Peanut Butter Balls are a no-bake classic, perfect for Christmas or whenever you’re craving a sweet, chocolatey treat. With their creamy centers and irresistible chocolate coating, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat! Plus, they’re an easy crowd-pleaser that will disappear from the dessert table in no time.
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Peanut butter balls have always been a favorite in my kitchen. They’re quick to make, don’t require baking, and taste like homemade Reese’s peanut butter cups—only better! These little bites of heaven are great for gifting during the holiday season or as an afternoon snack when you need something sweet. Trust me, they’ll become a tradition in your home, too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Making peanut butter balls is super simple, and I’ll guide you through every step to ensure they turn out perfect every time. Let’s get started!
Mix the Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened butter and creamy peanut butter. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until it’s all smooth and creamy.
Add the Dry Ingredients
Next, toss in the graham cracker crumbs and confectioners’ sugar. Mix until the texture is crumbly—it might look dry, but don’t worry, that’s how it should be at this stage.
SERIOUSLY GOOD
DESSERTS!
Dessert First is a collection of 61 RECIPES to show you that you can make beautiful, impressive desserts right in your own kitchen, no matter your skill level.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Lemon Pound Cake
∙ Starbucks Cake Pops
∙ Boston Cream Pie
∙ Chocolate Mousse
∙ Matcha Tiramisu
...and much more!
Bring It Together
Add a splash of milk and mix again. The dough should come together and feel thick and easy to shape without being sticky.
Roll into Balls
Grab a tablespoon of the dough and roll it into a ball with your hands. Line up your little dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Chill the Dough
Pop the tray in the freezer for 15 minutes. This helps the balls firm up so they won’t fall apart when dipped in chocolate.
Melt the Chocolate
While they chill, melt your milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth and glossy.
Dip and Coat
Take the peanut butter balls out of the freezer. Using a fork, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, making sure it’s fully coated. Tap off any excess chocolate before placing it back on the tray.
Optional Drizzle
For a fancy touch, melt white wafers and drizzle them over the coated balls. Let the drizzle set for a few minutes.
Chill Again
Place the baking sheet back in the freezer for 10 minutes to harden the chocolate shell. Enjoy these perfect little bites once the chocolate sets!
No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls
Add Preferred SourceIngredients
- ¼ cup salted butter softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 12 ounces milk chocolate
- ¼ cup white melting wafers optional
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, add the softened butter and peanut butter. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, mix on medium speed until combined.¼ cup salted butter, 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- Add the graham cracker crumbs and confectioners’ sugar. Mix on medium speed until combined. The mixture should be crumbly.1 cup graham cracker crumbs, 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- Add the milk and mix to incorporate. The mixture should be thick and no longer crumbly.1 tablespoon milk
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using your hands, take about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Set aside and repeat with the remaining dough.
- Place the dough balls in the freezer to harden for 15 minutes.
- Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.12 ounces milk chocolate
- Remove the dough balls from the freezer. Working one dough ball at a time, dip the ball in the melted chocolate. Use a fork to move the ball around, ensuring it's fully coated. Lift the ball with the fork and gently tap it against the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate. Transfer back to the baking sheet and repeat with the remaining dough balls.
- Place the baking sheet back in the freezer for 10 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden.
- Melt the white melting wafers in the microwave until smooth. Drizzle the melted wafers onto the chocolate-covered peanut butter balls using a piping bag or a spoon. Set aside for 5 minutes to harden. (Optional)¼ cup white melting wafers
- Once the chocolate has hardened, enjoy!
Notes
- Chocolate: Use dark chocolate for a less sweet version or stick with milk chocolate for a classic flavor.
- Nut butter: I f you don’t want to use peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter work well as substitutes.
- Graham cracker substitutes: Crushed digestive biscuits, oats, crushed cornflakes, or rice cereal are great alternatives for texture.
- Don’t skip the chill time: Freezing the balls before dipping makes the process so much easier and less messy.
- Keep it smooth: Stir the melted chocolate often to keep it silky and lump-free.
- Customize the toppings: Sprinkles, chopped nuts, or even a dash of sea salt can add a fun twist.
- Adjust sweetness: If you like them less sweet, reduce the confectioners’ sugar slightly or swap in a natural sweetener.
- Work in batches: If the dough starts to soften, pop it back in the freezer for a few minutes before continuing.
- Make ahead: Peanut butter balls can be made days in advance. Store them in the fridge or freezer, and they’ll be ready whenever you need them.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free graham crackers or oats to make this recipe completely gluten-free.
Storage Instructions
- Fridge: Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks.
- Freeze: If you want to make them ahead for the holidays or stock up on snacks, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge before serving—they’re just as delicious chilled!
Nutrition
SERIOUSLY GOOD
DESSERTS!
Dessert First is a collection of 61 RECIPES to show you that you can make beautiful, impressive desserts right in your own kitchen, no matter your skill level.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Lemon Pound Cake
∙ Starbucks Cake Pops
∙ Boston Cream Pie
∙ Chocolate Mousse
∙ Matcha Tiramisu
...and much more!
Recipe Notes and Tips
I’ve learned some tricks to make these peanut butter balls even better. Here are some handy tips:
- Chocolate: Use dark chocolate for a less sweet version, or stick with milk chocolate for a classic flavor.
- Nut butter: If you don’t want to use peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter, they work well as substitutes.
- Graham cracker substitutes: Crushed digestive biscuits, oats, crushed cornflakes, or rice cereal are great alternatives for texture.
- Don’t skip the chill time: Freezing the balls before dipping makes the process so much easier and less messy.
- Keep it smooth: Stir the melted chocolate often to keep it silky and lump-free.
- Customize the toppings: Sprinkles, chopped nuts, or even a dash of sea salt can add a fun twist.
- Adjust sweetness: If you like them less sweet, reduce the confectioners’ sugar slightly or swap in a natural sweetener.
- Work in batches: If the dough starts to soften, pop it back in the freezer for a few minutes before continuing.
- Make ahead: Peanut butter balls can be made days in advance. Store them in the fridge or freezer, and they’ll be ready whenever you need them.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free graham crackers or oats to make this recipe completely gluten-free.
How to Store Leftover Peanut Butter Balls
Storing leftover peanut butter balls is a breeze! Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks.
If you want to make them ahead for the holidays or stock up on snacks, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge before serving—they’re just as delicious chilled!
What to Serve With Peanut Butter Balls
Peanut butter balls pair beautifully with a cozy cup of hot cocoa, a festive chai latte, or even a glass of cold milk.
For a holiday spread, they’re a sweet addition to a dessert platter beside Christmas tree cookies, candy cane fudge, or Rudolph cupcakes. They also make the perfect companion to your favorite Christmas movie night snacks like popcorn and candy canes!
More Dessert Recipes You Will Love
If you’re looking for more sweet treats, then give these recipes a try.
- Homemade Buckeyes
- Chocolate Covered Strawberry Bark
- German Chocolate Cake
- Chocolate Cherry Cookies
- Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Bites
