How to make the best peanut butter balls – This simple and easy recipe makes classic, chocolate covered peanut butter truffles that are rich, buttery, creamy, and old-fashioned the way Grandma used to make. Totally no bake, making it a sweet homemade candy that is made quickly.
Before Christmas, I found this chocolate peanut butter balls recipe in my Family Fun magazine. I have never been able to make chocolate covered peanut butter anything come out quite right, so I tried the recipe with skepticism.
I didn’t mess them up, and they were gone in about a day. These chocolate peanut butter balls are creamy, diet-grieving, bites of heaven. You can’t eat just one.
Especially now, in the season of chocolate peanut butter Easter eggs, I am longing for some chocolate peanut butter goodness. Actually, now that I write that, I think I stashed a Reese’s egg in the back of the entertainment center.
But I am going to make these again too, because they’re even better than the Reese’s. No kidding.
How to make chocolate peanut butter balls
- In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter and softened butter with a wooden spoon until well blended. Add the powdered sugar and stir until the mixture has the consistency of sticky play dough.
- Use a double boiler to melt the chocolate chips with the shortening, stirring frequently. If you’re using two different types of chocolate (such as milk and dark or milk and white), melt them in separate batches. White chocolate doesn’t contain cocoa butter, so it will require extra shortening. You will need 2 tablespoons of shortening for semi-sweet chocolate chips and 3 tablespoons for white chocolate.
Reader Tip: Use leftover melted chocolate to coat pretzels, or pour it into candy molds and add chopped nuts or dried fruit.
Ingredient substitutions
Chocolate chips – I like to use semi sweet chocolate chips, but you could also try milk chocolate or white chocolate for a different flavor. Or, try a combination of several. I don’t mean mix them together, but rather try making one batch of peanut butter balls and splitting it into several different coatings.
Peanut butter – I like to use smooth peanut butter, but you could try crunchy for a different take on this fun recipe!
Toppings – The recipe calls for crushed peanuts to sprinkle on top of the finished peanut butter balls, but you could also use sprinkles or even specialty sugar glittery for a different look. Just think how impressive that star shaped glitter would look!
You can freeze this candy!
This recipe makes a lot of balls, so you may want to think about freezing some. You can freeze these for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store them in an airtight, freezer-safe container. I would suggest putting them in the freezer on the parchment paper on a cookie sheet until they’re totally frozen. Once they’re set, you can remove and place into a container or baggie. I usually double layer my baggies to make sure they stay as fresh as possible in the freezer. Once you’re ready to eat more, just remove and allow to thaw in the fridge or on the counter until you’re ready to eat.
You’ll want to check out these other delicious desserts while you’re here
- Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownies (AKA PB Cream Cheese Brownie Bars)
- Peanut Butter Marshmallow Fudge
- Double Chocolate Pecan Cookies
- Coconut Macaroons – Quick & Easy Gluten-Free Cookies
- The Very Best Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Pecan Pie Squares – Pecan Pie Bar Cookies
Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups peanut butter creamy
- 1 cup butter softened, not melted
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 24 oz chocolate chips Semi sweet
- 3 tablespoons vegetable shortening
- Crushed peanuts for decorating
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter and butter and stir with a wooden spoon until evenly blended. Add the powdered sugar and stir until the mixture has the consistency of sticky play dough.
- Use a double boiler to melt the chocolate chips with the shortening, stirring frequently. If you're using different types of chocolate, melt them in separate batches. White chocolate doesn't contain cocoa butter, so it requires extra shortening. I suggest 2 tablespoons for semisweet chips, and 3 tablespoons for white chocolate.
- While the chocolate melts, roll the peanut butter mixture into 1-inch balls and set them on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. (Reader tip: If the dough is too sticky, add more confectioners' sugar and/or wet your hands with warm water to prevent sticking.)
- Brilliant - Put the baking sheet in the freezer until the peanut butter balls are solid enough to pick up with a toothpick, about 5 to 10 minutes. Why have I never thought of this?
- Insert a toothpick into each peanut butter ball, then dip it into the melted chocolate. Set the chocolate-coated balls on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper. Remove the toothpicks. Immediately place a chocolate or peanut butter chip or a piece of a peanut over each toothpick hole. Cool the peanut butter balls in the refrigerator until the chocolate has hardened, about 5 minutes.
Nutrition
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© 2009 – 2020, Tara Ziegmont. All rights reserved.
[email protected] says
I knew you were my friend, for a reason!! YOU RAWK with this recipe. I am SO excited!
[email protected]’s last blog post..Tempt My Tummy Tuesday….tricks, tips, and finds
Jerri says
I posted my recipe for these back around Christmas. They are my favorite homemade candy of all time! The main difference is our recipes, is that I use parafin wax instead of shortening with the chocolate chips.
