Christmas Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
There’s something absolutely magical about a bite-sized treat that brings instant holiday cheer, and that’s exactly what you get with Christmas Peanut Butter Balls. A childhood classic and a family favorite, these easy no-bake goodies marry the creaminess of peanut butter with a crisp chocolate shell and a festive sprinkle finish. They’re incredibly simple to make, wildly delicious, and have a way of disappearing fast at every cookie swap or holiday gathering!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Christmas Peanut Butter Balls is how each ingredient shines in its own simple way to create the ultimate holiday indulgence. From the creamy peanut butter base to the glossy chocolate coating, you’ll find they require just a handful of pantry staples—with every one playing a starring role in the flavor and texture!
- Creamy peanut butter: Gives the filling its classic nutty smoothness—be sure to use a no-stir variety for best texture.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps bind the dough for easy rolling.
- Vanilla extract: Lends a warm aromatic boost that makes the filling taste bakery-worthy.
- Powdered sugar: Thickens the peanut butter mixture and adds just the right hint of sweetness.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Creates a shiny, snappy coating that balances the sweet center beautifully.
- Coconut oil or shortening: Helps the chocolate melt smoothly and gives that glossy, perfect finish.
- Festive sprinkles (optional): Transform each ball into an irresistibly cute and colorful holiday bite!
How to Make Christmas Peanut Butter Balls
Step 1: Make the Peanut Butter Mixture
Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl—it makes the process easier and less messy! Blend together the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture looks creamy and uniform. The combination should be smooth but thick, which ensures every ball will hold its shape later. A sturdy spatula or hand mixer works wonders here.
Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar
Gradually stir the powdered sugar into the peanut butter mixture, mixing a cup at a time. This step is where the dough thickens up and becomes perfectly scoopable. The end result should feel almost like playdough: it holds together but isn’t sticky. If it’s too loose, add a touch more sugar; if too dry, a dab of peanut butter will save the day.
Step 3: Roll and Chill
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and line them up on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Try to keep them all roughly the same size for even coating later. Once rolled, pop the tray into the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the balls firm up. This chilly rest makes dipping in chocolate much easier—less sliding and melting!
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
Combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil (or shortening) in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short 30-second spurts, stirring well each time, until the mixture is silky smooth with no lumps remaining. Don’t rush this step—gentle heating keeps the chocolate shiny and dippable.
Step 5: Dip and Decorate
Using a fork or a toothpick, lower each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, swirling to coat. Let any excess drip off, then place back onto the baking sheet. If you’re feeling festive, quickly shower each with sprinkles before the chocolate sets. Work in batches and refrigerate for about 20 minutes, or until the coating is fully firm and glossy.
How to Serve Christmas Peanut Butter Balls
Garnishes
The crowning touch for Christmas Peanut Butter Balls is a sprinkle of colorful jimmies, sanding sugar, or crushed candy canes right after dipping. This final flourish not only brings holiday cheer but also adds just a suggestion of crunch and visual sparkle to the chocolate shell.
Side Dishes
These treats pair beautifully with a mug of hot cocoa, a glass of cold milk, or even your favorite holiday coffee. Set out a plate alongside fresh fruit, shortbread cookies, or salty pretzels for a well-rounded dessert spread that balances sweet with savory and crunchy with creamy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping holiday platter, arrange your Christmas Peanut Butter Balls in decorative paper cups and stack them like a tree, or scatter among holly leaves and mini ornaments. Gift them in festive tins or jars with a handwritten note—an edible present everyone will adore!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once set, tuck your Christmas Peanut Butter Balls into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week, making them perfect for prepping ahead of busy holiday gatherings or sneaking small treats throughout the week.
Freezing
These candies freeze beautifully! Arrange in layers separated by wax or parchment paper, seal tightly, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, and no one will guess they weren’t made the same day.
Reheating
While there’s no need to “reheat,” if you find your peanut butter balls are extra chilly or a bit too firm straight from the freezer, just let them rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes. They’ll taste creamy and dreamy, just like freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter for these balls?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a bit of texture and nutty crunch to the finished treat—just expect a slightly more rustic look.
What’s the best way to melt the chocolate without burning it?
The microwave method (in 30-second intervals with constant stirring) works well, but you can also use a double boiler for gentle, even melting if you want extra control.
Do I need to temper the chocolate for dipping?
It’s not essential for Christmas Peanut Butter Balls—the coconut oil helps the chocolate set with a beautiful sheen, and the candies will keep best when stored cold.
Can I add other flavors or mix-ins?
Definitely! A pinch of cinnamon, a splash of almond extract, or even a bit of sea salt on top can add delightful twists. For crunch, stir in crushed graham crackers or crisped rice cereal.
How do I avoid sticky hands when rolling the balls?
If the dough feels sticky, dust your hands lightly with powdered sugar, or refrigerate the dough for 10 minutes before rolling—it’ll make handling super easy.
Final Thoughts
Get ready to create memories as sweet as the treat itself! Whip up a batch of Christmas Peanut Butter Balls, bring them to your next gathering, or gift them to friends and you’ll see just how quickly these no-bake bites become a beloved holiday tradition. Happy holiday baking!
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Christmas Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 30 balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with these delectable Christmas Peanut Butter Balls. Creamy peanut butter centers coated in rich chocolate make for the perfect holiday treat!
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Balls:
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Chocolate Coating:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or shortening
- Festive sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Peanut Butter Mixture: In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually incorporate powdered sugar until a thick dough forms.
- Form Balls: Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals until smooth.
- Coat Balls: Dip each peanut butter ball in chocolate, remove excess, and top with sprinkles if desired.
- Chill: Refrigerate until set, about 20 minutes. Store in the fridge.
Notes
- You can freeze the peanut butter balls for up to 2 months.
- For a crunchier texture, mix in crushed graham crackers or rice cereal.
- Experiment with white or dark chocolate coatings for variety.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 55 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
