If you’re looking to add a little extra joy and sweetness to your holiday dessert spread, this Christmas Peanut Butter Balls Recipe is a must-try. These delightful no-bake treats combine creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate in perfect harmony, creating bite-sized gems that capture the festive spirit with every delicious bite. Whether you’re making them for family gatherings, gifting to friends, or simply treating yourself, these peanut butter balls will quickly become a holiday favorite you’ll want to make year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Christmas Peanut Butter Balls Recipe is wonderfully simple. The ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a crucial role — from the creamy peanut butter providing that luscious, nutty base, to the smooth chocolate coating that adds a touch of indulgence. These essentials come together to create a perfect blend of texture and flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter: Use a smooth peanut butter for the best texture and easy mixing.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps bind everything together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A little vanilla lifts the flavors and adds warmth.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Essential for sweetness and gives the dough its firm consistency.
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts beautifully for the perfect chocolate coating.
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or shortening: Ensures a smooth, glossy finish on the chocolate.
- Festive sprinkles (optional): Adds color and a fun holiday touch to your peanut butter balls.
How to Make Christmas Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
Step 1: Combine Peanut Butter, Butter, and Vanilla
Start by placing the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, and vanilla extract into a large bowl. Stir them together until the mixture is smooth and perfectly blended. This step ensures that every bite is creamy and rich.
Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar
Next, gradually mix in the powdered sugar. It will seem like a lot at first, but keep stirring until you form a thick, pliable dough. The powdered sugar sweetens and firms up the mixture to help it hold together beautifully when rolled.
Step 3: Shape into Balls and Chill
Use your hands to roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place each one on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Then pop them into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes so they can firm up and be easier to dip later on.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
While the peanut butter balls chill, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil together. The best way is to heat them in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each spell to encourage a perfectly smooth melt.
Step 5: Dip the Peanut Butter Balls in Chocolate
Once the peanut butter balls are firm, grab a fork or toothpick to dip each ball into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off gently. Place them back on the parchment-lined sheet. If you want, sprinkle some festive decorations right away before the chocolate sets for a cheerful appearance.
Step 6: Chill Until Set
Finally, refrigerate the chocolate-coated peanut butter balls for about 20 minutes or until the chocolate hardens. Your delicious Christmas Peanut Butter Balls are now ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Christmas Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little extra flair to your Christmas Peanut Butter Balls Recipe can be as simple as topping them with colorful festive sprinkles to match the holiday mood. You might also try a dusting of crushed peppermint candies or even a drizzle of white chocolate to make each bite look as dazzling as it tastes.
Side Dishes
These peanut butter balls shine perfectly on their own, but pairing them with a hot cup of cocoa, spiced cider, or your favorite holiday coffee can elevate the experience even more. They’re also a fantastic addition to dessert platters alongside gingerbread cookies and fruitcake for a festive variety.
Creative Ways to Present
Presenting your Christmas Peanut Butter Balls with style can make the occasion extra special. Try placing them in colorful mini cupcake liners or arranging them on a tiered holiday tray surrounded by holly leaves or cinnamon sticks. Gift boxes or clear jars tied with ribbon are perfect for sharing these tasty treats as heartfelt holiday presents.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Christmas Peanut Butter Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and flavorful for up to two weeks, making them great for prepping in advance or extending the enjoyment well past the first round.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for later, these peanut butter balls freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can last up to two months and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge again.
Reheating
Since these treats are best enjoyed chilled, there’s no need to reheat. Just allow frozen balls to gently come to room temperature before serving to preserve that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
You absolutely can! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture to your Christmas Peanut Butter Balls Recipe, giving a pleasant crunch in every bite. Just keep in mind the dough might be a little less smooth but equally delicious.
Is it necessary to use coconut oil or shortening in the chocolate melt?
While not mandatory, adding coconut oil or shortening helps thin the chocolate slightly and gives it a smooth, shiny finish that’s easier to dip into. It also helps the chocolate set up nicely once refrigerated.
Can I substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with white or dark chocolate?
Definitely! White chocolate provides a lovely contrast and sweetness, while dark chocolate offers a richer, slightly bitter edge. Feel free to experiment and tailor the recipe to your personal preference.
How long do these peanut butter balls last?
When stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container, these peanut butter balls keep well for up to two weeks, keeping them fresh and tasty throughout the holiday season.
Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Christmas Peanut Butter Balls Recipe is vegetarian-friendly, made with simple ingredients that don’t include meat or gelatin. Just double-check the chocolate you use to ensure no animal-derived additives.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Christmas Peanut Butter Balls Recipe enough for your holiday festivities. It’s easy to make, so tasty, and the perfect blend of chocolate and peanut butter that feels like a warm hug in dessert form. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple on your holiday dessert table every year. Happy holidays and happy baking!
Print
Christmas Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 30 balls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Peanut Butter Balls are a delightful no-bake holiday treat combining creamy peanut butter, sweet powdered sugar, and rich chocolate. Perfectly festive with optional sprinkles, these easy-to-make bites are ideal for holiday parties or gifting.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Chocolate Coating
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or shortening
- Festive sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Dough: In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar, stirring continuously until a thick, dough-like consistency forms.
- Shape the Balls: Roll the peanut butter mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Chill the Balls: Refrigerate the peanut butter balls for at least 30 minutes or until they are firm enough to dip.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil or shortening. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Dip the Balls: Using a fork or toothpick, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, allowing the excess chocolate to drip off before placing it back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Add Sprinkles: Immediately top each chocolate-coated ball with festive sprinkles if desired to add a colorful holiday touch.
- Set the Coating: Refrigerate the peanut butter balls for about 20 minutes or until the chocolate coating is completely set and firm.
- Storage: Store the finished peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Notes
- You can freeze the peanut butter balls for up to 2 months to enjoy later.
- For added texture, mix in crushed graham crackers or rice cereal into the peanut butter dough before shaping.
- Switch up the flavor by using white chocolate or dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
