Name: Peanut Butter Balls – Easy Dessert Snack Recipes for Sweet Cravings
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother dipping)

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I’ll admit it—there’s something oddly satisfying about mixing peanut butter, powdered sugar, and chocolate together with your own two hands. Peanut Butter Balls are the kind of snack that makes you feel like a kid sneaking dessert before dinner. They’re creamy, a little salty, perfectly sweet, and coated in chocolate. Basically, they’re what Reese’s would dream of being if it had a homemade soul. These are the treats I whip up when I want to impress guests without turning on the oven—or when I need a freezer stash of snacks to bribe myself into doing laundry. No bake, no stress, and no shame in licking the bowl clean (which I always do). They’re a fast fix for sweet cravings and come together in under 30 minutes. Honestly, the only hard part is not eating them all at once. Whether you’re hosting, gifting, or just giving your 3 p.m. self a pat on the back, these peanut butter balls deliver. They’re ridiculously simple, naturally gluten-free, and practically beg to be customized. Add a sprinkle of sea salt, dip them halfway, or mix in some crunchy pretzels. It’s your kitchen—have fun with it.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
3) Ingredients for Peanut Butter Balls
4) How to Make Peanut Butter Balls
5) Tips for Making Peanut Butter Balls
6) Making Peanut Butter Balls Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Peanut Butter Balls
8) Try these desserts next!
9) Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

How do you make peanut butter balls with just a few ingredients?
What’s the best way to dip them in chocolate without making a mess?
How long do peanut butter balls last in the fridge or freezer?
Can you customize the filling with mix-ins like rice cereal or pretzels?

2) Easy Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

I’ve been making these easy dessert snack recipes for years and they never disappoint. They take minimal effort, no baking, and a little self-control if you’re trying not to eat half the batch before they chill.

This recipe pulls together pantry staples like peanut butter, powdered sugar, and chocolate chips. If you’ve got a sweet tooth and a spare twenty minutes, you’re in business. Plus, no fancy equipment or candy thermometer needed. Just grab a bowl, roll your sleeves up, and maybe have a podcast or your favorite playlist going in the background.

The texture is soft and rich, and the chocolate shell gives just enough snap to make each bite feel like a reward. If you’ve ever tried to quit sugar, don’t start with these. They’re the reason I never make it past day two. This version of easy dessert snack recipes is one I keep tucked away for holidays, cravings, or moments when the kitchen is my happy place.

3) Ingredients for Peanut Butter Balls

Peanut Butter – Creamy peanut butter works best here. I use the classic shelf-stable kind, not the natural stuff that separates. It helps the balls hold their shape better.

Unsalted Butter – Softened, not melted. It blends easily and adds a little richness without making things greasy. Salted butter works in a pinch, but skip the extra salt if you go that route.

Powdered Sugar – This brings the sweetness and firms up the texture. Add it gradually and don’t be afraid to get your hands in the dough if it starts to crumble. That’s when the magic happens.

Vanilla Extract – Just a splash adds warmth. It’s not required, but it rounds out the flavors. Like that one friend who quietly makes every party better.

Salt – A pinch deepens the flavor and keeps things from tasting flat. Don’t skip it, even if your peanut butter is salted.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Melted into a glossy dip, these give each bite a smooth finish. If you’re a dark chocolate person, go for it. This recipe doesn’t judge.

Coconut Oil (Optional) – Just a bit helps the chocolate melt smoother and coat the peanut butter balls more evenly. It’s not required, but it’s a nice upgrade if you have some on hand.

4) How to Make Peanut Butter Balls

Step 1. In a big bowl, mix the peanut butter and softened butter together until it’s creamy. Add the vanilla and salt. Stir again and take a moment to appreciate that smell. Feels nostalgic, right?

Step 2. Slowly stir in the powdered sugar, about a half cup at a time. It will start to get thick and crumbly. That’s your sign to dig in with your hands. Work it until you’ve got a firm dough.

Step 3. Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls. I like to use a cookie scoop for this, but eyeballing works just fine. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4. Freeze the balls for 20 minutes. This helps them stay firm when you dip them into the chocolate later.

Step 5. Melt the chocolate chips (and coconut oil if you’re using it) in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir every 30 seconds until smooth and shiny. Don’t burn it. Burnt chocolate is a crime against dessert.

Step 6. Use a fork or toothpick to dip each peanut butter ball into the chocolate. Let the excess drip off, then place them back on the parchment paper. You’re nearly there.

Step 7. Chill the dipped balls in the fridge until the chocolate hardens—about 10 minutes. Then go ahead and reward yourself. You’ve earned it.

5) Tips for Making Peanut Butter Balls

If your mixture feels dry, you can warm the peanut butter slightly or add a teaspoon of milk. But don’t go overboard. A sticky dough is hard to roll and won’t set right.

Line your tray with parchment paper. Trust me, it’s the only thing standing between your perfect peanut butter ball and a sticky mess you’ll regret later. It makes cleanup way easier, too.

For dipping, use a fork and a steady hand. Work quickly and keep the bowl of melted chocolate warm by placing it over another bowl of hot water if needed. This keeps the consistency smooth while you coat each ball.

6) Making Peanut Butter Balls Ahead of Time

This recipe is perfect for making ahead. The balls freeze like a dream. I like to prep a double batch and stash half for those dessert emergencies—you know the ones.

Just shape and dip them as usual, then lay them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. Add parchment between layers so they don’t stick together. They’ll last about three months frozen, though they’ve never made it that long in my house.

If you want to skip the chocolate coating until later, that works too. Just freeze the undipped balls and finish the chocolate stage when you’re ready to serve them fresh.

7) Storing Leftover Peanut Butter Balls

Keep the peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to two weeks. But be warned—they tend to disappear faster than that.

Want to keep them longer? Freeze them. They’ll hold up well for a few months. Just let them thaw a bit before biting in unless you like a tooth-cracking snack. No judgment.

If your house is warm, don’t leave them on the counter. That chocolate shell gets soft fast. Pop them in the fridge and snack chilled. They taste even better that way.

8) Try these desserts next!

9) Peanut Butter Balls Recipe