This Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls Recipe is a timeless holiday treat. These no-bake candies are sweet, rich, and easy to make — perfect for gift boxes, parties, or a cozy night in.
How To Make Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls:
Whether you need a quick holiday dessert, a neighbor gift, or a simple snack, these no-bake peanut butter balls deliver. The creamy peanut butter center pairs beautifully with a smooth chocolate coating for a classic treat that’s always a hit.
This recipe is straightforward and requires just a few pantry staples. The step-by-step instructions below make it easy to prepare these peanut butter balls with minimal effort and delicious results.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Peanut Butter Balls
- creamy peanut butter — use no-stir if possible for the best texture
- butter — unsalted preferred, softened
- vanilla extract — to enhance flavor
- powdered sugar — acts as the binder
Coating
- milk chocolate chips (or semi-sweet) — for a rich coating
- vegetable shortening or coconut oil — thins the chocolate for smooth dipping
Step 1: Line baking sheets with parchment or wax paper and have all ingredients ready. If using wax paper, spray lightly with non-stick spray so the peanut butter balls won’t stick.
Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing on low, then increase speed until fully combined. Mixing slowly at first prevents powdered sugar from puffing out of the bowl.
Step 4: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to form 1-inch balls from the peanut butter mixture. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet and freeze for one hour.
Step 5: Melt the chocolate and shortening (or coconut oil) together. In the microwave, heat for 1 minute, stir, then continue in 10–15 second intervals, stirring between each, until mostly melted. Stir until smooth.
Tip: A glass bowl works well for melting chocolate because it distributes heat evenly and reduces the risk of scorching.
Step 6: Work in small batches: remove 3–4 peanut butter balls from the freezer at a time, keeping the rest frozen until ready to dip.
Step 7: Dip each ball into the melted chocolate using two forks or a dipping tool, shake off excess chocolate, and place back on the baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set. Enjoy!
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare the peanut butter dough ahead of time. Shape the balls and freeze them before coating; they’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months. When ready, dip them in chocolate and finish as directed.
Melting Chocolate with a Double Boiler
To use a double boiler, bring 1–2 inches of water to a simmer in a saucepan, place a heat-safe bowl over the pot, add the chocolate and shortening, and stir constantly on low–medium heat until the chocolate reaches a smooth, dipping consistency.
Fixing Thick Chocolate
If the melted chocolate becomes too thick, stir in 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil at a time until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
Chocolate Hardening While Dipping
If the chocolate begins to stiffen while you’re working, microwave it for 10 seconds and stir to soften it again. Work in small batches for the best results.
Storage
Once the chocolate coating has set, store the peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
For longer storage, layer the balls in an airtight container with parchment between layers and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Variations
- Chocolate options — swap milk chocolate for semi-sweet, dark, white chocolate, or almond bark.
- Peanut butter texture — use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Toppings — drizzle melted white chocolate, sprinkle sea salt, or add festive sprinkles for decoration.
Other Dessert Recipes:
- Chocolate Chip Cookies with Self-Rising Flour
- Cosmic Brownie Recipe
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars
- Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies
Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls:
15 mins
30 mins
45 mins
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Balls
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Coating
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips (or semi-sweet)
- 2 tbsp vegetable shortening or coconut oil
Instructions
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat peanut butter, butter, and vanilla until creamy. No-stir peanut butter gives the best texture.
- Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing on low then increasing speed until fully combined.
- Shape into 1-inch balls with a cookie scooper and place on the parchment. Freeze for 1 hour.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and shortening (or coconut oil).
- Heat 1 minute, stir, then continue in 10–15 second intervals until mostly melted. Stir until smooth.
- Remove 3–4 balls at a time from the freezer, keeping the rest frozen until ready to dip.
- Dip balls into melted chocolate using two forks or a dipping tool, shake off excess, and place on the baking sheet.
- Refrigerate to set for at least 30 minutes, then enjoy.
Notes
To create a decorative swirl, place melted chocolate in a squeeze bottle and drizzle over the set chocolate to finish.
