Is there anything more delightful than a no-bake treat that comes together in a single bowl and instantly transports you back to childhood? This Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe is everything you want in an easy homemade dessert: creamy peanut butter, a touch of sweet coconut (if you wish!), and a nostalgic powdered sugar coating. They require only a handful of classic pantry staples, and every bite is a dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Whether you’re whipped up with the help of little hands or prepping sweets ahead for a holiday platter, these snowballs will always steal the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe really lets each ingredient shine! Every single item not only brings its own delicious note, but also plays a crucial role in creating those perfect, snowball-like bites you’ll crave again and again.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Go for a classic, smooth peanut butter for the best melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich nutty flavor.
- Unsalted Butter (softened): Creates a luscious base and helps everything blend together beautifully—make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a splash enhances all those warm, sweet flavors and gives depth to the dough.
- Powdered Sugar: The magic ingredient for both sweetness and the iconic snowball coating—plus, it helps make the dough the perfect consistency for rolling.
- Salt: A small but mighty pinch that balances all the sweet and peanutty flavors.
- Shredded Sweetened Coconut (optional): Adds a fun, chewy finish and a touch of extra “snowy” flair if you’d like a little variety!
How to Make Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Peanut Butter and Butter
Start by popping your peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, and vanilla extract into a medium mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The goal here is to make everything impossibly luscious and well-blended.
Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to add the powdered sugar and salt. Sprinkle them over your creamy base, then mix everything together. The dough will go from sticky and soft to a thick, stiff consistency that’s just right for shaping—if you need to, scrape down the sides so nothing gets left behind.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
To make things fuss-free, let the dough rest in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes. This little pause makes it much less sticky and much easier to roll into neat balls—plus, chilling helps those rich flavors settle in together.
Step 4: Shape the Snowballs
Once the dough has chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and gently roll them between your palms to form 1-inch balls. Take your time—this is where you get those perfect, round shapes that look absolutely irresistible.
Step 5: Coat with Powdered Sugar or Coconut
Now for the fun part! Roll each peanut butter ball in a shallow bowl of extra powdered sugar or, for a twist, shredded sweetened coconut. The snowball effect is instant, and the taste is off-the-charts delicious.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Arrange the finished snowballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and tuck them into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This final chill helps set their texture and locks in those magical flavors—now, you’re officially ready to serve!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe
Garnishes
For a snowy look, dust the peanut butter snowballs with extra powdered sugar right before serving, or top each one with a tiny piece of candied peanut or mini chocolate chip for a festive touch. Edible glitter or a gentle shower of extra coconut can bring special-occasion sparkle too!
Side Dishes
Treat your taste buds by pairing these snowballs with mugs of hot cocoa, a strong coffee, or a creamy vanilla milkshake. On a dessert platter, they work perfectly alongside fresh fruit or a scattering of dark chocolate squares for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the snowballs in mini cupcake liners for easy, portable servings at a party or pack them up in a pretty tin for a heartfelt homemade gift. If you’re entertaining, build a “snowball mountain” on a cake stand and tuck in some sprigs of holly or powdered sugar-dusted berries for instant winter magic!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe is wonderfully make-ahead friendly. Simply store the finished snowballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they’ll keep perfectly for up to a full week—if they aren’t gobbled up sooner!
Freezing
If you’d like to prepare a big batch ahead of time, just pop the snowballs into a freezer-safe container (separating layers with parchment paper). They freeze beautifully for up to two months—just remember to thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving for best texture.
Reheating
No reheating required! These no-bake delights are ready right from the fridge, though if they’ve been frozen, letting them soften for 10–15 minutes at room temperature brings back that perfect, creamy center.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! If you love a bit of texture, swap in crunchy peanut butter for some extra nutty bite and little pops of roasted peanut flavor throughout each snowball.
Are these safe for people with peanut allergies?
Unfortunately, this Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe relies on peanut butter for its signature flavor and texture. For a peanut-free version, try substituting with sunflower seed butter or almond butter, but always check with guests about allergies and read labels carefully.
Can I add chocolate to these?
Definitely! For a crowd-pleaser, dip your snowballs halfway (or all the way!) into melted dark or milk chocolate, then let them set before serving. The chocolate shell adds an amazing contrast to the creamy peanut butter center.
What’s the best way to get evenly sized snowballs?
I love using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon measuring spoon to portion out the dough—this gives you snowballs that look bakery-perfect and ensures even chilling, coating, and serving sizes.
How should I serve these at a party?
Present your Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe on a pretty platter with extra powdered sugar dusted over the top, or nestle each ball in a mini paper liner for easy grab-and-go sweetness that’s as charming as it is delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a crowd-pleaser that’s ridiculously easy and totally irresistible, this Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe is just the thing. There’s something comforting, nostalgic, and undeniably festive about each bite. I hope you try them soon and share the joy—these little treats are sure to become a favorite in your home too!
Print
Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including chill time)
- Yield: 20 snowballs
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peanut Butter Snowballs are a delightful no-bake treat that’s perfect for the holiday season. Creamy peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar are combined to create a sweet dough, rolled into balls, and coated with powdered sugar or coconut. These treats are easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Snowballs:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, plus more for rolling
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut (optional for coating)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, beat the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Mix in the powdered sugar and salt until a stiff dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for 15-20 minutes to firm up.
- Shape the Snowballs: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and coat with powdered sugar or coconut.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the snowballs for at least 30 minutes before enjoying.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- For a chocolate variation, dip the snowballs in melted dark chocolate halfway before chilling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 snowball
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
