4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

Try This Sweet 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe Today

Delectable no-bake peanut butter balls spark joy with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

These simple four-ingredient treats deliver a delightful blend of sweet and creamy textures.

Chocolate and peanut butter create an irresistible combination that melts in your mouth.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of rich, nutty goodness.

Rolling these balls is a breeze, making them an ideal dessert for busy home cooks.

The recipe requires just a few pantry staples and zero baking skills.

Whip up these delightful morsels and watch them disappear in seconds – your taste buds will thank you.

Just 4 Ingredients for Peanut Butter Balls

Base Ingredients:
  • Peanut Butter: A rich, creamy spread that forms the core flavor of the balls.
  • Butter: Adds smoothness and helps bind the ingredients together.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create the right consistency for the filling.
  • Chocolate Bark: Creates a smooth, glossy coating for the peanut butter balls.
Optional Additions:
  • Toothpick or Fork: Helps with dipping the balls into chocolate.
  • Wax Paper: Prevents the balls from sticking during preparation and setting.
Kitchen Tools:
  • Hand Mixer or Sturdy Spoon: Ensures ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
  • Cookie Scoop: Helps create uniform-sized balls.
  • Double Boiler or Microwave: Melts chocolate evenly and smoothly.
  • Cookie Sheet: Provides a surface for chilling and setting the balls.

Steps to Shape Peanut Butter Balls

Steps to Shape Peanut Butter Balls

Step 1: Whip Up The Filling

Grab your softened butter and peanut butter in a medium bowl.

Blend these ingredients using a hand mixer or strong spoon until they transform into a creamy, smooth mixture.

Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, mixing slowly.

The mixture might look crumbly initially, but continue mixing until a cohesive dough forms.

Step 2: Chill The Mixture

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a couple of hours.

Chilling helps firm up the mixture, making it easier to shape into perfect balls.

Step 3: Shape Delightful Spheres

Remove the chilled mixture from the refrigerator.

Use a cookie scoop to portion out 1-inch balls.

Roll each portion between your palms to create smooth, uniform spheres.

Place the balls on a wax paper-lined cookie sheet.

Transfer the tray to the freezer to further solidify the balls.

Step 4: Melt Chocolate Coating

Prepare your chocolate using either the double boiler method or microwave.

For double boiler, place chocolate in a heat-safe bowl over simmering water, stirring occasionally until completely smooth.

If using microwave, heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each session to prevent burning.

Step 5: Dip And Coat

Retrieve the frozen peanut butter balls.

Insert a toothpick or fork into each ball.

Dip each one into the melted chocolate, gently tapping your wrist to remove excess chocolate.

Place the coated balls back onto the wax paper.

Step 6: Allow Chocolate To Set

Let the chocolate coating harden completely at room temperature.

To speed up the process, place the tray in the refrigerator for approximately 20 minutes.

Once set, these decadent treats are ready to enjoy!

Tips to Master These Peanut Butter Balls

Tips to Master These Peanut Butter Balls
  • Refrigerate the filling mixture for a few hours to make rolling easier and prevent sticky hands during ball formation.
  • Use a double boiler or microwave with short intervals to melt chocolate evenly, stirring consistently to avoid burning.
  • Use a cookie scoop for uniform 1-inch balls, ensuring consistent shape and easy chocolate coating.
  • Gently tap your wrist while holding the toothpick to remove extra chocolate, creating a clean, professional-looking finish.
  • Place dipped peanut butter balls in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to speed up chocolate setting and enjoy them faster.

Store and Reheat Peanut Butter Balls the Right Way

  • Store peanut butter balls in an airtight container, separating layers with wax paper. Keep chilled for up to 1 week, maintaining their delicious texture and preventing chocolate from melting.
  • Wrap individual balls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Enjoy straight from frozen or let thaw in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving.
  • Keep in a cool, dry place in a sealed container for 2-3 days. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas to prevent chocolate from softening or separating.
  • Gently warm in microwave for 5-10 seconds if chocolate seems too firm. Alternatively, let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften naturally without compromising taste or texture.

