These No-Bake Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Balls are a lovely Christmas treat and make delectable edible gifts.
Am I the only one who starts thinking about Christmas at the end of August? The leaves on the trees may still be a vibrant green, but with September practically at my doorstep, my thoughts turn to holiday family gatherings and gift-giving. And when it comes to the latter, I am the queen of lists and careful planning. That’s probably a good thing, considering most of the gifts I give are edible.
Take my infused oils, vinegars, and fruit liqueurs, for example. I start making these as early as the first week of October so they’re ready to enjoy by Christmas. Other treats, like cookies and homemade truffles, can wait until shortly after Thanksgiving.
While I know we’re not supposed to stress too much about diets during the holidays, I often find myself giving everything a wholesome makeover. And that’s exactly how these no-bake, sugar-free peanut butter balls came about.
Peanut butter balls were a tradition in our house when I was a child. Every December, my mom would make them, wrap them in cellophane, and gift them to everyone—including all my teachers and even the mailman. They weren’t fancy, far from it, but oh, were they scrumptious. I remember asking my mom for the recipe a few years ago and being shocked to learn that you had to use edible wax to make them. Not to mention copious amounts of sugar. Wax? Really? That little revelation made me take action. I had to come up with a better-for-you version.
And here’s the result! Made with only five ingredients (including chocolate collagen peptides), these tasty little morsels are dense, intensely chocolaty, and totally irresistible. Plus, they’re super easy to make. Whether as edible gifts or as a holiday treat to enjoy with coffee, these peanut butter balls might just become a tradition at your house, too.
Give your treats a special touch
While these peanut butter balls are perfect as they are, feel free to give them your own special touch. Sometimes I like to add a little vanilla, almond, or coconut extract to the mixture before rolling out the balls. You can also consider sprinkling the chocolate coating with finely chopped nuts or coconut flakes for some added texture. Another great idea is to add a teaspoon or two of instant espresso to the melted chocolate. It adds such an intense mocha flavor! One year, I added a splash of orange extract to the mixture and sprinkled the balls with a whisper of orange zest. They were a hit!
How do I store leftovers?
Peanut butter balls are best served cold. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will keep well for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them in a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag. In that case, first flash-freeze them on a baking tray for 1 hour in order to avoid sticking.
Similar recipes to try
Looking for more ideas for edible holiday gifts this Christmas? Try our soft and chewy Keto Snickerdoodles. They go great with a frothy cup of Keto Hot Chocolate. These buttery Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies are also a beloved treat (and not just during the holidays!). Finally, don’t forget the classics and try this Keto Christmas Cookie Recipe. Enlist the help of your children and have fun making and decorating them!
No-Bake Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter no sugar added
- 1/2 cup powdered sweetener
- 1/3 cup Further Food Chocolate Collagen Peptides Powder
- 1/4 cup sugar-free chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, combine peanut butter, powdered sweetener, and collagen peptides. Use a spatula to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl if necessary. Process until the mixture comes together into a ball.
- Use a small cookie scoop or a 1/2-tablespoon measuring spoon to portion out the balls. Roll them between your hands and place them on the lined cookie sheet.
- Put the cookie sheet in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes to flash-freeze the peanut butter balls.
- Put the chocolate chips and butter in a small bowl. Melt the chocolate in 20-second intervals, stirring with a fork after each interval, until fully melted and smooth.
- Dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, making sure to coat it entirely, then return it to the baking sheet.
- Place the chocolate-covered peanut butter balls in the fridge to harden.
Leave a Comment