The very first time I made these No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls, my whole kitchen filled with that cozy, nostalgic scent of peanut butter and chocolate—the kind that instantly transports you back to childhood holidays and family gatherings. As I mixed the creamy peanut butter with the powdered sugar, the texture turned into this velvety dough that felt almost therapeutic to roll between my palms. And when I dipped those little peanut butter centers into warm, glossy melted chocolate, I couldn’t help but smile because I knew I had created something special. These treats are simple, comforting, and absolutely irresistible every single time I make them.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it’s the perfect blend of indulgent chocolate on the outside and soft, melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter goodness on the inside. It’s quick, requires no baking, and uses classic pantry ingredients you probably already have on hand. Whether you’re making them for holiday dessert trays, gifting them in pretty boxes, or sneaking one straight from the freezer at midnight, these peanut butter balls satisfy every craving with barely any effort.
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar (as needed for consistency)
- 2 cups chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)
I tend to use creamy peanut butter because it creates that classic, smooth texture most people love, but chunky peanut butter works if you want a little crunch. The amount of powdered sugar can vary depending on the humidity in your home and the brand of peanut butter you use—sometimes I need closer to three cups, sometimes more. Just keep adding until the dough is firm enough to roll without sticking. For the chocolate coating, I love using semi-sweet chocolate chips because they balance the sweetness of the filling, but milk chocolate works beautifully too.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or wooden spoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment or wax paper
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Fork or dipping tool
Having a mixing bowl big enough to hold all the ingredients makes things easier, especially when the dough thickens. A hand mixer speeds up the creaming process, but honestly, I’ve made these plenty of times using nothing but a sturdy wooden spoon. The baking sheet lined with parchment is essential for keeping the balls from sticking as they chill. And a simple fork works perfectly for dipping them into melted chocolate—I grip them gently, tap off the excess chocolate, and slide them back onto the parchment.
Step-by-Step Instructions
I always start by creaming together the softened butter and peanut butter until the mixture is silky and smooth. When they blend properly at the beginning, the final texture becomes incredibly soft and luscious. Once those two are combined, I gradually add the powdered sugar. I’ve learned to add it in small amounts, mixing in between, until the dough reaches a consistency that doesn’t cling to my hands. It should feel similar to play dough—firm yet pliable.(See the next page below to continue…)