Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: Use a smooth, creamy peanut butter for the best consistency and flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier blending.
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar: Start with 3 cups and gradually add more depending on the dough’s consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a nice depth of flavor to the peanut butter mixture.
- Chocolate chips (optional, for coating): You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips for coating, depending on your preference. About 1 to 1 1/2 cups should be sufficient.
Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter and softened butter until smooth and well-combined. You can use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon, depending on your preference.
- Gradually add in powdered sugar—1 cup at a time—beating well after each addition. This allows the sugar to blend into the peanut butter mixture, creating a smooth and thick dough. The dough should be firm but still manageable.
- Stir in vanilla extract to add a subtle flavor that complements the peanut butter and sweetness.
Pro Tip: If the mixture is too sticky or soft to roll into balls, you can refrigerate the dough for about 10-15 minutes before shaping.
2. Shape the Balls:
- Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, roll the peanut butter mixture into round balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet or a large plate lined with wax paper or parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking while you coat them.
- If you want perfectly shaped balls, wet your hands lightly before rolling, or coat your hands with a little powdered sugar to prevent the dough from sticking.
3. Coat in Chocolate (Optional):
- Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave. To microwave, place the chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth.
- Dip each ball into the melted chocolate using a fork or a toothpick, ensuring that each ball is fully coated. Let any excess chocolate drip off before placing it back onto the wax paper.
- If you prefer a thicker chocolate coating, repeat the dipping process for a second layer of chocolate.
Pro Tip: You can also drizzle the melted chocolate over the balls instead of fully coating them if you prefer a less indulgent version.
4. Chill and Serve:
- Once all the balls are coated (or not, if you skipped the chocolate), place them in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes to set the chocolate and firm up the peanut butter balls.
- The chocolate will harden, and the peanut butter balls will become firm enough to handle without getting too sticky.
Storage Tips:
- Store your peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. If freezing, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- For a softer texture, let the peanut butter balls sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.
Variations:
- Add-ins: You can mix in some chopped crushed graham crackers, mini marshmallows, or even chopped peanuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Healthier version: Use natural peanut butter and swap out powdered sugar for a more natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Adjust the consistency as needed.
- Nut-free option: Use sunflower seed butter or almond butter instead of peanut butter for a nut-free version of this treat.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these peanut butter balls as a holiday treat, for special occasions, or simply as a sweet snack.
- They also make great gifts. Pack them in a decorative tin or jar with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Enjoy your classic, indulgent peanut butter balls that are sure to be a crowd favorite! Let me know if you have any more questions or need additional help! 😊