These Peanut Butter Balls are a sweet treat that’s super easy to make! With creamy peanut butter, oats, and honey, they’re perfect for a quick snack or dessert.
Plus, rolling them into little balls is so fun! I like to keep a batch in the fridge for when I need a yummy pick-me-up during the day. Who can resist a chocolate-dipped version? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Creamy Peanut Butter: This is the star of the show! Look for a natural peanut butter without added sugar for a healthier option. If allergies are a concern, try sunflower seed butter; it works beautifully and tastes great!
Powdered Sugar: This gives the Peanut Butter Balls a smooth texture. If you need a less sugary option, consider using maple syrup or agave nectar, but adjust the graham cracker crumbs accordingly to keep consistency.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: They add a crunchy texture and a bit of flavor. If you can’t find them, crushed digestive biscuits or even oats can be used as a substitute.
Semisweet Chocolate Chips: The chocolate coating is key for that delicious finish. Dark chocolate works too, providing a richer flavor. If you’re avoiding chocolate, try using white chocolate or yogurt coating instead.
Coconut Oil: This is optional for a smoother chocolate coating. If you don’t have it, canola or vegetable oil will work as well.
How Can I Ensure My Peanut Butter Balls Hold Their Shape?
The shape is crucial for the aesthetics and ease of eating. Here are some tips to keep your Peanut Butter Balls from falling apart:
- Use a firm peanut butter that isn’t too runny; natural peanut butter can work well if stirred well and refrigerated first.
- When mixing ingredients, ensure the dough is firm enough to hold a ball shape. If it’s too soft, mix in more graham cracker crumbs.
- Chill the balls before dipping in chocolate; this helps them maintain shape and makes coating easier.
- Be gentle when coating in chocolate—if they are too soft, they might lose their shape while dipping.
By following these tips, you’ll have perfectly shaped Peanut Butter Balls every time!
Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable oil (optional, for smoother chocolate)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and an additional 1 hour of chilling. So, in total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 15 minutes before you’re enjoying these sweet treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix together the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and graham cracker crumbs. Stir well until everything is combined and forms a firm dough. This is the tasty base of your peanut butter balls!
2. Shape the Balls:
Using your hands, scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. Try to make them as even as possible for a nice presentation later! Place these balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3. Chill the Balls:
Pop the baking sheet into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This chilling time helps the balls firm up, making them easier to dip in chocolate later.
4. Melt the Chocolate:
While the peanut butter balls chill, melt the chocolate chips with the coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. If you don’t have coconut oil, you can skip it, but it makes the chocolate easier to work with.
5. Coat the Balls in Chocolate:
Once the peanut butter balls are firm, take them out of the fridge. Using a fork or toothpick, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, making sure to coat it evenly. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing them back on the parchment-lined tray.
6. Optional Decorating:
If you have leftover melted chocolate, you can drizzle it over the coated balls for a decorative touch. It adds a lovely effect and makes them even more delicious!
7. Final Chill:
Put the chocolate-coated peanut butter balls back in the refrigerator for about 1 hour or until the chocolate is fully set. This final chill time helps the coating harden nicely.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chocolate is set, your Peanut Butter Balls are ready to serve! Enjoy them chilled, and store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They’re perfect for a sweet snack or dessert whenever you want a little treat!
Enjoy these sweet, creamy, chocolate-covered peanut butter balls as a perfect bite-sized dessert or snack!
Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter! Just make sure to stir it well before measuring, as the oil may separate. Keep in mind that natural peanut butter can be a bit more runny, so the mixture may need additional graham cracker crumbs to firm it up.
How Should I Store Leftover Peanut Butter Balls?
Store any leftover peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I Make These Vegan-Friendly?
Absolutely! Ensure you use dairy-free chocolate chips and substitute the powdered sugar with a vegan-friendly alternative if desired. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan!
How Can I Make These Gluten-Free?
To make these Peanut Butter Balls gluten-free, simply substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or use almond flour for a delicious alternative!
