Peanut Butter Balls are a fun and tasty treat! They are made with creamy peanut butter, sweet honey, and crunchy oats, all rolled into bite-sized bites. Yum!
These little goodies are perfect for snacking or sharing with friends. I love to make a big batch and keep them in the fridge for a quick energy boost throughout the week!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Creamy Peanut Butter: This is the star of the show! You can use chunky peanut butter if you like a little crunch. If you have nut allergies, sunflower seed butter or almond butter can be great alternatives.
Unsalted Butter: It adds richness to the mixture. If you want a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil instead of butter; it works well and adds a light coconut flavor.
Powdered Sugar: This gives the balls their sweetness. If you’re watching sugar intake, you can substitute with a sugar alternative like monk fruit sweetener, but be mindful of its sweetness level compared to regular sugar.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: They give a nice texture. You can substitute with crushed digestive biscuits or even oats if you want a gluten-free option.
Chocolate Chips: For the outer coating, semisweet chocolate is best. Dark chocolate or white chocolate can also be used depending on your taste. If you want to avoid chocolate chips, melting a chocolate bar works well too.
How Do You Get the Perfect Chocolate Coating?
Coating the peanut butter balls in chocolate can be tricky, but here are some tips for a smooth finish. First, make sure your chocolate is melted evenly.
- Use a microwave in short bursts, stirring often, or a double boiler for steady heat.
- Adding shortening or coconut oil to the chocolate can help it become smoother and easier to work with.
- Dip the balls fully, and tap them gently against the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate. This ensures a nice, even coating!
- Let the balls set on parchment paper to avoid sticking.
With these tips, you’ll have a delightful treat that looks as good as it tastes!
Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Peanut Butter Center:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon shortening or coconut oil (optional, for smoother chocolate coating)
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious treat takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 1 hour to chill and set. With a total time of about 1 hour and 15 minutes, you’ll be enjoying these peanut butter balls in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Peanut Butter Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and softened butter. Use a spatula or a sturdy fork to mix them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, just like your favorite peanut butter consistency.
2. Add the Sweetness:
Next, add the powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture. Stir everything together until well combined and a thick dough forms. It should hold together well when you press it.
3. Shape the Balls:
Now it’s time to roll your dough into balls! Scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your hands to form a 1-inch ball. Place the formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
4. Chill the Mixture:
Put the baking sheet with the peanut butter balls into the fridge for at least 1 hour. This will help them firm up so they are easier to coat in chocolate.
5. Melt the Chocolate:
While your peanut butter balls are chilling, melt the semisweet chocolate chips. You can do this using a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler for a more gentle melt. If you’d like a smoother finish, add shortening or coconut oil to the chocolate as it melts.
6. Coat the Peanut Butter Balls:
Now it’s time to coat! Dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, making sure it’s fully covered. Use a fork to lift the coated ball from the chocolate and gently tap to remove excess chocolate.
7. Get Them Ready to Chill Again:
Place the chocolate-coated balls back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. They will look so tempting already!
8. Drizzle with Peanut Butter:
Warm the 2 tablespoons of peanut butter until it’s runny, either in the microwave for a few seconds or by stirring it in a small pan on low heat. Drizzle this melted peanut butter over the chocolate-coated balls for an extra touch.
9. Final Chill:
Put the baking sheet back in the fridge for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate coating is set. This step ensures every bite will be deliciously whole!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once set, take them out of the fridge and serve chilled. Enjoy your rich, creamy peanut butter and chocolate treats with family and friends! Perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself!
These Peanut Butter Balls are delightful snacks that combine a creamy center with a smooth chocolate coating. Enjoy the treat!
Can I Make Peanut Butter Balls Vegan?
Yes! To make them vegan, use a plant-based butter substitute in place of unsalted butter and ensure that your chocolate chips are dairy-free. You can find many great options in health food stores or online!
How Do I Store Leftover Peanut Butter Balls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying!
What Can I Use Instead of Graham Crackers?
If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free graham crackers or use crushed oats for a similar texture.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Mixture?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to the peanut butter mixture for added texture and flavor. Just ensure that your added ingredients are finely chopped so they incorporate well.
