These Christmas Peanut Butter Balls are a breeze to make and impossible to resist—cream-filled holiday bliss without turning on the oven. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this festive no bake dessert feels special and vanishes fast at every holiday gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* No oven needed—just mix, roll, and chill for a fuss-free holiday treat.
* Ready in under an hour, including chilling time—perfect for last-minute party plans.
* Ideal for gift boxes, cookie swaps, or stocking stuffers—95% approval at my last Christmas mixer.
* Loved by kids and adults alike—this peanut butter-chocolate combo hits all the nostalgic notes.
* Customizable texture—use crunchy peanut butter or roll in chopped nuts for extra bite.
* Decadent semi-sweet chocolate coating wraps a creamy peanut butter surprise.
* Make ahead in bulk; stash extras in the freezer and thaw quickly when guests arrive.
* Sprinkle on festive red, green, or peppermint bits for a burst of color and cheer.
Ingredients
Gather these simple, pantry-friendly ingredients—you likely have most on hand already!
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter (Jif or Skippy for classic flavor; natural works too)
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips (Nestlé Toll House or Ghirardelli recommended)
– Festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Ready to get started? Let’s jump into the simple steps that make these Christmas Peanut Butter Balls a holiday showstopper.
- In a large bowl, beat creamy peanut butter and softened butter until smooth, using a hand mixer or sturdy spoon—you want a silky texture with no lumps.
- Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until a dough forms; it should be pliable yet firm enough to roll—if it feels sticky, add another tablespoon of sugar.
- Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough and roll into 1-inch balls, placing each on a parchment-lined baking sheet; wet your hands slightly to keep things neat.
- Chill the peanut butter balls in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to an hour) so they firm up nicely—this step makes dipping a breeze. While they chill, consider browsing my no-bake peppermint bark for another festive idea.
- Melt chocolate chips in a heat-proof bowl set over simmering water (double boiler) or in 20-second microwave bursts, stirring between intervals until silky smooth—take care not to overheat or the chocolate will seize.
- Using a fork or dipping tool, gently submerge each chilled ball in the melted chocolate, tapping off excess, then return to the parchment-lined tray; if the chocolate thickens, briefly rewarm.
- Before the coating sets, sprinkle on red and green sanding sugar, crushed candy canes, or holiday confetti—get playful with patterns or stick to classic dots.
- Chill the dipped balls for another 15 minutes, or until the chocolate sets completely; then transfer to airtight containers. Snap a pic and share on Instagram with #HolidaySweets—I love seeing your creations!
Servings & Timing
– Makes about 24 peanut butter balls
– Prep Time: 20 minutes
– Chill Time: 45 minutes
– Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Variations
* White chocolate swirl – drizzle melted white chocolate over the dipped balls for a two-tone look.
* Nutty crunch – roll in finely chopped roasted peanuts before the chocolate sets for extra texture.
* Peppermint twist – stir ½ teaspoon peppermint extract into the filling for a cool holiday kick.
* Dark chocolate upgrade – swap semi-sweet chips for rich dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher).
* Vegan-friendly – replace butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
* Spicy kick – add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne to the filling for subtle warmth.
Storage & Reheating
When the party’s over or you just crave a sweet midnight snack, knowing how to stash these treats is clutch. Store Christmas Peanut Butter Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week—just keep them away from strong odors. For longer storage, arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe box, freeze for up to three months, then thaw in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
A: Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds fun texture—just ensure it’s stirred well so no large chunks disrupt the roll.
Q: My chocolate seized—what should I do?
A: Stir in a teaspoon of neutral oil or coconut oil and gently reheat over low heat until smooth and glossy again.
Q: Are these gluten-free?
A: Yes, if your peanut butter and chocolate chips are certified gluten-free, this recipe is safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
Q: What’s the best way to shape uniform balls?
A: Use a small cookie scoop or heaping tablespoon measure, then roll between your palms; a slight hand mist with water stops sticking.
Q: Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
A: You sure can—make the dough 1 day in advance, keep it covered in the fridge, then roll and dip when you’re ready.
Q: How do I prevent the balls from flattening?
A: Keep dough chilled well before dipping and move quickly so they never get too soft; extra fridge time helps maintain shape.
Q: Could I freeze the finished balls?
A: Yes—freeze on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag; thaw in the fridge to preserve that crisp chocolate shell.
Q: Why did my peanut butter balls crumble?
A: Likely too much powdered sugar or too little butter/peanut butter; add a bit more binder until the mixture holds together easily.
Conclusion
These Christmas Peanut Butter Balls strike the perfect balance of creamy peanut butter and chocolate for a no bake holiday dessert that everyone will rave about. Give them a try at your next gathering, snap a photo, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your festive twist. If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy my gingerbread cookie recipe or peppermint bark roundup for more sweet inspiration.
Christmas Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (natural or traditional)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips (for coating)
- festive sprinkles (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, beat together creamy peanut butter and softened butter until smooth. Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until a dough forms.
- Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough and roll into 1-inch balls, placing each on a parchment-lined tray for easy handling.
- Refrigerate the peanut butter balls for about 30 minutes, or until firm to the touch, making dipping simpler.
- Melt chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or microwave in short bursts, stirring until silky smooth.
- Use a fork or dipping tool to coat each chilled ball in melted chocolate, then return to the tray and add sprinkles before the coating sets.
- Chill dipped balls for another 15 minutes, or until chocolate is completely firm, then transfer to airtight containers.
