These scrumptious Peanut Butter Balls are perfect for dessert, parties, or if you need a sweet fix.
Every year when fall rolls around, at least one news source reminds us that Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are one of the nation’s perennial candy favorites. If you are part of this majority, your love for the chocolate and peanut butter combination runs deep. Reese’s have been around for almost 100 years and the popular candy is not going away anytime soon. And just imagine if you could mimic the taste of this beloved candy at home. Well, you can!
So, it is one thing when we attempt a new dinner recipe at home, but being a confectioner is the next level. Don’t worry – making these peanut butter balls is not as daunting as it seems. It is pretty simple. With a handful of ingredients you likely already have in your baking cabinet or pantry, you can call yourself a candymaker in no time! I also love that you can decorate these chocolate peanut butter balls for whatever occasion you want.
Another thing that I absolutely love about these peanut butter balls is that they are gluten-free. I was literally JUST chatting with a gluten-free girlfriend of mine about how hard it is to find a good bakery with gluten-free sweets. Luckily, these peanut butter balls require no flour substitutions and no baking.
Are Peanut Butter Balls Healthy?
These peanut butter balls are not just delish and gluten-free, they contain protein, which is rare for something this sweet and delicious. These peanut butter balls are rich and decadent, so I feel satisfied and don’t need to overindulge. To make these vegan, substitute vegan butter or coconut oil for the butter and use vegan chocolate chips. You may need to chill them a bit longer, but it will be worth it.
Which Peanut Butter Makes The Best Balls
I normally encourage using natural ingredients, but for these peanut butter balls this is not the case. Natural peanut butter is oily, needs to be mixed thoroughly, and may not roll well. While no-stir natural peanut butter could work, I recommend using Skippy’s or a similar commercial brand. If you only have natural peanut butter you can add more powdered sugar or a bit of coconut flour to help achieve the consistency desired. Also, this recipe works well with either smooth or chunky peanut butter.
How to make ahead and store
Peanut butter balls can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to a week in the fridge or up to a couple of months in the freezer. If frozen, be sure to let them sit at room temp for a few hours or overnight before enjoying.
Serving Suggestions
I love topping these decadent peanut butter balls with salt, specifically salt flakes. I feel like it really complements the peanut butter. You can also drizzle any leftover chocolate on top and add crushed peanuts or sprinkles. I am big on giving tins of cookies for Christmas, and these peanut butter balls go perfectly in the mix. Hand them out with these Oatmeal Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookies and Vegan Pumpkin Cookies for a nice flavor variety. Peanut butter balls will also look nice on a tray with nutritious Favorite Bliss Balls or these Easy Oreo Balls.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon canola oil
- Melted white chocolate or sprinkles for decorating optional
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, salt, vanilla, and softened butter. Gradually add powdered sugar until fully combined. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet. Refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm up.
- Melt the chocolate chips using a double boiler, or heat it in increments in the microwave, stirring in between heating.
- Stir in canola oil to thin the chocolate, adding more if needed.
- Dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate using a fork or skewer, allowing excess chocolate to drip off.
- Place peanut butter balls on wax paper. Optionally, drizzle lines of melted white chocolate over the peanut balls or put sprinkles on top before the chocolate sets. Refrigerate until fully set.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment