If you’re looking for the ultimate easy treat that brings together the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter and the irresistible pull of chocolate, look no further than these No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls. These little bites are pure comfort food: simple to make, absolutely decadent, and a nostalgic nod to childhood dessert tables and holiday festivities. Whether you’re whipping up a quick batch for a party, prepping ahead for a busy week, or simply craving something sweet with zero oven time, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss—making No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls a snack-time superstar!

No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls serves a delicious purpose, coming together in perfect harmony for that gooey, chocolate-dipped finish. These pantry staples transform into something magical, so don’t skimp—the better the quality, the better the treat!

Creamy Peanut Butter: The star – go for smooth and rich for the perfect melt-in-your-mouth center.
Unsalted Butter, softened: Makes the mixture extra creamy and helps balance the sweetness.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a beautiful aroma and subtle flavor depth you’ll notice in every bite.
Powdered Sugar: Binds everything together while providing that signature soft, sweet texture.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The outside shell! Semi-sweet keeps things balanced, not too sugary.
Coconut Oil or Shortening: Makes the melted chocolate extra glossy and easy to coat each ball.

How to Make No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

Step 1: Mix the Peanut Butter Base

In a medium bowl, combine creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Use a sturdy spatula or electric mixer to beat everything together until it’s luxuriously smooth and fully blended. This base is the heart of your No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls, creating that signature melt-in-your-mouth center.

Step 2: Sweeten and Thicken with Powdered Sugar

Begin adding the powdered sugar a little at a time, mixing thoroughly with each addition. You’re aiming for a thick, slightly crumbly dough that holds together easily when pressed. Don’t rush this step—patience ensures every ball will roll up perfectly and keep their shape for dipping!

Step 3: Shape the Balls

Scoop out heaping teaspoons (or use a small cookie scoop, if you have one) and roll the mixture between your palms into about 1-inch balls. Arrange these on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching. This step is all about hands-on fun, and it’s a great job for little helpers if you’ve got some eager hands in the kitchen.

Step 4: Chill for Easy Dipping

Refrigerate the peanut butter balls for at least 30 minutes. This quick chill helps them firm up, making them much easier to coat in chocolate without losing their shape. If you’re prepping ahead, you can even pop them in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.

Step 5: Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil (or shortening). Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy. The coconut oil helps thin out the chocolate just enough for that picture-perfect coating.

Step 6: Dip, Coat, and Chill

Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Let the excess drip off, then return each ball to the lined baking sheet. Work quickly but gently. Once all are dipped, pop them back in the refrigerator until the chocolate has set and you’re left with beautiful, glossy No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls.

How to Serve No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way in elevating your No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls. While the classic look is stunning on its own, try sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt or a dusting of crushed peanuts on top just after dipping. Even a drizzle of white or dark chocolate adds a festive touch, making each one look like a tiny, edible gift.

Side Dishes

These treats are perfect as a stand-alone snack, but they pair beautifully on a holiday dessert tray alongside things like chewy brownies, crisp cookies, or fresh berries. Try them with coffee, an ice-cold glass of milk, or a mug of hot cocoa for a dessert spread that pleases anyone with a sweet tooth!

Creative Ways to Present

No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls can be adorably packaged in mini cupcake liners and tucked into a decorative box for gifts. Stack them pyramid-style on a tiered platter or thread a few onto skewers for a playful party display. You can even color-code drizzles or tiny sprinkles to match your celebration theme.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to two weeks—though in my house, they rarely last that long! Layering them between sheets of parchment paper prevents sticking and keeps their chocolate shells pristine.

Freezing

Planning ahead? These treats are freezer-friendly! Arrange the finished balls in a single layer on a tray to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three months, so you can always have a stash ready for snack attacks or guests.

Reheating

No need to reheat! Just thaw frozen No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. They’re best enjoyed cold or at room temperature—no microwaves required, so the chocolate stays firm and snappy.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add tiny bits of peanut throughout, which gives each bite extra texture and a bit of a nutty surprise.

What if I don’t have coconut oil or shortening for melting the chocolate?

If you’re out of coconut oil or shortening, a little bit of light-flavored cooking oil (such as vegetable or canola oil) will also help the chocolate melt smoothly and coat the balls evenly.

Can these No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls be made gluten-free?

Yes, they’re naturally gluten-free as written, just be sure any add-ins (like graham crackers) are gluten-free, too. Always double-check your ingredient labels to be safe if allergies are a concern.

How do I prevent the peanut butter balls from sticking to my hands?

If the mixture is sticky, lightly coat your hands with a bit of powdered sugar or chill the dough for 10 minutes before rolling. This makes it much easier to form neat, round balls.

Can I make these with white chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Definitely! White chocolate brings a whole new flavor twist—just be gentle when melting, as it can scorch more easily. Try half white, half dark chocolate for eye-catching variety!

Final Thoughts

Once you try these classic No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls, they’ll become your go-to treat for nearly any occasion. They bring together simple ingredients and quick prep for a result that truly feels special with every bite. Dive in, have fun with the process, and don’t be surprised when your friends and family start requesting them by name!

No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes plus chilling
Yield: 24 balls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Description

These No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls are a delightful treat that combines creamy peanut butter with rich chocolate in a bite-sized ball. Easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings!

Ingredients

Scale

Peanut Butter Balls:

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar

Chocolate Coating:

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 teaspoons coconut oil or shortening

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Mix Peanut Butter Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually stir in the powdered sugar until a thick dough forms.
Form Balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips with coconut oil in 30-second intervals until smooth.
Coat Balls: Dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring full coverage. Return to the baking sheet.
Chill: Chill until the chocolate sets before serving.