No-Bake

Peanut Butter Balls

Name: Peanut Butter Balls
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 20 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups creamy peanut butter; 1 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 teaspoon fine salt; 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips; 1 tablespoon shortening; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup chopped peanuts; 1/4 cup shredded coconut; 1/4 cup candy pieces

By Wesley Ardenne · June 19, 2026 · No-Bake

Prep20 min

Cook0 min

Total50 min

Serves20

I still remember the first time I made Peanut Butter Balls - the combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate was love at first bite. As a home cook, I'm always on the lookout for desserts that are both easy to make and impressive to serve. These no-bake treats fit the bill perfectly.

One of the things I love about Peanut Butter Balls is how versatile they are. You can customize them with your favorite mix-ins, like chopped nuts or shredded coconut, and they're perfect for any occasion - from holiday parties to everyday snacks.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to make Peanut Butter Balls that are truly bakery-quality. From the importance of using high-quality peanut butter to the trick for getting a smooth, even coating of chocolate, I'll share all my tips and tricks for making these delicious treats.

So why make Peanut Butter Balls at home? For one, it's a great way to control the ingredients and ensure that your treats are made with only the best. Plus, it's a fun and easy project that's perfect for getting the whole family involved. And let's not forget the best part - enjoying the delicious fruits of your labor!

Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is a great place to begin. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you'll be making Peanut Butter Balls like a pro in no time. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delicious taste of homemade Peanut Butter Balls!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make and require no baking
Customizable with your favorite mix-ins
Perfect for any occasion, from holiday parties to everyday snacks
Can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer
Are a great way to control the ingredients and ensure that your treats are made with only the best
Are a fun and easy project that's perfect for getting the whole family involved
Are delicious and rich, with a perfect balance of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Peanut Butter Balls is to use high-quality ingredients and to pay attention to the texture of the dough. You want the peanut butter to be creamy and smooth, and the oats to be finely ground so they don't add any texture to the balls.

Another important factor is the ratio of peanut butter to oats. If the dough is too sticky, it won't hold its shape well, and if it's too dry, it will be crumbly and fall apart. By finding the right balance, you can create Peanut Butter Balls that are firm enough to hold their shape but still tender and delicious.

Finally, the chocolate coating is what really makes these treats special. By melting the chocolate slowly and carefully, you can create a smooth, even coating that adds a rich, velvety texture to the Peanut Butter Balls.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Peanut Butter Balls, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including creamy peanut butter, rolled oats, and rich chocolate. You'll also need some powdered sugar to help bind the dough together, and a pinch of salt to bring out the flavors.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality peanut butter that is creamy and smooth, and oats that are finely ground. You'll also want to select a good-quality chocolate that will melt smoothly and evenly.

2 cups creamy peanut butterChoose a high-quality peanut butter that is creamy and smooth, with no added oils or sugars
1 cup rolled oatsSelect oats that are finely ground to avoid adding texture to the balls
1/2 cup powdered sugarUse powdered sugar to help bind the dough together and add sweetness
1/4 teaspoon fine saltAdd a pinch of salt to bring out the flavors and balance the sweetness
1 cup semisweet chocolate chipsChoose a good-quality chocolate that will melt smoothly and evenly
1 tablespoon shorteningUse shortening to help the chocolate melt smoothly and evenly
1 teaspoon vanilla extractAdd a hint of vanilla flavor to the Peanut Butter Balls
1/2 cup chopped peanutsUse chopped peanuts to add texture and flavor to the balls
1/4 cup shredded coconutAdd shredded coconut for extra flavor and texture
1/4 cup candy piecesUse candy pieces to add color and fun to the Peanut Butter Balls

Equipment You’ll Need

Large mixing bowlHand mixer or whiskSpoon or small cookie scoopBaking sheet lined with parchment paperDouble boiler or microwave-safe bowlInstant-read thermometerParchment paper or wax paper

