These peanut butter balls are super tasty little treats that combine creamy peanut butter, sweet honey, and crunchy oats. They are perfect for a quick snack or dessert!
Making them is easy as pie! Mix everything together, roll into balls, and you’re good to go. Just be careful; they’re so good, you might eat them all at once! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Creamy Peanut Butter: This gives the balls their rich flavor. If you prefer crunchy peanut butter, go for it! It adds a fun texture.
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter helps bind everything together. You could substitute with coconut oil or a vegan butter if you want a dairy-free option.
Powdered Sugar: This sweetener makes the mixture smooth. If you’re looking to reduce sugar, try substituting with a sugar-free powdered sweetener. Just be aware it may change the texture a bit.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Use these for coating the balls. You can swap with dark chocolate for a richer taste or use milk chocolate if you prefer something sweeter.
Sea Salt Flakes: These add a nice salty contrast to the sweetness. If you don’t have sea salt, regular salt works, but use it sparingly.
How Do I Get the Perfect Chocolate Coating?
Dipping peanut butter balls in melted chocolate can be tricky, but here are some tips to make it smooth and easy:
- Make sure to chill the peanut butter balls. This helps them hold their shape when you dip them in chocolate.
- Use two forks: One to scoop and the other to help roll the ball in the chocolate. This keeps your hands clean!
- Let excess chocolate drip off before placing them back on the parchment. Too much chocolate can lead to a mess!
- Drizzle a little extra chocolate on top for a decorative touch. Just have fun with it!
Clearing a little time for chilling and careful dipping ensures a delicious finish for your peanut butter balls!
Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (natural or smooth)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Sea salt flakes (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare the peanut butter balls, plus 30 minutes in the fridge to firm them up, and another hour for the chocolate to set. In total, it will take about 2 hours, but most of that time is just letting them chill.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Peanut Butter Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix it all together until you have a smooth and creamy mixture. You can use a spatula or a mixer to make it easier. It should be thick but easy to work with.
2. Shape the Balls:
Scoop out small amounts of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls with your hands. Place each ball onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure to leave some space between each ball, as they may spread slightly when chilling.
3. Chill the Balls:
Put the baking sheet with the peanut butter balls in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will help them firm up and make it easier to coat them with chocolate.
4. Melt the Chocolate:
While the balls are chilling, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Place them in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each interval until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Be careful not to overheat!
5. Dip the Balls:
Once the peanut butter balls are firm, use a fork or toothpick to dip each ball into the melted chocolate. Make sure they are fully coated. Let the excess chocolate drip off before placing them back onto the parchment paper.
6. Decorate:
If you like, drizzle some extra melted chocolate on top of each ball for a nice finish. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt flakes on each ball for extra flavor.
7. Set the Chocolate:
Put the chocolate-coated peanut butter balls back in the fridge to set. This should take about 1 hour. Once the chocolate is hard, they are ready to enjoy!
8. Store and Enjoy:
Keep the peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the fridge. They taste best chilled! Enjoy your delicious treats whenever you need a sweet snack!
Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter Instead of Creamy Peanut Butter?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter! Just keep in mind that it may have a different texture, and you might need to adjust the powdered sugar slightly for consistency.
How Do I Store Leftover Peanut Butter Balls?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months! Just let them thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
Can I Substitute the Chocolate Chips with Another Type?
Absolutely! You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate if you prefer. Each type will give a different flavor profile, so choose based on your taste!
What if My Chocolate is Too Thick to Dip the Balls?
If your chocolate seems too thick to dip, you can add a teaspoon of vegetable oil or coconut oil to thin it out. This will help it coat the peanut butter balls more smoothly!