These Chocolate Peanut Butter Candies are everything you love about the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter, wrapped up in irresistible bite-sized treats. With a rich, creamy peanut butter center coated in velvety chocolate, each candy delivers a mouthful of pure delight—a perfect blend of sweet, salty, smooth, and just a hint of decadence. Whether you’re sharing them at parties, gifting them during the holidays, or sneaking one as an after-dinner treat, you’ll be amazed by how simple yet satisfying these candies are. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite no-bake dessert!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Candies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the beauty of simple, honest ingredients. Every element here is essential: they each play a starring role in making these Chocolate Peanut Butter Candies as luscious and crave-worthy as possible. From the creamy richness of peanut butter to the dreamy layer of chocolate, nothing is wasted and every bite is loaded with flavor.

Creamy Peanut Butter: Smooth style ensures a velvety texture in every candy; opt for store-bought or natural, as long as it’s not too oily.
Unsalted Butter (softened): Adds richness and helps bind the dough, making each bite melt-in-your-mouth soft.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash lifts all the flavors and brings a note of warmth and sweetness.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the filling so it can be easily molded—don’t skip the sifting if yours looks clumpy.
Semisweet or Milk Chocolate Chips: The smooth, glossy coat comes courtesy of your favorite chocolate; go milk for sweeter, semisweet for a bit more intensity.
Coconut Oil or Shortening: A little goes a long way to make the melted chocolate silky and easy to dip.

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Candies

Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl—trust me, you’ll want room to work! Combine the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract together, stirring until you have a luscious, completely smooth mixture. This step gives you that rich, slightly salty base that makes Chocolate Peanut Butter Candies so addictive.

Step 2: Incorporate the Powdered Sugar

Gradually add the powdered sugar to your peanut butter blend, mixing as you go. You’re aiming for a dough that’s thick, pliable, and not too sticky. If it sticks to your hands, add a spoonful more sugar until it’s just right—a little powder on your palms can make rolling a breeze!

Step 3: Shape and Chill the Filling

Scoop out tablespoon-sized amounts of the dough and roll into 1-inch balls. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange your candies with a little space between each. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes; chilling is crucial here, as it firms up the centers so they won’t fall apart when dipped in chocolate later.

Step 4: Melt the Chocolate

Now for the most mesmerizing part: melting the chocolate! Combine your chocolate chips and coconut oil (or shortening) in a heatproof bowl. Set it over a pan of gently simmering water, or melt in the microwave using 30-second bursts, stirring until completely smooth and glossy. The coconut oil ensures the coating is shiny and sets up with a satisfying snap.

Step 5: Dip and Coat

Using a fork or a dipping tool, lower each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, making sure it’s well coated. Let the excess drip off, then place the candy back onto your parchment-lined sheet. This is where the magic happens and your Chocolate Peanut Butter Candies start to look truly irresistible!

Step 6: Chill to Set

Finish things off by popping the coated candies back into the refrigerator for another 20 to 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set. You’ll know they’re ready when the chocolate doesn’t leave a mark when gently touched. Resist the urge to sample—just for a few more minutes!

How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Candies

Garnishes

These candies are gorgeous on their own, but a few extra touches make them eye-catching on any dessert tray. Try a drizzle of melted white chocolate, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or a dusting of edible gold for a festive touch. Each garnish brings its own twist—sea salt adds a pop of flavor, while white chocolate softens the rich color contrast and brings a moment of surprise.

Side Dishes

While Chocolate Peanut Butter Candies are completely snackable solo, pairing them with a small glass of milk, a mug of coffee, or an espresso truly elevates the experience. For dessert platters, serve alongside fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a plate of shortbread cookies for a beautiful contrast of textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation makes everything more special! Stack your candies pyramid-style on a stand for a party centerpiece, package them in pretty cellophane bags as homemade gifts, or tuck them into festive tins for the holidays. Lining a box with colorful tissue adds a fun, homemade feel. The versatility of Chocolate Peanut Butter Candies means they’ll look lovely pretty much any way you share them.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks. The cooler temperature keeps the chocolate crisp and the centers perfectly chewy—just make sure to separate layers with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

These candies are fantastic for freezing! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature, making them a dreamy, make-ahead treat for last-minute guests or sweet cravings.

Reheating

While Chocolate Peanut Butter Candies really shine cold or at room temperature, if you’d like a softer texture, take them out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving. Heating isn’t necessary—in fact, microwaving may melt the chocolate, so let them warm up naturally for best results.

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will add an extra layer of crunch and a little more texture to the centers. Just be aware the dough may be a bit harder to roll, so take your time and press it together gently as you go.

What’s the best way to dip the candies neatly?

Using a fork or a special candy dipping tool is your secret weapon. Gently lower the chilled ball into the chocolate, tap off excess against the side of the bowl, and slide it back onto the lined tray. If you want ultra-smooth sides, let the excess chocolate drip well before setting down.

Can I substitute the coconut oil?

Of course! If you prefer, you can use vegetable shortening or even a neutral-tasting oil. These help keep the chocolate coating smooth and shiny, but if you skip it entirely, the candies will still be delicious—just a little thicker in texture.

Are these candies gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as the ingredients you use (especially the chocolate and peanut butter) are labeled safe for celiac or gluten sensitivities. They’re perfect for sharing with friends who avoid gluten.

Can I make these in advance for holidays or parties?

Definitely. These candies are ideal for making ahead since they store well in both the fridge and freezer. Make a big batch, decorate or garnish as desired, and they’ll be ready to impress at any festive gathering or last-minute get-together.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Candies, you’re in for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth treat. Whether you whip up a batch to share or keep them all to yourself (no judgment here!), they’re sure to become a beloved go-to in your dessert rotation. Go ahead—gather your ingredients and treat yourself today!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Candies Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling time)
Yield: 30 candies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the irresistible combination of creamy peanut butter enrobed in rich chocolate with these easy-to-make Chocolate Peanut Butter Candies. Perfect for holiday treats or gifting!

Ingredients

Scale

Peanut Butter Filling:

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

Chocolate Coating:

2 cups semisweet or milk chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening

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Instructions

Prepare Peanut Butter Filling: In a large bowl, mix peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mix until dough forms.
Shape and Chill: Roll mixture into balls, chill for 30 mins.
Melt Chocolate: In a bowl over simmering water or microwave, melt chocolate and coconut oil.
Coat Peanut Butter Balls: Dip balls in chocolate, let excess drip off, place on sheet.
Set and Store: Refrigerate candies until chocolate sets. Store in airtight container.