How to Make Peanut Butter Balls

1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, oats, powdered sugar, and salt. Mix until well combined and a dough forms.
2
Add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
3
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4
Once the dough is chilled, use a spoon or small cookie scoop to form the dough into balls, about 1 inch in diameter. You should end up with around 20-25 balls.
5
Place the balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6
Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
7
Add the shortening to the melted chocolate and stir until combined.
8
Dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, using a fork or dipping tool to fully coat the ball.
9
Place the chocolate-covered peanut butter balls back onto the parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
10
Refrigerate the peanut butter balls for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
11
Once the chocolate is set, the peanut butter balls are ready to serve. You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
12
If desired, roll the peanut butter balls in chopped peanuts, shredded coconut, or candy pieces to add extra texture and flavor.
13
Serve the peanut butter balls chilled, and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Make sure to use high-quality peanut butter that is creamy and smooth.
If the dough is too sticky, add a little more oats. If it's too dry, add a little more peanut butter.
Use a spoon or small cookie scoop to form the dough into balls, as this will help you get uniform sizes.
If you find that the chocolate is too thick, you can thin it out with a little shortening or coconut oil.
Experiment with different mix-ins, like chopped nuts or shredded coconut, to add extra texture and flavor to the peanut butter balls.
Consider making a double batch of peanut butter balls, as they freeze well and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
To make the peanut butter balls more festive, you can roll them in colored sugar or sprinkles before serving.
If you're having trouble getting the chocolate to set, try refrigerating the peanut butter balls for a longer period of time or using a higher-quality chocolate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using low-quality peanut butter that is too oily or dry.
Not chilling the dough long enough, resulting in peanut butter balls that are too soft or fall apart.
Not melting the chocolate properly, resulting in a thick or grainy coating.
Not using enough shortening, resulting in a chocolate coating that is too thick or hard to work with.
Overworking the dough, resulting in peanut butter balls that are dense or tough.
Not storing the peanut butter balls in an airtight container, resulting in them becoming stale or dry.

Variations and Substitutions

Add a pinch of salt to the peanut butter dough for extra flavor.
Use different types of nuts, like almonds or hazelnuts, for added texture and flavor.
Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the peanut butter dough for a mocha flavor.
Use white chocolate or milk chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate for a different flavor profile.
Roll the peanut butter balls in cinnamon or cocoa powder for a unique flavor and texture.
Add a handful of dried cranberries or cherries to the peanut butter dough for a fruity twist.
Use peanut butter with honey or maple syrup for a sweeter flavor.

What to Serve With Peanut Butter Balls

Peanut butter balls are perfect for serving at parties or gatherings, as they are easy to eat and can be made ahead of time. You can also package them in cellophane bags or containers and give them as gifts.

Consider serving the peanut butter balls with a side of chocolate sauce or caramel for dipping, or with a sprinkle of sea salt for added flavor.

Serve peanut butter balls at parties or gatheringsPackage peanut butter balls in cellophane bags or containers and give as giftsServe peanut butter balls with a side of chocolate sauce or caramel for dippingRoll peanut butter balls in cinnamon or cocoa powder for a unique flavor and texture

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store peanut butter balls, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months, and thaw at room temperature when you're ready to serve.

If you're planning to make a large batch of peanut butter balls, consider storing them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and then transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag once they are frozen solid.

To reheat peanut butter balls, simply place them at room temperature for a few hours or thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. You can also microwave them for a few seconds to soften the chocolate, but be careful not to overheat.

When storing peanut butter balls, make sure to keep them away from strong-smelling foods, as they can absorb odors easily. You should also keep them away from direct sunlight, as this can cause the chocolate to melt or become discolored.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make peanut butter balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can make peanut butter balls ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?

Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but keep in mind that it may have a slightly different consistency and flavor than creamy peanut butter.

How do I get the chocolate to set properly?

To get the chocolate to set properly, make sure to melt it slowly and carefully, and then refrigerate the peanut butter balls for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden.

Can I roll the peanut butter balls in different ingredients, like nuts or sprinkles?

Yes, you can roll the peanut butter balls in different ingredients, like nuts or sprinkles, to add extra texture and flavor.

How do I store peanut butter balls to keep them fresh?

To store peanut butter balls, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Can I make peanut butter balls with other types of nut butter, like almond butter?

Yes, you can make peanut butter balls with other types of nut butter, like almond butter, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be slightly different.

How do I prevent the peanut butter balls from becoming too soft or falling apart?

To prevent the peanut butter balls from becoming too soft or falling apart, make sure to chill the dough long enough and use the right ratio of peanut butter to oats.

Can I make peanut butter balls in a different shape, like a log or a square?

Yes, you can make peanut butter balls in a different shape, like a log or a square, but keep in mind that the cooking time may be slightly different.

The Full Recipe

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