These Christmas Peanut Butter Balls are an easy no-bake holiday treat made with creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and butter, then dipped in smooth chocolate. They’re rich, creamy, chocolatey, and perfect for Christmas cookie trays, parties, or homemade gifts.
Ingredients
For the Peanut Butter Filling
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Chocolate Coating
- 2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon shortening or coconut oil, optional
- Christmas sprinkles, optional
Instructions
1. Make the Peanut Butter Mixture
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy.
Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Mix until a thick dough forms.
If the mixture feels too soft or sticky, add a little more powdered sugar.
2. Shape the Balls
Scoop out approximately 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll between your palms to form smooth balls.
Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Repeat until all the mixture has been used.
3. Chill
Refrigerate the peanut butter balls for at least 30–60 minutes.
Chilling helps them become firm and makes dipping them in chocolate much easier.
4. Melt the Chocolate
Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave in 20–30 second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until completely melted and smooth.
If desired, stir in the shortening or coconut oil to make the coating thinner and easier to dip.
5. Dip the Peanut Butter Balls
Using a fork or dipping tool, carefully dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate.
Allow the excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl, then place the coated ball back onto the parchment paper.
6. Decorate
While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the peanut butter balls with Christmas sprinkles or festive colored sugar.
Let them sit at room temperature until the chocolate sets, or refrigerate for about 15–20 minutes.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Balls
- Use creamy, regular peanut butter for the smoothest filling.
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted.
- Chill the balls before dipping so they hold their shape.
- If the chocolate becomes too thick, gently warm it again.
- Use a fork to create a small swirl or decorative finish on top.
Easy Variations
Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
Mix 2–3 tablespoons of cocoa powder into the peanut butter mixture for an extra chocolatey center.
Crunchy Peanut Butter
Use crunchy peanut butter for little bits of peanuts throughout the filling.
White Chocolate
Dip the balls in melted white chocolate and decorate with red and green sprinkles.
Festive Drizzle
After the chocolate coating has set, drizzle melted white chocolate over the tops for an elegant holiday finish.
Storage
Store the finished peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
They can also be frozen for up to 2–3 months. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
These little treats are creamy, rich, chocolate-covered, and wonderfully festive—the kind of Christmas candy that disappears quickly from the dessert table! 🎄🥜🍫✨