Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

Ever wish you could transform your favorite snack into an indulgent treat that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat? Let me introduce you to a delightful mix of sweet and salty heaven that’s about to become your new go-to dessert: chocolate-covered peanut butter balls!

Peanut Butter Balls are like truffles. The filling is a blend of creamy peanut butter and rich, dark chocolate.

Ingredients are important in this recipe. You absolutely must use unsalted butter, and it must be at room temperature or slightly softened.

The same goes for the powdered sugar. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer, but don’t virtually knead the dough with your hands or you’ll melt the butter and ruin that dreamy chocolate-peanut butter interior.

Ingredients

• Peanut Butter: Rich in protein; adds nutty flavor and creaminess.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the treat; provides a smooth texture.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Lends richness; satisfies chocolate cravings.
• Coconut Oil: Ensures smooth texture; hardens chocolate coating.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil or vegetable shortening

How to Make this

1. In a big mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, the softened unsalted butter, and the vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.

2. Slowly incorporate the powdered sugar into the peanut butter mixture, thoroughly blending it in until the mixture is unified and takes on a doughlike form. If it seems too moist or is too sticky to handle, add more powdered sugar until it reaches the right consistency.

3. Once the ready dough is here, take out small sections of dough (about a tablespoon each) and roll them by hand into smooth balls.

4. Position the peanut butter balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or until solid.

5. As the peanut butter balls cool, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and coconut oil (or vegetable shortening) in a bowl. You can do this by using the microwave or a double boiler.

6. When the chocolate mixture is completely melted and smooth, allow it to cool a bit.

7. Take the peanut butter balls from the refrigerator. With a fork or toothpick, dip each ball in the melted chocolate, making sure they are completely covered.

8. Return the chocolate-covered peanut butter balls to the baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you want, you can put some crushed nuts or sea salt on top for an extra crunch and for more satisfying peanut butter flavor.

9. Place the chocolate-covered balls back in the refrigerator and chill for about 30 minutes to 1 hour or until the chocolate has completely set.

10. After they are set, you can serve and enjoy the peanut butter balls, or you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Mixing spoon or electric mixer
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Baking sheet
5. Parchment paper
6. Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
7. Fork or toothpick
8. Refrigerator
9. Airtight container for storage

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different nut butter?A: Yes, you can use almond or cashew butter, but they will change the flavor and texture a bit.
• Q: How long do the Peanut Butter Balls last?A: An airtight container in the refrigerator allows them to last for up to 2 weeks. Alternative formulations to the original exist. They are similar to the original but with slight variations either in appearance or in the way they taste.
• Q: Is it necessary to use coconut oil?A: The coating of chocolate sets smoothly with coconut oil, but if you don’t have it, you can use vegetable shortening.
• Q: Can I make these Peanut Butter Balls vegan?A: Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative. Use dairy-free chocolate chips to make them vegan-friendly.
• Q: Can I make these ahead of time and freeze them?A: Certainly, these can be stored in the freezer for as long as 3 months. Prior to serving, thaw them in the refrigeration unit.
• Q: What if I’m allergic to peanuts?1. When making a peanut butter sandwich, use sunflower seed butter instead.

Peanut Butter Balls Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For peanut butter: Substitute with almond butter or sunflower seed butter.
Unsalted Butter: Use salted butter without any additional salt, or an alternative butter substitute without dairy.
To make powdered sugar: Blend an equal amount of granulated sugar with a bit of cornstarch. If you don’t have powdered sugar, substitute with an equal amount of this homemade version.
For vanilla extract: Use almond extract or maple extract, but half the amount specified.
For semisweet chocolate chips: Use dark chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips instead, basing your choice on personal preference.
To replace coconut oil: Use the same amount of vegetable shortening or unsalted butter.

Pro Tips

1. Temperature Control: Ensure the butter is completely softened before mixing with the peanut butter. This helps the mixture to combine smoothly and prevents lumps, making for a better texture in your final product.