Festive Christmas Peanut Butter Balls Recipe: Sweet Holiday Treats

Creamy, decadent christmas peanut butter balls have been my holiday secret weapon for years.

Chocolate-coated confections always spark joy around my festive kitchen.

Sweet memories flood back with each batch I prepare.

Kids and adults alike cannot resist these delightful treats.

Little hands eagerly help roll these bite-sized delights during our annual baking marathon.

Powdered sugar and rich peanut butter create magic in every single sphere.

You’ll want to make multiple batches – trust me!

Why Christmas Peanut Butter Balls Are a Sweet Tradition

• Craft Christmas Magic: Create delightful holiday treats that spread joy and cheer with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: Combine basic pantry staples to produce a crowd-pleasing dessert that looks professionally made.
• Quick No-Bake Delight: Prepare these festive peanut butter balls without turning on the oven, saving precious holiday preparation time.
• Family Fun Project: Engage kids in a simple, mess-friendly activity that transforms cooking into a playful bonding experience with delicious results.

Peanut Butter Ball Ingredients That Keep It Festive

• Peanut Butter: A creamy base that provides rich flavor and smooth texture for the Christmas treat.
• Butter: Softened butter helps bind the ingredients and adds richness to the mixture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the mixture and helps create a firm, rollable consistency.

• Chocolate Chips: Melted chocolate creates a delicious outer shell for the peanut butter balls.
• Coconut Oil: Helps thin the chocolate and provides a smooth coating for the balls.

• Sprinkles, Candy Canes: Festive toppings that add color and holiday cheer to the peanut butter balls.

Rolling Perfect Peanut Butter Balls—Made Simple

Step 1: Whip Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend peanut butter and softened butter using an electric mixer. Whip the ingredients until they transform into a silky, smooth consistency with no lumps visible.

Step 2: Form Sweet Dough

Add powdered sugar gradually into the butter mixture. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients merge and create a uniform dough-like texture that holds together easily when pressed.

Step 3: Shape Bite-Sized Treats

Roll the mixture into small round balls, approximately one inch in diameter. Arrange the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Place the tray in the freezer for 20-30 minutes to help them firm up completely.

Step 4: Melt Chocolate Coating

• Chocolate chips
• Coconut oil

Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each session until the chocolate becomes completely smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Dunk and Decorate

Use a fork or skewer to dip each frozen peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate. Ensure full coverage by gently rolling and tapping off excess chocolate.

Return coated balls to the parchment paper.

Step 6: Add Festive Flair

Immediately sprinkle decorative toppings like holiday sprinkles or crushed candy canes onto the chocolate-covered balls while the coating is still wet.

Step 7: Set and Serve

Allow the chocolate-covered balls to set at room temperature or refrigerate to speed up the hardening process. Once firm, serve and enjoy these delightful holiday treats.

Tips for Peanut Butter Balls That Melt in Your Mouth

• Chill the peanut butter mixture thoroughly before rolling to prevent sticky hands and ensure perfectly round balls.
• Use high-quality chocolate for a smoother, more luxurious coating that melts and sets beautifully.
• Experiment with different coatings like white chocolate, dark chocolate, or drizzle with melted chocolate for variety.
• Store these festive treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, making them perfect for holiday gift-giving or party platters.
• For gluten-free option, confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially chocolate chips and sprinkles.

Tasty Twists for These Holiday Treats

• Nutty Chocolate Crunch: Add chopped roasted almonds or pecans to the peanut butter mixture for extra texture and nutty flavor.
• Candy Cane Swirl: Mix crushed candy canes directly into the peanut butter dough before forming balls for a festive peppermint kick.
• Dark Chocolate Drizzle: Use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate and create a decorative zigzag pattern on top of each ball after coating.
• Coconut Dream: Roll the peanut butter balls in shredded coconut before or after chocolate dipping for a tropical-inspired treat.

What Beverages or Bites to Pair with Peanut Butter Balls

• Pair Perfectly with Festive Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
• – Brew Rich Coffee Companion: Serve with a steaming mug of dark roast coffee, letting its robust flavor complement the sweet and creamy peanut butter chocolate balls.
• – Select Sweet Wine Match: Choose a dessert wine like port or moscato, whose sugary notes enhance the chocolate's richness and balance the nutty peanut butter undertones.
• – Create Milk Magic: Pour cold, creamy whole milk that cuts through the chocolate's intensity and provides a smooth, refreshing contrast to the sweet treat.
• – Serve Alongside Holiday Cheer: Plate these balls with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, creating a decadent dessert experience that celebrates winter's delightful flavors.

Keep These Holiday Treats Fresh and Snack-Ready

• Refrigerate: Store peanut butter balls in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 2 weeks. Keep refrigerated to maintain texture and prevent chocolate from melting.
• Freeze: Place balls in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper separating layers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Counter Storage: Keep in sealed container at room temperature for 3-5 days. Best enjoyed within first 2 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
• Quick Reheat: Let chilled balls sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften chocolate and restore creamy texture.

Your Sweet Tooth’s Guide to Peanut Butter Ball FAQs

• How do I prevent the peanut butter balls from sticking together?

Place parchment paper between layers when storing, and keep them chilled in the refrigerator to maintain their shape and prevent sticking.

• Can I use a different type of chocolate for coating?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate depending on your preference. Just ensure it melts smoothly for easy coating.

• Are these peanut butter balls gluten-free?

They can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free powdered sugar and confirm your chocolate chips are gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels carefully.

• How long can I keep these Christmas peanut butter balls?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they can last up to 2 weeks, making them perfect for holiday preparation in advance.

Christmas Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Festive holiday spirit meets sweet indulgence in these Christmas peanut butter balls, a delightful treat perfect for seasonal gatherings. Rich chocolate coating and creamy peanut butter center create a delectable dessert you’ll savor with every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) creamy peanut butter
• 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
• 2 cups (340 g) semisweet chocolate chips

Binding Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (57 g) unsalted butter, softened

Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) coconut oil (optional)
• Sprinkles or crushed candy canes for garnish

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Instructions

1. Blend peanut butter and softened butter in a large mixing bowl until achieving a silky, uniform texture.
2. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, stirring consistently until the mixture transforms into a dense, moldable dough.
3. Craft compact spherical treats approximately one inch in diameter, positioning them carefully on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Refrigerate the formed spheres for 20-30 minutes, ensuring they become solidly chilled and maintain their structured shape.
5. Utilize a microwave-safe container to gently melt chocolate chips, stirring every 30 seconds until achieving a glossy, smooth consistency.
6. Delicately immerse each chilled peanut butter sphere into the molten chocolate, utilizing a fork to ensure complete, even coverage.
7. Return chocolate-enrobed spheres to the parchment-lined surface, swiftly adorning with festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes while the chocolate remains liquid.
8. Allow the chocolate coating to solidify naturally at room temperature or expedite the process by placing them in the refrigerator for quicker setting.

Notes

• Ensure butter and peanut butter are at room temperature for smooth, easy mixing without lumps.
• Sift powdered sugar gradually to prevent clumping and create a silky, uniform texture.
• Use a small cookie scoop or melon baller for consistent, perfectly sized peanut butter balls.
• Chill the balls before dipping in chocolate to prevent them from falling apart during coating.
• Melt chocolate slowly and carefully to avoid burning, using a double boiler for best results.
• Experiment with different chocolate types like dark, milk, or white for varied flavor profiles.
• For gluten-free option, verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially chocolate chips.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, separating layers with parchment paper.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Rolling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 48 g
• Sodium: 95 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 57 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg