4-ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
Introduction
These 4-ingredient peanut butter balls are a quick and delicious treat that comes together in no time. Creamy, chocolate-coated, and perfectly sweet, they’re ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth or sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening or coconut oil (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, stirring until fully incorporated. Cover the mixture and refrigerate for about 15 minutes to firm up.
- Step 2: Using your hands, roll the chilled mixture into 1-inch balls. Arrange them on a baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to help them hold their shape during dipping.
- Step 3: Melt the chocolate chips according to the package instructions. If desired, stir in the vegetable shortening or coconut oil for a smoother, glossier coating.
- Step 4: Using a fork, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, allowing excess chocolate to drip off. Place the coated balls onto wax paper. Cover and refrigerate until the chocolate hardens and the treats are ready to serve.
Tips & Variations
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
- Add a pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate before it sets for a sweet-salty contrast.
- Use dark chocolate or white chocolate chips to change up the flavor.
- Chilling the balls thoroughly before dipping helps prevent them from falling apart in the chocolate.
Storage
Store the peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months, thawing in the refrigerator before serving. To refresh the chocolate coating after refrigeration, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter for this recipe?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter works well and adds a delightful texture to the peanut butter balls.
Do I have to use vegetable shortening or coconut oil in the chocolate?
No, the shortening or oil is optional. It helps create a smoother and shinier chocolate coating but the balls will still taste great without it.
Print4-ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
These 4-ingredient Peanut Butter Balls are a simple, no-bake treat combining creamy peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, and a chocolate coating. Perfect for quick homemade snacks or desserts, they offer a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors with a rich chocolate exterior.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 peanut butter balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Mixture
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 Tbsp salted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Chocolate Coating
- 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
- 1 Tbsp vegetable shortening or coconut oil (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and softened salted butter. Gradually stir in the powdered sugar until the mixture forms a smooth and fully combined dough. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for about 15 minutes to allow the dough to firm up.
- Shape into balls: Using clean hands, shape the chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Place the formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to help them hold their shape during dipping.
- Melt the chocolate: Melt the semi sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler according to package instructions. If desired, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable shortening or coconut oil to the melted chocolate for a smoother and shinier finish.
- Dip the balls: Using a fork, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess chocolate to drip off. Place the dipped balls onto wax paper or parchment to set. Cover and refrigerate until the chocolate coating is firm and ready to serve.
Notes
- For a firmer texture, chill the peanut butter mixture longer before shaping.
- You can substitute salted butter with unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt if preferred.
- The vegetable shortening or coconut oil is optional but helps the chocolate coating set with a glossy finish.
- Store the peanut butter balls in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Allow the balls to come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.
Keywords: peanut butter balls, peanut butter recipes, no bake dessert, easy peanut butter treats, chocolate peanut butter balls
