If you’re craving a sweet, nostalgic bite of the holidays, Christmas Peanut Butter Balls are about to become your new favorite tradition. This treasured no-bake treat blends the creamy nuttiness of peanut butter with smooth chocolate, making each ball pure bliss for your taste buds. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, require only a handful of pantry staples, and are just as festive as they are irresistible. Whether you’re filling cookie trays or treating yourself after a busy day of holiday prep, these Christmas Peanut Butter Balls deliver all the cozy, celebratory vibes in one delicious bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these basic but mighty ingredients to build the magic—each one adds something uniquely delicious, whether it’s creaminess, sweetness, or that essential festive flair. Don’t skip any, and you’ll be rewarded with the perfect taste and texture in every single bite.
- Peanut Butter (1 ½ cups creamy): Go for creamy for a classic, melt-in-your-mouth finish, but feel free to use crunchy for an extra texture boost.
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened): Softened butter helps create a silky-smooth dough, so let it come to room temp before using.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, aromatic note that rounds out the flavors—don’t underestimate what a little vanilla can do here!
- Powdered Sugar (3 ½ cups): Brings classic sweetness and helps bind the dough together for easy rolling.
- Semi-Sweet or Milk Chocolate Chips (3 cups): Choose your favorite; semi-sweet for a grown-up bite, or milk chocolate for extra richness.
- Shortening or Coconut Oil (2 tablespoons): Either one melts into the chocolate for a glossy finish and easy dipping.
- Festive Sprinkles (optional): These are your secret weapon for holiday sparkle and joyful presentation!
How to Make Christmas Peanut Butter Balls
Step 1: Mix the Peanut Butter Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Use a sturdy spoon or electric mixer to blend everything together until smooth, creamy, and totally unified. This is your flavor-packed base, and you want every bite to be buttery and bursting with peanut flavor!
Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar
Slowly add powdered sugar to your peanut butter mixture, about a cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. By the end, you’ll have a thick, play-dough-like dough that’s no longer sticky, making it easy to roll. This step is where the magic happens—the dough firms up beautifully and becomes a dream to work with.
Step 3: Roll Into Balls
Scoop out portions of the dough and roll them between your hands to form 1-inch balls. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them a little space so they don’t stick together. You should end up with around 36 bite-sized rounds—steady, even pressure helps make them perfectly smooth.
Step 4: Chill Until Firm
This chill is crucial: pop the tray of peanut butter balls into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. The cold makes them sturdy enough for dipping and helps the flavors settle together. If you’re short on time, a quick turn in the freezer works too—just don’t skip this step!
Step 5: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine your chocolate chips with shortening or coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each until smooth and glossy. The oil keeps the chocolate fluid, ensuring a shiny, snappy coating once it sets.
Step 6: Dip and Decorate
Using a fork or toothpick, dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate. Let the extra chocolate drip off, then return the ball to the lined tray. If you want to go all out, sprinkle a pinch of festive sprinkles on top while the chocolate is still soft—they’ll stick beautifully!
Step 7: Chill Again to Set
Once all the balls are dipped and decorated, give them another chill in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. The chocolate will harden to a picture-perfect shell, sealing in all that peanut butter goodness. Now, they’re ready for snacking, gifting, or admiring (before happily devouring, of course)!
How to Serve Christmas Peanut Butter Balls
Garnishes
While the chocolate coating is still slightly soft, shower your Christmas Peanut Butter Balls with sprinkles, crushed peppermint, or even a dusting of edible glitter for an extra-wintery touch. These little bursts of color make your candies look every bit as special as they taste!
Side Dishes
For a truly memorable dessert table, serve these festive candies alongside homemade cookies, fudge, or a mug of hot cocoa. Their rich peanut butter center is divine next to tart fruit, so consider a platter with sliced apples, grapes, or even a few mini cheesecakes for variety.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile your finished Christmas Peanut Butter Balls onto a holiday platter, layer them in decorative tins for gifting, or thread them onto skewers for a fun treat display. Tuck a few into cellophane bags tied with ribbon for an edible stocking stuffer—it’s the sweetest way to share some homemade love!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any extra Christmas Peanut Butter Balls into an airtight container and keep them chilled in the fridge. They’ll stay wonderfully fresh and delicious for up to two weeks, making them perfect for nibbling all through the holiday season.
Freezing
You can freeze the undipped balls for up to one month. Place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. When ready, just thaw and dip in melted chocolate for last-minute party magic.
Reheating
There’s no warming needed for these treats! Simply let refrigerated or frozen Christmas Peanut Butter Balls sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed cool so the chocolate stays firm and satisfyingly snappy.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a fun texture and a little extra crunch to each bite. Just make sure it’s well-mixed before you start, so your dough holds together nicely.
Is there a substitute for shortening or coconut oil in the chocolate?
If you don’t have shortening or coconut oil, you can melt the chocolate chips alone; just be aware the coating might be a tiny bit thicker. The added fat simply makes dipping smoother and gives the chocolate extra shine.
How do I keep the peanut butter balls from sticking to my hands?
If the dough feels sticky, try dusting your hands lightly with powdered sugar before rolling. You can also refrigerate the mixture briefly before shaping to help firm it up even more.
Can I make these Christmas Peanut Butter Balls in advance?
Yes, in fact they’re ideal for make-ahead magic! Prepare and chill the undipped balls days in advance, then coat with chocolate just before serving or gifting for the freshest presentation.
How do I store these if I want to gift them?
After the chocolate has set, layer the balls in parchment-lined tins or boxes. They’ll stay perfect for gifting if kept cool, so consider adding a note to refrigerate or store in a cool place for best results.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about making a batch of Christmas Peanut Butter Balls—especially when you know you’re creating smiles, one bite at a time. Whether you’re an old pro or trying them for the first time, this treat is guaranteed to spread cheer. Don’t be surprised if everyone asks for your “secret recipe”—it’s the sweetest way to share the season! Give them a go and start a new tradition that’ll have your loved ones counting down to the next batch.
Print
Christmas Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 36 balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Peanut Butter Balls are a delightful holiday treat that combines creamy peanut butter centers with a chocolate coating. Easy to make and perfect for gifting or serving at festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Balls:
- 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
Chocolate Coating:
- 3 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons shortening or coconut oil
- Festive sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Peanut Butter Mixture: In a large bowl, blend peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until a thick dough forms.
- Shape into Balls: Roll mixture into 1-inch balls, place on a parchment-lined sheet, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Make Chocolate Coating: Melt chocolate chips with shortening in the microwave, then dip each ball to coat.
- Add Sprinkles: Decorate with sprinkles and chill until set.
- Store: Keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Notes
- Crunchy Variation: Use crunchy peanut butter for a different texture.
- Make Ahead: Freeze undipped balls for up to a month before coating with chocolate.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
