Christmas Peanut Butter Balls

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🎄 Christmas Peanut Butter Balls

Servings: Makes approximately 36-40 balls Prep Time: 30 mins | Chill Time: 1 hour | Difficulty: Easy

Description

A nostalgic holiday favorite, these bites combine the salty-sweet richness of creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar with a crisp chocolate shell. Unlike truffles, these have a slightly firm, fudge-like texture that holds up beautifully at room temperature.

Ingredients

  • The Filling:

    • 2 cups Creamy Peanut Butter (standard brands like Jif or Skippy work best)

    • ½ cup Unsalted Butter, softened

    • 3 to 3½ cups Powdered Sugar (sifted)

    • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

    • ¼ tsp Salt (omit if using salted butter)

  • The Coating:

    • 12 oz Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips (or melting wafers)

    • 1 tbsp Coconut Oil or Shortening (for a glossy, smooth finish)

Instructions

  1. Mix the Base: In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth.

  2. Add Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time. The mixture should become a stiff, workable dough. If it’s too sticky, add more sugar.

  3. Roll: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into 1-inch balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

  4. Chill: Freeze the balls for at least 30 minutes. This is crucial—if they aren’t cold, they will fall apart in the warm chocolate.

  5. Melt Chocolate: Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until silky.

  6. Dip: Using a toothpick or fork, dip each ball into the chocolate. You can coat them entirely or leave a small circle of peanut butter showing at the top (the “Buckeye” look).

  7. Set: Place back on the parchment and refrigerate until the chocolate is firm.

Tips for Success

  • Avoid “Natural” Peanut Butter: Varieties that require stirring (where the oil separates) are often too thin and oily for this recipe.

  • The Toothpick Trick: If using a toothpick to dip, simply smooth over the small hole with your finger or a drop of chocolate afterward.

  • Festive Flair: While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with crushed candy canes, sea salt, or red and green sprinkles.

    Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 165 kcal

  • Fat: 10g

  • Carbohydrates: 17g

  • Protein: 3g

  • Sugar: 14g

Benefits

  • No-Bake: Saves precious oven space during the busy holiday season.

  • Make-Ahead: These stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or the freezer for 3 months.

  • High Protein Base: While definitely a dessert, the peanut butter provides a small boost of protein and healthy fats compared to pure sugar candies.

Q&A

Q: Why is my peanut butter mixture too crumbly? A: You likely added a bit too much powdered sugar. Add a teaspoon of melted butter or a tiny bit more peanut butter to bring the moisture back.

Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter? A: Absolutely! It adds a nice texture, though the traditional version is smooth.

Q: My chocolate is too thick for dipping. What do I do? A: Stir in another teaspoon of coconut oil. It thins the chocolate without ruining the flavor, making it much easier to get a thin, even coat.

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