Peanut butter balls are quick to make and reliably delicious. These bite-sized treats feature a smooth, rich peanut butter center coated in chocolate — perfect for parties, gifting, or everyday snacking.
“They come together quickly, chill beautifully, and are the perfect dessert to make ahead for parties or holidays.”
-Becky
This peanut butter balls recipe is simple enough for a weekday treat and elegant enough for special occasions. You can keep them classic with a smooth chocolate coating or dress them up with sprinkles, chopped nuts, or candy. The familiar chocolate-and-peanut-butter combination makes them vanish fast at any gathering.
Try other no-bake favorites: Homemade peanut butter fudge, puppy chow, or fruit skewers with a two-ingredient fruit dip are all great companions to these bites.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients You Will Need
- Variations
- How to Make Peanut Butter Balls
- Expert Tips
- Peanut Butter Balls FAQ’s
- More Peanut Butter Desserts
- Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
Ingredients You Will Need
- 1 cup confectioner’s sugar (powdered sugar)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces melting chocolate, for dipping
- Optional: ½ cup chopped peanuts or pecans
A full ingredient list is included in the recipe card below.
Variations
Crunchy coating: Roll dipped balls in chopped peanuts, pecans, or crushed rice krispies for extra texture.
Holiday topping: Add seasonal sprinkles or crushed candy for a festive touch.
White chocolate: Use white melting chocolate for a sweeter, lighter coating.
How to Make Peanut Butter Balls
- In a medium bowl, mix the powdered sugar, creamy peanut butter, and softened butter until smooth. Chill in the freezer for 30–45 minutes to firm up.
- Scoop one-inch portions and roll them into smooth balls. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze about 30 minutes until firm.
- Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Dip each chilled ball using a fork or toothpick, and return to the parchment.
- Drizzle leftover chocolate over the tops or sprinkle with chopped nuts or candy if desired. Let the coating set completely before serving.
Expert Tips
- Keep the mixture cold: Chilled dough rolls more easily and holds its shape during dipping.
- Work in batches: Keep half the rolled balls frozen while you dip the others for a neater finish.
- Shiny chocolate shell: Stir a teaspoon of coconut oil into the melted chocolate for extra gloss.
- Smaller bites: Make smaller balls for kids’ parties or to increase yield; serve with toothpicks for convenience.
Peanut Butter Balls FAQ’s
Creamy, stabilized peanut butter gives the smoothest texture and helps the filling hold its shape.
Yes. Freeze the dipped bites on a sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week — they’re great for making ahead.
They stay freshest refrigerated but can sit at room temperature for several hours when serving.
More Peanut Butter Desserts
Cookies
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Desserts
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
Desserts
Peanut Butter Fudge
Desserts
Puppy Chow Recipe
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Peanut Butter Balls
Equipment
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Mixing bowls
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Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces melting chocolate
Optional: ½ cup chopped peanuts or pecans, for sprinkling
Instructions
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Combine powdered sugar, creamy peanut butter, and softened butter in a medium bowl. Stir until smooth and chill in the freezer 30–45 minutes.
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Form one-inch balls, roll to smooth, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze about 30 minutes until firm.
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Melt the chocolate in 30-second intervals in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring between sessions until fully melted and smooth.
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Dip chilled balls in melted chocolate with a fork or toothpick, return to parchment, drizzle with leftover chocolate or sprinkle with nuts/candy, and allow to harden completely.
Notes
Work in small batches: Leave half the rolled balls in the freezer while dipping the others for a cleaner finish.
Smoother chocolate shell: Stir a small amount of coconut oil into the melted chocolate for extra shine.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.