Peanut Butter Balls are tasty little treats made with creamy peanut butter, oats, and a bit of honey. They’re no-bake and super easy to whip up!
These are perfect for a quick snack or dessert, and let’s be real, who can resist that yummy peanut butter flavor? I love making a big batch to have on hand when cravings hit! 😋
Ingredients & Substitutions
Creamy Peanut Butter: This gives the balls their rich flavor and smooth texture. If you want a healthier choice, try using natural peanut butter with no added sugar.
Powdered Sugar: It helps sweeten the mixture and gives it a nice consistency. If you need a low-sugar option, you can use coconut sugar or a sugar-free alternative.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These add texture and flavor. If you can’t find them or want a gluten-free option, crushed almonds or oats work well too.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet is a classic choice, but dark chocolate can give a richer taste. You can also try milk chocolate for a sweeter option!
Unsalted Butter: This added fat helps smooth out the chocolate. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute would work.
How Do I Perfectly Melt Chocolate for Coating?
Melted chocolate is essential for coating those peanut butter balls evenly. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a microwave-safe bowl and heat the chocolate in short bursts of 30 seconds.
- Stir after each interval. This prevents overheating and helps achieve a smooth texture.
- Once melted, be cautious not to introduce any water; it can cause the chocolate to seize up.
For an extra smooth finish, you can mix in a bit of coconut oil with the chocolate before melting!
How to Make Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or dark chocolate)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful treat takes about 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 1.5 hours for chilling. It’s quick to make, and the fun part is rolling the balls and dipping them in chocolate. Get ready for a delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a medium mixing bowl, mix together the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and graham cracker crumbs. Use a spatula or spoon to stir everything together until it’s nice and smooth, forming a firm dough. This is going to be the tasty filling!
2. Forming the Balls:
Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the rolled balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure to leave some space between them since they might slightly expand while resting.
3. Chilling the Peanut Butter Balls:
Pop the baking sheet into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help the peanut butter balls firm up, making them easier to coat with chocolate later on.
4. Melting the Chocolate:
While your peanut butter balls are chilling, let’s melt the chocolate! In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and unsalted butter. Heat them in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring each time until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Be careful not to overheat it!
5. Coating the Balls:
Once the chocolate is ready, take each chilled peanut butter ball and dip it into the melted chocolate, using a fork to fully coat it. Let any extra chocolate drip off back into the bowl. This is where they start to look extra delicious!
6. Final Touches:
Return the coated balls to the parchment-lined baking sheet. If you like, sprinkle a little extra graham cracker crumbs on top for a nice garnish. This adds both flavor and texture!
7. Setting the Chocolate:
Put the baking sheet back into the refrigerator and let the chocolate set for about 1 hour. This step is important to ensure the chocolate hardens well and keeps those yummy treats intact.
8. Serving Time:
Once the chocolate is set, take the peanut butter balls out and serve chilled. Enjoy your delicious homemade peanut butter balls! They’re perfect for sharing (if you can resist eating them all yourself!).
Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter Instead of Creamy Peanut Butter?
Absolutely! Just be aware that natural peanut butter has a different consistency and may require a bit more powdered sugar to achieve the right firmness for rolling. Stir well to mix in the oil that separates at the top before measuring.
How Long Can I Store Peanut Butter Balls?
You can store these delicious treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze well for up to 3 months! Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I Make These Peanut Butter Balls Vegan?
Yes! To make the recipe vegan, use a dairy-free chocolate, such as dairy-free dark chocolate chips, and replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Check the ingredient lists to ensure everything is plant-based.
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
Get creative! You can roll the balls in crushed nuts, mini chocolate chips, or shredded coconut for extra flavor and texture. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the top for a fun touch!