If you’re looking for a treat that’s rich, nostalgic, impossibly easy, and guaranteed to disappear faster than you made it—welcome, friend. These No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls are everything you love about peanut butter and chocolate, wrapped in one irresistible bite. I’m genuinely so grateful you’re here, because this is one of those recipes that feels like sharing a little joy.
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What You’ll Find in This Recipe
This no-bake classic features a creamy, buttery peanut butter center rolled into balls and dipped into silky melted chocolate. They’re sweet, soft, fudgy, and endlessly satisfying—yet the recipe is almost embarrassingly easy.
Each bite is smooth, melt-in-your-mouth perfection with just the right balance of salty peanut butter and decadent chocolate. I promised you easy… and here’s proof!
Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Balls
- No baking required—a dream for busy weeks and hot days.
- Only a handful of ingredients you likely already have.
- Fast prep + short chilling time means you’re eating these in under an hour.
- Perfect for gifting, parties, or late-night cravings.
- Easily customizable with mix-ins or fancy drizzles.
- Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly, which makes them twice as lovable!
What Do They Taste Like?
Imagine the inside of a Reese’s cup… but creamier, richer, more luscious, and wrapped in a thick chocolate shell that snaps just a little when you bite into it.
These are anything but boring!! Every time I make them I wonder why I don’t do it more often.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Naturally gluten-free
- No oven, no fuss
- Can be made ahead for up to a week
- Scales easily for holidays and big batches
- Excellent for gifting or cookie platters
Ingredients
For the Peanut Butter Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
For the Chocolate Coating
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smoother melting)
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or sturdy spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Fork or dipping tool
Optional Add-Ins & Easy Substitutions
Mix-Ins
- Crushed pretzels (salty crunch heaven!)
- Rice cereal
- Mini chocolate chips
- Toasted coconut
Substitutions
- Use crunchy peanut butter for texture
- Almond butter or cashew butter for a twist
- Dark chocolate or milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet
- Vegan butter + dairy-free chocolate to make the recipe fully vegan
How to Make No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls
Step 1 — Make the Peanut Butter Dough
In a large bowl, beat together peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla until silky smooth.
Step 2 — Add the Powdered Sugar
Gradually mix in powdered sugar until a thick, moldable dough forms.
Step 3 — Roll Into Balls
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions, roll into smooth balls, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 4 — Chill
Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until firm enough to dip.
Step 5 — Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth.
Step 6 — Dip & Set
Dip each peanut butter ball using a fork, allow excess chocolate to drip off, and place back onto the tray.
Step 7 — Final Chill
Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes until the chocolate is completely set.
What to Serve with Peanut Butter Balls
These little gems pair beautifully with:
- Coffee or espresso
- Hot cocoa (for a cozy winter treat!)
- Vanilla or chocolate ice cream
- A holiday cookie platter
- Fresh fruit slices like strawberries or bananas
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Balls
- If the dough is too soft, add 1–2 tablespoons more powdered sugar.
- If the dough cracks, knead in a teaspoon of softened butter.
- Chill the balls well before dipping for a cleaner coating.
- Use parchment—not foil—to avoid sticking.
- For bakery-level looks, drizzle with white chocolate or sprinkle sea salt on top.
Storage Instructions
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before enjoying.
General Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 balls
- Calories: 170 per ball
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely—they’re perfect for prepping days in advance.
Can I melt the chocolate on the stovetop instead of the microwave?
Yes! Use a double boiler for gentle, even melting.
Do they need to stay refrigerated?
For the best texture and firmness, yes.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
You can, but the texture may be softer. Look for natural PB with stabilizers or add extra powdered sugar as needed.
Conclusion
These No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls are the kind of treat that feels homemade, heartfelt, and impossibly simple. A few pantry ingredients, a little chill time, and you’ve got the perfect sweet bite—shareable, giftable, and downright addictive.
If you love peanut butter, chocolate, or no-bake magic… this is your new favorite recipe. Don’t lose it!
Craving more? You’ll also love these reader-favorite peanut butter treats coming soon to your inbox.
Let’s Connect!
If you make this recipe, leave a review below—I love hearing from you!
And don’t forget to pin your creations on Pinterest so others can find these too.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per ball)
- Calories: 170
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 14g
- Protein: 3g
Enjoy every bite!
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