4-ingredient Peanut Butter Balls

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Goods.

Started making these peanut butter balls every Christmas and now family begs for them year round! Super simple with just a few ingredients but taste like expensive candy. My kids love helping roll the centers but get covered in chocolate during dipping part. Found out the trick is keeping them cold between steps. Made them for a bake sale and they sold out first. Perfect sweet treat to keep in the freezer. Great homemade gift too. Love that you dont need any special tools or skills.
Mina cooking in her kitchen
Updated on Thu, 09 Jan 2025 17:54:46 GMT
A close-up image of a bowl filled with chocolate-covered peanut butter energy balls, with one ball cut in half to reveal its creamy inside and chocolate chips. Pin it
A close-up image of a bowl filled with chocolate-covered peanut butter energy balls, with one ball cut in half to reveal its creamy inside and chocolate chips. | lastminrecipes.com

Easy 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls

These peanut butter balls are pure chocolate peanut butter magic. I love how something so simple four ingredients can turn into such an irresistible treat. They're perfect for holiday cookie plates gift giving or just satisfying those chocolate peanut butter cravings anytime.

Why These Peanut Butter Balls Never Last Long

The combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate makes these impossible to resist. I love that they're so easy to make even the kids can help roll them. Plus you can make them ahead and freeze them perfect for busy holiday seasons.

What You'll Need

  • Creamy Peanut Butter: Creates that perfect smooth center.
  • Butter: Salted butter makes everything better.
  • Powdered Sugar: Gives us that perfect texture.
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: For that amazing chocolate shell.
  • Optional: A bit of shortening or coconut oil helps with dipping.

Let's Make Some Magic

Mix It Up
Blend your peanut butter and butter then mix in that powdered sugar.
Roll Those Balls
Shape into perfect little bites then let them chill.
Get Your Chocolate Ready
Melt those chocolate chips until smooth and glossy.
Dip and Decorate
Give each ball a chocolate bath then let them set up nice and pretty.

My Candy Making Secrets

Always chill your peanut butter balls before dipping they'll hold together better. Try different toppings like holiday sprinkles or drizzle with extra chocolate. Use a fork for dipping it keeps things neat and gives them that classic look on top.

Keep Them Fresh

These peanut butter balls stay perfect in the fridge for a week if they last that long. Want to make them ahead? They freeze beautifully for up to a month just layer them with wax paper so they don't stick together.

A close-up of a bowl filled with chocolate-covered cookie dough balls, with one ball cut in half showing chocolate chips inside. Pin it
A close-up of a bowl filled with chocolate-covered cookie dough balls, with one ball cut in half showing chocolate chips inside. | lastminrecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why chill the dough twice?

First chilling firms it for shaping, second ensures balls hold shape while dipping.

→ Why add shortening to chocolate?

It makes the chocolate smoother for dipping and gives a better finish.

→ Can I use natural peanut butter?

Regular creamy works best as natural can separate and affect texture.

→ How should I store these?

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

→ Can I freeze them?

Yes, they freeze well for up to 3 months in an airtight container.

Peanut Butter Balls

Easy homemade candy featuring creamy peanut butter centers dipped in chocolate. A perfect holiday treat made with just 4 ingredients.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
5 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Mina

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (24 balls)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter.
02 3 tablespoons salted butter, softened.
03 1 cup powdered sugar.
04 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips.
05 1 tablespoon shortening or coconut oil (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Mix peanut butter and butter together.

Step 02

Gradually stir in powdered sugar.

Step 03

Chill 15 minutes to firm.

Step 04

Shape into 1-inch balls.

Step 05

Chill balls 20 minutes.

Step 06

Melt chocolate chips.

Step 07

Dip balls in chocolate.

Step 08

Place on wax paper and refrigerate until set.

Notes

  1. Double chill time important.
  2. Shortening makes smoother chocolate.
  3. Use regular, not natural peanut butter.
  4. Keeps 2 weeks refrigerated.
  5. Can freeze 3 months.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowl.
  • Baking sheet.
  • Wax paper.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Peanuts.
  • Dairy (butter).
  • Soy (possible in chips).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 107
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 10 g
  • Protein: 2 g