✨ Introduction
There’s something magical about a holiday treat that takes minutes to make and tastes like childhood memories. These Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls deliver all the nostalgic Christmas vibes — creamy peanut butter centers wrapped in a smooth chocolate shell. They’re simple, sweet, no‑bake, and perfect for holiday cookie plates, gift tins, or late‑night snack cravings. If you love that peanut‑butter + chocolate combo (who doesn’t?), this recipe will become an instant classic.
Ingredients (about 24–30 balls)
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons+1
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1 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural style) Sally’s Baking+1
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2 to 2½ cups powdered (confectioners’) sugar, sifted Sally’s Baking+1
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Optional pinch of salt (especially if using unsalted butter) — balances sweetness Sally’s Baking
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8–12 oz good-quality semi‑sweet (or milk) chocolate — for coating She Wears Many Hats+1
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Optional: 1 tsp neutral oil (vegetable or coconut) — helps smooth the melted chocolate for dipping Crazy for Crust+1
Instructions
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Mix the filling
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and creamy peanut butter together until smooth and combined. Sally’s Baking+1
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Gradually add the powdered sugar (and salt, if using), mixing slowly until you achieve a firm, dough‑like consistency. The mixture may seem crumbly at first — that’s okay. Sally’s Baking+1
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Chill the mixture in the fridge for about 20 – 30 minutes (or longer if needed) — this makes it easier to roll into balls. Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons+1
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Form the balls
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Once chilled, scoop out small portions (about 1 heaping tablespoon each) and roll them between your palms into smooth balls. Aim for roughly 1-inch diameter. Sally’s Baking+1
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Place the formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. Return to the fridge to firm up (about 30 minutes). Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons+1
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Coat with chocolate
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Melt the chocolate (and optional oil) in a microwave-safe bowl (in 20–30 second intervals, stirring between) or over a double boiler until smooth. She Wears Many Hats+1
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Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, rolling to coat evenly. Let excess drip off, then place back on parchment paper. Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons+1
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If desired, drizzle additional chocolate over or sprinkle with coarse salt or festive sprinkles before chocolate sets.
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Chill & set
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Chill the coated balls in the fridge until the chocolate is firm (about 30–45 minutes).
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Once set, store in an airtight container. They keep well in the fridge for up to a week — or freeze for longer storage (up to 2–3 months). Sally’s Baking+1
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Why These Are a Holiday Favorite
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Nostalgic & comforting — peanut butter + chocolate feels like home, childhood, holidays.
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No bake, minimal fuss — no oven, just mixing, rolling, dipping — perfect for holiday candy‑making marathons.
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Make‑ahead friendly — prep weeks ahead, store in fridge or freezer; easy to pull out when guests arrive.
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Perfect for gifting — pack in festive tins or jars, or arrange on a holiday dessert tray.
️ When & How to Serve
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On holiday dessert platters or cookie trays
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As homemade edible gifts or snack jars for friends & family
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After dinner with coffee or hot cocoa
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As treats for holiday parties, potlucks, or movie nights
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