These Peanut Butter Balls (Truffles) are a holiday classic—rich, creamy, no-bake treats dipped in smooth chocolate and finished with a festive touch. Made with simple ingredients like peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar, they come together in minutes and disappear even faster. Whether you’re assembling a Christmas cookie tray or preparing edible gifts, these bite-sized truffles are always a hit!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🥜 Simple Ingredients – Pantry staples and no baking required
- 🍫 Perfect Texture – Creamy center with a crisp chocolate shell
- 🎁 Ideal for Gifting – Package in cute boxes or tins for homemade holiday gifts
- ⏱️ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes (plus chilling)
- ❄️ Make-Ahead Friendly – Freezer-safe for stress-free prep
Ingredients
- 1½ cups creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ tsp salt (skip if using salted butter)
- 2½–3 cups powdered sugar (to desired consistency)
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or melting wafers
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smoother chocolate)
Optional Toppings:
- Holiday sprinkles
- Crushed peanuts
- Sea salt flakes
- White chocolate drizzle
Instructions
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, mix peanut butter, butter, and salt until smooth. Gradually stir in powdered sugar until the mixture forms a thick dough that’s easy to roll.
- Roll into Balls: Scoop and roll dough into 1-inch balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips with coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Dip the Balls: Use a fork or dipping tool to coat each ball in chocolate. Let excess drip off, then return to parchment.
- Decorate: Immediately add sprinkles or other toppings before chocolate sets.
- Chill Again: Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes until chocolate is fully set.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 30–40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: ~36 truffles
Estimated Cost: ~$7
Nutrition Facts (per truffle, approx.)
- Calories: 130
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: ~55mg
Based on standard ingredients and chocolate chips.
Tips & Variations
- Use Crunchy Peanut Butter: For extra texture
- Try White Chocolate: For a different flavor profile
- Add a Center: Place a mini pretzel or mini marshmallow in the middle
- Drizzle for Design: Once chocolate sets, drizzle with white or dark chocolate
- Make it Vegan: Use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips
Peanut Butter Balls (Truffles)
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl
- – Fork or dipping tool
Ingredients
- – 1½ cups creamy peanut butter
- – ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- – ½ tsp salt
- – 2½–3 cups powdered sugar
- – 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- – 1 tbsp coconut oil optional
- **Optional Toppings**
- – Sprinkles
- – Crushed peanuts
- – Sea salt
- – White chocolate drizzle
Instructions
- Mix peanut butter, butter, and salt until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar until a rollable dough forms.
- Roll into 1-inch balls and place on parchment. Chill 30 minutes.
- Melt chocolate with coconut oil.
- Dip balls in chocolate and return to parchment.
- Add toppings before chocolate sets.
- Chill until firm and store chilled.
Notes
– Store in fridge or freezer
– Double the batch for parties
– Try white chocolate for variation
FAQs
Can I freeze these?
Yes! Place in a single layer in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
It’s not recommended—natural varieties are often too oily or runny. Stick with commercial creamy peanut butter for best results.
How do I store them?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days.
What’s the best way to dip them neatly?
Use a fork or truffle dipper, and tap off excess chocolate on the edge of the bowl before placing on parchment.
Conclusion
These Peanut Butter Balls (Truffles) are everything a holiday treat should be—easy to make, rich, indulgent, and endlessly giftable. Whether you dress them up with sprinkles or keep it simple with a glossy chocolate coat, they’ll be the first treat to vanish from any dessert table.