I also use the toothpicks and the freezer (or fridge) strategy. I used to make these with my dad when I was a kid, and he’s get very “upset” when the balls would fall in the chocolate, and this technique was a HUGE hit. And then at the end we’d spoon our leftover melted chocolate over the holes.
Jerri’s last blog post..Recipe of the Week: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Gretchen says
I add a cup of crushed graham crackers to the peanut butter mixture. Yummy!
Tara says
Gretchen – I like that idea! It would give the center just a wee bit of crunch, but not so much as crunchy peanut butter. I may have to try that. 🙂
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Tara says
Gretchen – I like that idea! It would give the center just a wee bit of crunch, but not so much as crunchy peanut butter. I may have to try that. 🙂
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Gretchen says
I add a cup of crushed graham crackers to the peanut butter mixture. Yummy!
Gretchen says
I add a cup of crushed graham crackers to the peanut butter mixture. Yummy!
Tara says
Gretchen – I like that idea! It would give the center just a wee bit of crunch, but not so much as crunchy peanut butter. I may have to try that. 🙂
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Jenna says
Wow, these look so delicious! Peanut butter and chocolate = my favorite
🙂 Jenna
Jenna’s last blog post..~Blog Giveaway: Spring Handmade Greeting Cards~
Jenna says
Wow, these look so delicious! Peanut butter and chocolate = my favorite
🙂 Jenna
Jenna’s last blog post..~Blog Giveaway: Spring Handmade Greeting Cards~
Piera-Jolly Mom says
These sound sinfully good! I make peanut butter balls 1-2 times a year, but this recipe is a little different-I will try yours next time : )
Piera-Jolly Mom’s last blog post..Make Something Monday: The Craft Room
Piera-Jolly Mom says
These sound sinfully good! I make peanut butter balls 1-2 times a year, but this recipe is a little different-I will try yours next time : )
Piera-Jolly Mom’s last blog post..Make Something Monday: The Craft Room
Jenna says
Wow, these look so delicious! Peanut butter and chocolate = my favorite
🙂 Jenna
Jenna’s last blog post..~Blog Giveaway: Spring Handmade Greeting Cards~
Piera-Jolly Mom says
These sound sinfully good! I make peanut butter balls 1-2 times a year, but this recipe is a little different-I will try yours next time : )
Piera-Jolly Mom’s last blog post..Make Something Monday: The Craft Room
No Reimer Reason says
These sound absolutely delicious. I am bookmarking this in case I ever get ambitious. 🙂
No Reimer Reason’s last blog post..Not Quite Spring Kit and a FREE Add-on
No Reimer Reason says
These sound absolutely delicious. I am bookmarking this in case I ever get ambitious. 🙂
No Reimer Reason’s last blog post..Not Quite Spring Kit and a FREE Add-on
No Reimer Reason says
These sound absolutely delicious. I am bookmarking this in case I ever get ambitious. 🙂
No Reimer Reason’s last blog post..Not Quite Spring Kit and a FREE Add-on
Piera-Jolly Mom says
BTW-I grabbed your button! Your site is awesome! : )
Piera-Jolly Mom’s last blog post..Make Something Monday: The Craft Room
Piera-Jolly Mom says
BTW-I grabbed your button! Your site is awesome! : )
Piera-Jolly Mom’s last blog post..Make Something Monday: The Craft Room
Piera-Jolly Mom says
BTW-I grabbed your button! Your site is awesome! : )
Piera-Jolly Mom’s last blog post..Make Something Monday: The Craft Room
lana says
peanut butter AND chocolate? THE BEST!
lana’s last blog post..Sleezy Chicken
lana says
peanut butter AND chocolate? THE BEST!
lana’s last blog post..Sleezy Chicken
lana says
peanut butter AND chocolate? THE BEST!
lana’s last blog post..Sleezy Chicken
Diana says
In Ohio they’re called buckeyes because they look like buckeyes that fall from the buckeye tree.
Diana says
In Ohio they’re called buckeyes because they look like buckeyes that fall from the buckeye tree.
Diana says
In Ohio they’re called buckeyes because they look like buckeyes that fall from the buckeye tree.
Felicia says
Save some for me!
Felicia says
Save some for me!
Felicia says
Save some for me!
Angela says
A friend of mine made some of those for Christmas. Amazing! Thanks for sharing the recipe with us. 🙂
Angela’s last blog post..Tackling Leftovers
[email protected] says
I knew you were my friend, for a reason!! YOU RAWK with this recipe. I am SO excited!
