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons paraffin wax

Optional Decorations

• Sprinkles or holiday-themed sprinkles
• White chocolate for drizzling

Instructions

1. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and combined evenly.
2. Form into balls: Roll the mixture into approximately 25 uniform balls, ensuring they are compact and smooth for easy dipping later.
3. Melt the chocolate coating: Using a double boiler, bring water to a rolling boil. Place a heatproof bowl over the boiling water and add the chocolate chips and paraffin wax. Stir continuously until the mixture is fully melted and smooth. (If using candy melts instead, omit the wax and follow package directions.)
4. Dip the balls in chocolate: Using a spoon, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate mixture, coating it completely. Place the dipped balls on a rimmed sheet pan lined with wax or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
5. Add decoration: While the chocolate coating is still wet, sprinkle with holiday-themed sprinkles or drizzle with melted white chocolate for a festive touch.
6. Chill to harden: Place the sheet pan in the freezer for about 30 minutes to allow the chocolate coating to firm up and set properly before serving or storing.

Notes

• If candy melts are used instead of chocolate chips and paraffin wax, skip the wax and follow the candy melts package instructions for melting.
• Store peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
• For easier handling, you can refrigerate the peanut butter mixture before rolling into balls to firm it up slightly.
• Paraffin wax helps to harden the chocolate coating and gives a shiny finish but is optional.
• Variations: Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture or add a pinch of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty flavor.

Keywords: Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls, peanut butter dessert, no bake chocolate balls, holiday treats, easy chocolate peanut butter recipe