Dreamy Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

Foolproof 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

Dive into a world of sweet simplicity with these irresistible 4-ingredient peanut butter balls that promise pure delight.

Packed with rich, creamy peanut butter flavor, these no-bake treats deliver a quick and satisfying snack in minutes.

Combining pantry staples like powdered sugar, chocolate, and crispy rice cereal creates a magical blend of textures and tastes.

The recipe is so straightforward that even novice bakers can whip up these delectable bites with confidence.

Each ball bursts with nostalgic comfort and just the right balance of sweetness and nuttiness.

Rolled and coated to perfection, these peanut butter balls will become your go-to dessert for any occasion.

Get ready to indulge in a treat that’s sure to vanish from the plate in record time.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15min

Cook Time: 35min

Total Time: 50min

Calories: 156 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients in 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls

For Base Mixture:
  • Peanut Butter: Creamy foundation that provides rich, nutty flavor and smooth texture for the balls.
  • Butter: Softens the mixture and adds a luxurious, silky consistency to bind ingredients together.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the mixture and helps create a stable, rollable dough that holds its shape perfectly.
For Coating:
  • Chocolate Chips: Transforms simple peanut butter balls into decadent treats with a glossy, rich chocolate shell that creates irresistible contrast.
For Optional Garnish:
  • Wax Paper: Prevents sticking and helps chocolate set cleanly for professional-looking finished treats.

Tools to Prep These Simple Treats

  • Mixing bowl: Large, sturdy bowl for combining ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring cups: Precise measurements for powdered sugar and peanut butter.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients thoroughly.
  • Baking sheet: Flat surface for shaping and chilling peanut butter balls.
  • Wax paper: Prevents chocolate-covered balls from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
  • Fork: Essential tool for dipping balls into melted chocolate cleanly.
  • Microwave or double boiler: For melting chocolate chips evenly and safely.

How to Assemble Peanut Butter Balls Quickly

  • Chilled Base Preparation

Blend smooth peanut butter with softened butter in a mixing bowl. Gently incorporate powdered sugar until a cohesive mixture forms. Refrigerate the dough for a quick cool-down period to help it set and become manageable.

  • Ball Formation

Craft small spherical treats by hand, rolling the chilled mixture into compact orbs. Arrange these delightful morsels on a clean baking sheet, then return to the refrigerator to stabilize their shape.

  • Chocolate Coating

Carefully melt chocolate using a gentle double boiler technique or microwave method. Create a smooth, glossy chocolate bath for dunking the peanut butter spheres.

  • Final Transformation

Delicately submerge each ball into the warm chocolate, allowing excess to drip away. Place the chocolate-kissed treats on parchment paper. Chill in the refrigerator until the chocolate sets and the texture becomes perfectly crisp.

Add-In Ideas to Change It Up

  • Refrigerate the peanut butter mixture for at least 15 minutes to make rolling easier and help balls maintain their shape during chocolate coating.
  • Experiment with different chocolate types like dark, milk, or white chocolate to create unique flavor variations that suit your taste preferences.
  • Sprinkle chopped nuts, sea salt, or crushed graham crackers on top of the chocolate coating for extra texture and depth of flavor.
  • Store these delightful treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, making them perfect for advance party preparation or quick dessert cravings.
  • Keep peanut butter balls chilled until serving to prevent chocolate from melting and maintain their delicious, firm consistency.

Presentation Tips for Peanut Butter Balls

  • Sweet Gathering Platter: Arrange these delightful peanut butter balls on a rustic wooden board with a sprinkle of sea salt or crushed peanuts for an elegant dessert presentation.
  • Dessert Party Centerpiece: Create a colorful display by using different chocolate coatings like dark, milk, and white chocolate to add visual interest and variety to your treat selection.
  • Gift-Worthy Packaging: Package these treats in small clear gift boxes tied with ribbons, perfect for holiday sharing or as a thoughtful homemade present for friends and family.
  • Snack Time Companion: Pair these chocolate-covered peanut butter balls with a cold glass of milk or serve alongside fresh berries for a delicious and balanced sweet moment.

Where to Store Your Peanut Butter Balls

  • Quick Chill Strategy: Refrigerate the peanut butter balls immediately after preparing to maintain their firm texture and prevent crumbling. Cold temperatures help solidify the mixture quickly.
  • Freezer-Friendly Treats: These delightful bites can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their beautiful chocolate coating.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the peanut butter balls up to 5 days in advance, keeping them sealed in the refrigerator. They're perfect for unexpected guests or weekend snacking without last-minute prep stress.
  • Smart Serving Tips: Remove the balls from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly, allowing the chocolate to become smooth and the centers to reach a creamy consistency that melts in your mouth.
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Dreamy Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

Dreamy Peanut Butter Balls


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4.7 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 50min
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Irresistible chocolate-dipped peanut butter balls emerge as a simple dessert perfect for quick sweet cravings. Rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter combine into delightful treats you can create in minutes with minimal kitchen effort.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup (118 ml) creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
  • 3 tbsps (45 g) salted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable shortening or coconut oil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Creaming: In a large mixing bowl, vigorously combine softened butter and creamy peanut butter until achieving a smooth, homogeneous blend.
  2. Dough Formation: Gradually fold in powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly until the mixture transforms into a pliable, cohesive dough.
  3. Chilling Preparation: Refrigerate the dough for 15 minutes to firm up and simplify the shaping process.
  4. Shaping: Craft uniform spherical treats by rolling chilled dough between palms, creating consistent one-inch diameter balls.
  5. Initial Cooling: Arrange the spheres on a chilled baking sheet, maintaining slight spacing, and return to refrigerator for 20 minutes to stabilize their structure.
  6. Chocolate Coating: Melt chocolate chips using a microwave or double boiler, stirring carefully to prevent burning and ensure a silky-smooth consistency.
  7. Dipping and Finishing: Utilize a dipping fork to submerge each peanut butter ball completely in molten chocolate, gently tapping to remove excess coating. Place the chocolate-covered delicacies on wax paper to set.
  8. Storage: Refrigerate the completed confections until ready to serve, preserving their elegant chocolate exterior and luscious interior.

Notes

  • Chill for Perfection: Refrigerate the mixture twice to achieve optimal texture and make rolling easier, preventing sticky hands and ensuring uniform ball shape.
  • Smooth Chocolate Coating: Use low, steady heat when melting chocolate and stir constantly to prevent burning, creating a glossy, even chocolate shell.
  • Dipping Technique: Tap excess chocolate gently off the fork to maintain a thin, elegant coating without creating messy drips or uneven surfaces.
  • Storage Wisdom: Keep these treats refrigerated to maintain their firm texture and prevent chocolate from melting, ensuring a delightful, cool treat anytime.
  • Prep Time: 15min
  • Cook Time: 35min
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 156
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 75 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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