Who says dessert has to be difficult? Satisfy your nutty cravings easily with this bite-sized treat.
A couple years ago, I was invited to a beachside potluck. Even though I volunteered to bring dessert, I had no idea what to make. I was pressed for time and didn’t have enough ingredients to bake cookies or cake. That’s when it hit me—I didn’t need an oven to make something delicious. I just needed a couple of simple ingredients combined into one sweet treat that could easily be crafted and carried to the event. So, I made no-bake peanut butter balls, and the rest is history. They were a huge hit! I didn’t even have leftovers to take home with me.
Back then, peanut butter balls and similar styles of pop-in-your-mouth snacks were just starting to get popular. Most people at the potluck hadn’t even heard of them before, but based on the sounds of enjoyment they made while eating, they were head over heels for them! The same might happen when you make them.
After all, these glossy, melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter balls are as easy to enjoy as they are to make. Each buttery bite is lusciously soft, bursting with savory peanut flavor and a little sweetness from the powdered sugar. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a casual gathering with friends, these decadent golden nuggets are a sweet way to bring everyone together.
How to make them chocolaty
As you can see, this basic recipe keeps it nice and simple with a flavor profile of sugary peanut butter. But for those of us who go nuts for the chocolate and peanut butter combo, there are a couple options.
First—once the peanut butter balls have chilled in the fridge for 30 minutes, you can melt some chocolate in a bowl in the microwave for dipping. One by one, dip each ball in the chocolate until it’s thoroughly coated. Chill them again in the fridge for 30 minutes so that the chocolate hardens, and ta-da! Who needs Reese’s cups when you have homemade magic like that? Alternatively, you can add a quarter cup of mini chocolate chips to the mix and blend it thoroughly together. That way, there’s less chocolate, but still just the right amount to satisfy that classic craving.
How do I store leftovers?
In order to keep these peanut butter balls firm and ready for eating, keep them in an airtight container and refrigerate them for 1-2 weeks. You may also transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving cold or at room temperature. During the summer especially, peanut butter balls fresh from the fridge can be a cool and comforting snack.
Similar recipes to try
Seeking a sugar-free alternative? Try No-Bake Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Balls, which are nice and chocolatey. Of course, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy peanut butter, like in these fudgy Keto Peanut Butter Brownies or the more versatile Chocolate Peanut Butter Keto Cheesecake Fluff. And don’t forget—it’s not hard at all to make your own Homemade Peanut Butter, as a base for all these recipes and more.
No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 2 cups sifted powdered sugar plus more if needed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat peanut butter and butter until smooth. Slowly add sifted powdered sugar, then add the vanilla extract and salt; beat until smooth. The dough should be fairly dry for rolling out. If it’s not, add more powdered sugar as needed.
- Use a scoop to measure portions of the dough and roll them between your hands into 1-inch balls.
- Place the balls on a tray lined with parchment paper and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
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