[email protected]’s last blog post..Tempt My Tummy Tuesday….tricks, tips, and finds
[email protected] says
I knew you were my friend, for a reason!! YOU RAWK with this recipe. I am SO excited!
[email protected]’s last blog post..Tempt My Tummy Tuesday….tricks, tips, and finds
Jerri says
I posted my recipe for these back around Christmas. They are my favorite homemade candy of all time! The main difference is our recipes, is that I use parafin wax instead of shortening with the chocolate chips.
I also use the toothpicks and the freezer (or fridge) strategy. I used to make these with my dad when I was a kid, and he’s get very “upset” when the balls would fall in the chocolate, and this technique was a HUGE hit. And then at the end we’d spoon our leftover melted chocolate over the holes.
Jerri’s last blog post..Recipe of the Week: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Jerri says
I posted my recipe for these back around Christmas. They are my favorite homemade candy of all time! The main difference is our recipes, is that I use parafin wax instead of shortening with the chocolate chips.
I also use the toothpicks and the freezer (or fridge) strategy. I used to make these with my dad when I was a kid, and he’s get very “upset” when the balls would fall in the chocolate, and this technique was a HUGE hit. And then at the end we’d spoon our leftover melted chocolate over the holes.
Jerri’s last blog post..Recipe of the Week: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Angela says
A friend of mine made some of those for Christmas. Amazing! Thanks for sharing the recipe with us. 🙂
Angela’s last blog post..Tackling Leftovers
Angela says
A friend of mine made some of those for Christmas. Amazing! Thanks for sharing the recipe with us. 🙂
Angela’s last blog post..Tackling Leftovers
Sherry says
Yum! We make peanut butter balls every year for CHRISTmas. They get gobbled up quick,too. 😀
THanks for sharing!
Sherry’s last blog post..Greek Chicken Salad
Brenda says
These are really good and I often put them in the freezer, it really helps.
Brenda’s last blog post..Chicken Cabbage Salad for TMTT
Carol says
Mmmm…. I need these. Now!
Carol says
Mmmm…. I need these. Now!
Carol says
Mmmm…. I need these. Now!
sarah says
Um, my butt just got bigger reading that 🙂
sarah says
Um, my butt just got bigger reading that 🙂
sarah says
Um, my butt just got bigger reading that 🙂
[email protected] says
I love peanut butter eggs! We used to make this recipe all the time…and then we discovered that my 4th child has a nut allergy. No more peanut butter.
So, I have to get my peanut butter chocolate fix by purchasing a candy bar at the store and eating it before I get home.
When there’s a will, there’s a way.
[email protected]’s last blog post..Breakfast, Naptime, Playtime, Bath: A Poem
SweetsLady says
Yum! We make peanut butter balls every year for CHRISTmas. They get gobbled up quick,too. 😀
THanks for sharing!
Sherry’s last blog post..Greek Chicken Salad
SweetsLady says
Yum! We make peanut butter balls every year for CHRISTmas. They get gobbled up quick,too. 😀
THanks for sharing!
Sherry’s last blog post..Greek Chicken Salad
Kaycee says
They always make it sound so easy. I think I might have to try these.
Kaycee’s last blog post..Gratuitous Cuteness
Brenda says
These are really good and I often put them in the freezer, it really helps.
Brenda’s last blog post..Chicken Cabbage Salad for TMTT
Brenda says
These are really good and I often put them in the freezer, it really helps.
Brenda’s last blog post..Chicken Cabbage Salad for TMTT
[email protected] says
I love peanut butter eggs! We used to make this recipe all the time…and then we discovered that my 4th child has a nut allergy. No more peanut butter.
So, I have to get my peanut butter chocolate fix by purchasing a candy bar at the store and eating it before I get home.
When there’s a will, there’s a way.
[email protected]’s last blog post..Breakfast, Naptime, Playtime, Bath: A Poem
[email protected] says
I love peanut butter eggs! We used to make this recipe all the time…and then we discovered that my 4th child has a nut allergy. No more peanut butter.
So, I have to get my peanut butter chocolate fix by purchasing a candy bar at the store and eating it before I get home.
When there’s a will, there’s a way.
[email protected]’s last blog post..Breakfast, Naptime, Playtime, Bath: A Poem
Kaycee says
They always make it sound so easy. I think I might have to try these.
Kaycee’s last blog post..Gratuitous Cuteness
Kaycee says
They always make it sound so easy. I think I might have to try these.
