These Peanut Butter Balls are a sweet and nutty treat made with simple ingredients. They are rolled in chocolate and taste like a dream!
Making these is super easy! Just mix, roll, and chill. I love sneaking one (or two) as an afternoon snack. Who can resist that chocolatey goodness? 🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Creamy Peanut Butter: This is the star of the show! If you’re not a fan of creamy, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture. Sunflower seed butter is a great nut-free alternative.
Powdered Sugar: It gives the peanut butter balls their sweetness and smooth texture. If you’re looking for a lower sugar option, powdered erythritol or coconut sugar can work as a substitute.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: They add structure and a slight crunch. If you want to avoid gluten, use crushed gluten-free cookies or almond flour.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate is perfect for coating. You can replace them with white chocolate for a sweeter twist or use dairy-free chips for a vegan option.
Coconut Oil: This adds creaminess when melting the chocolate. If you don’t have it, vegetable oil works just fine. But I find coconut oil enhances flavor too!
How Do I Melt Chocolate Smoothly Without Burning It?
Melted chocolate can be tricky! To do it without burning, follow these steps:
- Use a microwave-safe bowl to avoid heat shock. Melt in 30-second intervals for the best results.
- After each interval, stir the chocolate. The heat will continue to melt it as you stir, preventing scorching.
- Don’t overheat! Stop when there are still small unmelted chunks, and stir until smooth.
- If you want it ultra-smooth, adding a bit of coconut or vegetable oil during melting helps a lot.
By melting chocolate carefully, you’ll achieve a lovely coating that makes these peanut butter balls shine!
Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable oil (optional, for smoother melting chocolate)
- Chopped peanuts for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty treat takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another hour to chill. So, in just over an hour, you’ll have delicious Peanut Butter Balls ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Peanut Butter Base:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. In it, combine the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and graham cracker crumbs. Mix everything together well until it holds together like a dough. It should be smooth and slightly sticky.
2. Roll into Balls:
Using your hands, scoop out small portions of the peanut butter mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Don’t worry about them being perfect; just have fun with it!
3. Freeze for Firmness:
Pop the baking sheet into the freezer and chill those peanut butter balls for about 30 minutes. This helps them firm up, making them easier to coat in chocolate later.
4. Melt the Chocolate:
While your peanut butter balls are chilling, it’s time to melt the chocolate. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using). Heat in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
5. Coat the Balls in Chocolate:
Bring the peanut butter balls out of the freezer. Using a fork or a dipping tool, carefully dip each ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is well coated. Let the excess chocolate drip off before placing it back on the parchment-lined sheet.
6. Add Toppings if Desired:
If you like, drizzle some extra melted chocolate on top or sprinkle with chopped peanuts to give it some extra flair!
7. Chill Until Set:
Finally, refrigerate the chocolate-coated peanut butter balls for about 1 hour, or until the chocolate is fully set. This helps everything come together beautifully.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
After they have set, take them out of the fridge, serve chilled, and enjoy these scrumptious treats! They’re perfect for snacking anytime!
This recipe results in rich, chocolate-covered peanut butter bites with a smooth peanut butter interior—absolutely delicious! Enjoy making these delightful treats!
Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter Instead of Creamy?
Yes! Natural peanut butter works too, but keep in mind it may not be as sweet or smooth. You might want to add a bit more powdered sugar for sweetness and to help bind the mixture.
How Can 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 to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I Make These Peanut Butter Balls Vegan?
Absolutely! Use a vegan chocolate option and make sure your graham crackers are vegan as well. This will give you a delicious plant-based treat!
What Can I Substitute for Graham Cracker Crumbs?
If you don’t have graham cracker crumbs, you can use crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even finely ground oats for a healthier version. Just adjust the sweetness accordingly!