Pair Peanut Butter Balls with These Treats

  • Elevate Chocolate Pairings: Rich dark chocolate complements the peanut butter's creamy texture, creating a sophisticated dessert experience that balances sweet and nutty flavors.
  • Drink Harmony: Pair these delectable balls with a cold glass of milk or a smooth bourbon that cuts through the richness and enhances the dessert's indulgent profile.
  • Serving Suggestion: Arrange peanut butter balls on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries and mint leaves for an elegant presentation that adds visual appeal and subtle freshness.
  • Temperature Play: Serve slightly chilled to maintain chocolate's crisp coating and preserve the creamy peanut butter center, ensuring maximum flavor and textural enjoyment.

Peanut Butter Balls Mix-In Ideas

  • Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Balls: Replace regular powdered sugar with certified gluten-free powdered sugar to ensure safe consumption for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Chocolate Coating Option: Swap chocolate bark with dairy-free dark chocolate or vegan chocolate chips melted with a touch of coconut oil for a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Version: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of powdered sugar, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining creamy texture.
  • Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Substitute powdered sugar with powdered erythritol and use sugar-free chocolate chips, creating a low-carb treat perfect for ketogenic diets.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of nut butter instead of peanut butter?

Yes, you can substitute almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor profile. Just ensure it has a similar consistency to peanut butter.

  • How do I prevent the filling from being too sticky when rolling?

Ensure the mixture is well-chilled and use slightly damp hands when rolling. If it’s still too sticky, add a bit more powdered sugar to the mixture.

  • What's the best way to melt chocolate for dipping?

Use a double boiler method for the most consistent results. If using a microwave, heat in short 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval to prevent burning.

  • Can I make these peanut butter balls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the balls and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week before dipping in chocolate.

What’s Great About Peanut Butter Balls

What’s Great About Peanut Butter Balls
  • These peanut butter balls require only four ingredients, making them a breeze to prepare for anyone from novice bakers to kitchen pros.
  • Swap chocolate types, add sprinkles, or experiment with different nut butters to create your unique spin on this classic dessert.
  • Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or casual get-togethers, these bite-sized treats will disappear faster than you can make them.
  • With just basic kitchen tools like a mixing bowl, cookie sheet, and simple melting technique, anyone can master these delectable treats without fancy equipment.
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4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Irresistible chocolate-dipped peanut butter balls bring sweet simplicity to classic dessert lovers. Quick no-bake treats blend creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, melted chocolate, and vanilla for a delightful homemade indulgence you’ll crave.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 6 tablespoons (3/8 cup) unsalted butter, softened

Additional Ingredients:

  • 16 ounces (454 grams) chocolate bark

Instructions

  1. Prepare the filling by combining softened butter and peanut butter in a medium bowl. Blend thoroughly using a hand mixer or spoon until achieving a creamy consistency.
  2. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar into the mixture, stirring until the texture transforms from crumbly to cohesive. The dough will eventually form a smooth, uniform mass.
  3. Refrigerate the filling for approximately 2 hours, covering the bowl with plastic wrap. Chilling helps solidify the mixture, facilitating easier ball formation.
  4. Remove the chilled mixture from the refrigerator. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out 1-inch sections and roll them between your palms to create uniform spheres.
  5. Arrange the rolled balls on a wax paper-lined cookie sheet. Transfer the tray to the freezer for additional firming, approximately 15-20 minutes.
  6. Prepare the chocolate coating using a double boiler or microwave. If using a double boiler, melt chocolate over simmering water, stirring occasionally. For microwave, heat in 20-second intervals, mixing between each session to prevent burning.
  7. Extract the chilled peanut butter balls from the freezer. Insert a toothpick or fork into each ball, then submerge in melted chocolate, gently tapping to remove excess coating.
  8. Place the chocolate-dipped balls back onto the wax paper, allowing them to set at room temperature or expedite the process by refrigerating for approximately 20 minutes until the chocolate hardens completely.

Notes

  • Ensure butter and peanut butter are softened at room temperature for smooth, easy mixing without lumps.
  • Add powdered sugar gradually to prevent dusty clouds and achieve perfect dough consistency.
  • Refrigerating the mixture helps control stickiness and makes rolling balls much easier and neater.
  • Briefly freezing balls before chocolate dipping prevents filling from melting during coating process.
  • Use high-quality chocolate bark for smoother, more professional-looking finish.
  • Swap regular peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for nut-free version; use dairy-free chocolate for vegan option.
  • Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Rolling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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