Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
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Looking for an easy holiday candy? Try this Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls recipe that's made with creamy peanut butter and coated in a rich chocolate shell. It's perfect for dessert trays, homemade gifts, and anytime you need a sweet treat! This lightened-up version skips the butter but keeps all the classic peanut butter chocolate flavor you love.
Why You'll Love It!
- Flavor: tastes just like a Reese's cup!
- Easy: uses only 4 ingredients
- No Bake: stir on the stovetop, no baking involved
- Great Gifts: makes easy holiday gifts
- Better for You: butter is omitted, so it cuts down on fat
Jump To
Remember back in the day when your Grandma would make buckeye candy? These chocolate peanut butter balls are similar to a buckeye but taste more like a truffle. I've omitted the butter in the original recipe, and think you'll find this version an even better choice!
This irresistible candy makes wonderful gifts if you can manage to give any away. If you're putting together a holiday gift tin, try adding this Chocolate Fudge Recipe and a few Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies to make someone's day!
Only 4-Ingredients!
You only need 4 ingredients to make this easy recipe. Quantities are listed in the printable recipe card below.
- creamy peanut butter - creamy works better than crunchy in this recipe
- powdered sugar - adds sweetness and texture
- semi-sweet chocolate chips - works best to make a chocolate shell
- coconut oil - helps the chocolate set to the right consistency
Step by Step Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cream together the peanut butter and powdered sugar until it forms a thick dough. Place in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes to set.
- Roll the dough into balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Store in the fridge for 15 minutes while prepping other ingredients.
- Melt the coconut oil and chocolate chips in a saucepan or in the top portion of a double boiler (fill the bottom with water).
- Using toothpicks or a fork, dip the balls one at a time in the melted chocolate and roll it around to cover evenly.
- Remove candy from the melted chocolate and place back onto the baking sheet. Repeat until they're fully covered.
- Set baking sheet in the fridge until the chocolate shell is firm. If it doesn't firm up in the fridge, set the baking sheet in the freezer.
Favorite Pairings
If you're making a dessert tray and need some ideas on what to serve with chocolate covered peanut butter balls, try these fun holiday recipes...
Recipe FAQ
Yes, you can use substitute a tablespoon of shortening if desired. However, if you've never used coconut oil, you might want to give it a try because it works really well.
The dough should not be sticky. Add more powdered sugar in small amounts until stickiness goes away and balls are easy to roll. Transfer dough to the refrigerator or freezer to help them set if necessary.
This candy freezes really well. The easiest freezing method is to place the balls on a parchment paper lined sheet pan and freeze until solid. Transfer frozen candy to an airtight container for up to 3 months. To serve, allow candy to thaw at room temperature for at least 2 hours.
Helpful Tips
- It's important to place the dough in the refrigerator or freezer until it's firm which takes at least 10 minutes.
- Use a fork when dipping the dough into chocolate for best results. A toothpick can be used too, but it's easy to lose the candy.
- Dip only one piece of candy at a time.
- Stir chocolate between dipping candy. Reheat for a few seconds when chocolate gets too thick.
- After dipping the balls, you can spoon melted chocolate over them to double coat if desired.
- Once chocolate hardens, trim excess with a knife to create a ball shape.
Storage Guide
This candy can last up to 1 week in the refrigerator in an airtight container (if you're lucky to have any left).
Freeze for later by separating candy onto a lined sheet pan. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
More Holiday Desserts
You'll have the most requested recipes at your holiday party with these delicious desserts...
Tried this Recipe and Loved It? ❤️ Please scroll down and leave a *STAR* review for others to read!
Recipe Card
Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
*See notes in blog post for detailed tips, photos and instructions.
Equipment
- sheet pan (or cookie sheet)
- saucepan (or double boiler)
- toothpicks (or fork)
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1¼ cup powdered sugar (plus more if needed)
- 1 Tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cream together the peanut butter and powdered sugar until it forms a thick dough. Place in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes to set.
- Roll the dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter, and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Store in the fridge for 15 minutes while prepping other ingredients.
- Melt the coconut oil and chocolate chips in a saucepan or in the top portion of a double boiler (fill the bottom with water).
- Using toothpicks or a fork, dip the balls one at a time in the melted chocolate and roll it around to cover evenly.
- Remove peanut butter balls from the melted chocolate and place back onto the baking sheet. Repeat for all peanut butter balls until they're fully covered.
- Set baking sheet in the fridge until the chocolate shell is firm. If it doesn't firm up in the fridge, set the baking sheet in the freezer.
Notes
- Dough should not be sticky. Add more powdered sugar in small amounts until stickiness goes away and balls are easy to roll.
- Balls may spread after they warm up. Keep cold for best results.
- It's important to place the dough in the refrigerator or freezer until it's firm which takes at least 10 minutes.
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- Dip only one piece of candy at a time. Stir chocolate between dipping candy.
- Reheat for a few seconds when chocolate gets too thick. After dipping the balls, you can spoon melted chocolate over them to double coat if desired.
- Once chocolate hardens, trim excess with a knife to create a ball shape.
Nutrition
Nutrition info is an auto generated estimate.
*This recipe was originally published in December, 2020. It has been improved and republished with new ingredients and photos.
Just love these! And how simple, even I can do this!
Thank you Melanie! I love how simple these chocolate peanut balls are too!
Chocolate & Peanut Butter Lovers - this recipe is a MUST have. My husband took one bite and said WOW!!! I love that they can be frozen too. Beautifully presented and sooo delicious. Thanks Debi!!
Thanks Jane! I'm so glad that you and Jim enjoyed this candy so much! 🙂
I love buckeye candy but this looks even better. Can’t wait to try your recipe.
This candy is truly a treat! 🙂