Kaycee’s last blog post..Gratuitous Cuteness
Nellie Butler says
I’m all for chocolate covered just about anything. Mostly I make chocolate chip cookies though. I just can’t leave them alone! I’ll have to give this a shot:)
Nellie Butler’s last blog post..$50 Walmart Giveaway
Nellie Butler says
I’m all for chocolate covered just about anything. Mostly I make chocolate chip cookies though. I just can’t leave them alone! I’ll have to give this a shot:)
Nellie Butler’s last blog post..$50 Walmart Giveaway
Nellie Butler says
I’m all for chocolate covered just about anything. Mostly I make chocolate chip cookies though. I just can’t leave them alone! I’ll have to give this a shot:)
Nellie Butler’s last blog post..$50 Walmart Giveaway
Farrah from Wife and Mom of 3 says
MMM!
Farrah from Wife and Mom of 3 says
MMM!
Farrah from Wife and Mom of 3 says
MMM!
Deborah says
One word for you, my dear . . . YUM!
Deborah’s last blog post..Meet Ida H. Omemaker
Ali says
Oh. my. word. These sound FABULOUS! I am so going to make some of these and not share them with anyone! Reese’s are my favorite, anything peanut butter and chocolate, so these will become a fav too I assume, thanks for sharing!
Ali’s last blog post..Fresh Sqeezed OJ
Ali says
Oh. my. word. These sound FABULOUS! I am so going to make some of these and not share them with anyone! Reese’s are my favorite, anything peanut butter and chocolate, so these will become a fav too I assume, thanks for sharing!
Ali’s last blog post..Fresh Sqeezed OJ
Ali says
Oh. my. word. These sound FABULOUS! I am so going to make some of these and not share them with anyone! Reese’s are my favorite, anything peanut butter and chocolate, so these will become a fav too I assume, thanks for sharing!
Ali’s last blog post..Fresh Sqeezed OJ
Ali says
PS – you would think I would have made something like this before – IE Buckeyes since I live in Ohio lol, but just never have! Thanks for the inspiration!
Ali’s last blog post..Fresh Sqeezed OJ
Ali says
PS – you would think I would have made something like this before – IE Buckeyes since I live in Ohio lol, but just never have! Thanks for the inspiration!
Ali’s last blog post..Fresh Sqeezed OJ
Ali says
PS – you would think I would have made something like this before – IE Buckeyes since I live in Ohio lol, but just never have! Thanks for the inspiration!
Ali’s last blog post..Fresh Sqeezed OJ
Robyns Online World says
T and Hubby would go nuts for these! They love peanut butter. Not sure if you watch South Park – but the name reminds me of something Chef made on the show LOL!
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Deborah says
One word for you, my dear . . . YUM!
Deborah’s last blog post..Meet Ida H. Omemaker
Deborah says
One word for you, my dear . . . YUM!
Deborah’s last blog post..Meet Ida H. Omemaker
Robyn's Online World says
T and Hubby would go nuts for these! They love peanut butter. Not sure if you watch South Park – but the name reminds me of something Chef made on the show LOL!
Robyns Online World’s last blog post..Comment & Win #6 – $100 Amazon Gift Card
Robyn's Online World says
T and Hubby would go nuts for these! They love peanut butter. Not sure if you watch South Park – but the name reminds me of something Chef made on the show LOL!
Robyns Online World’s last blog post..Comment & Win #6 – $100 Amazon Gift Card
Blossoming Skillet says
These sound perfect for a treat for friends for Easter!
Blossoming Skillet’s last blog post..The long journey ends…….
Blossoming Skillet says
These sound perfect for a treat for friends for Easter!
Blossoming Skillet’s last blog post..The long journey ends…….
Blossoming Skillet says
These sound perfect for a treat for friends for Easter!
Blossoming Skillet’s last blog post..The long journey ends…….
Amy @ Finer Things says
These are one of my favorite Christmas treats. Like you, I didn’t think of the toothpick trick! Next time. 😉
Amy @ Finer Things’s last blog post..Menu Plan, Week of March 16
Amy @ Finer Things says
These are one of my favorite Christmas treats. Like you, I didn’t think of the toothpick trick! Next time. 😉
Amy @ Finer Things’s last blog post..Menu Plan, Week of March 16
Amy @ Finer Things says
These are one of my favorite Christmas treats. Like you, I didn’t think of the toothpick trick! Next time. 😉
Amy @ Finer Things’s last blog post..Menu Plan, Week of March 16
a says
Sounds exactly like my recipe. It goes over well at our house. Abi
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a says
Sounds exactly like my recipe. It goes over well at our house. Abi
[WORDPRESS HASHCASH] The poster sent us ‘0 which is not a hashcash value.
a says
Sounds exactly like my recipe. It goes over well at our house. Abi
[WORDPRESS HASHCASH] The poster sent us ‘0 which is not a hashcash value.