Easiest Peanut Butter Balls Recipe - Crazy for Crust (2024)

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My homemade Peanut Butter Balls taste like Reese’s peanut butter cups but so much better! This is an easy candy recipe with simple ingredients that are like buckeye balls but completely coated in chocolate.

If you’re looking for the best peanut butter balls ever then you’re in the right place!

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Table of Contents

  • The Best Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
  • Ingredients in Peanut Butter Buckeyes
  • How Do You Make Peanut Butter Balls?
  • What’s the difference between Buckeyes and Peanut Butter Balls?
  • How to Store Easy Peanut Butter Balls
  • Best Chocolate for Peanut Butter Truffles
  • Peanut Butter Ball Recipe Variations
  • FAQ
  • Other Favorite Candy
  • Peanut Butter Balls Recipe Recipe

The Best Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

I have another really easy candy recipe for you today – peanut butter balls! These are like buckeyes but so much better, and they taste just like a peanut butter cup.

These no-bake peanut butter balls are about the least intimidating candy recipe ever – they’re practically fool-proof and we love them!

  • This recipe is easy – five ingredients easy!
  • You don’t need a candy thermometer or an advanced degree in dessert making – all you need are a few bowls, a baking dish, and a microwave.
  • They taste like Reese’s peanut butter cup but better because they’re homemade. The magic is in the peanut butter filling – it has a very similar texture and flavor.
  • I’m sharing my best tips for making, dipping, and storing these sweet treats.
  • They are freezer-friendly and also keep well for five days at room temperature. Perfect for gifting!
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Ingredients in Peanut Butter Buckeyes

You only need 5 ingredients to make these peanut butter truffles!

  • Peanut Butter: I use creamy peanut butter but you can also use crunchy peanut butter for some extra texture – don’t use natural peanut butter.
  • Butter: I use unsalted butter, but you can use salted if it’s all you have. You’ll want it to be room temperature.
  • Powdered sugar: for sweetness and binding
  • Vanilla: for flavor
  • Melting chocolate: Ghiradelli Candy Melts or Candiquik are the two best tasting you can buy at the grocery store. I recommend milk chocolate but dark chocolate would be fantastic too!
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How Do You Make Peanut Butter Balls?

Mix:Cream the peanut butter and butter in a mixing bowl. Slowly add the confectioners’ sugar while mixing on low until the mixture is well combined. Add the vanilla and mix again.

Roll and Chill:Line a baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper. Scoop 1-inch balls of the peanut butter filling and roll between your palms. Chill the balls for 20 minutes or until they harden.

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Melt:Melt the chocolate following the package instruction. Most likely, you can do this in the microwave in 30 seconds or so.

Dip:Use a toothpick to dip each peanut butter ball in the melted chocolate, coating it evenly on all sides. Let the excess chocolate drip off and then place on the baking sheet. Get all my best tips for dipping candy in chocolate here!

What’s the difference between Buckeyes and Peanut Butter Balls?

If you’re making Buckeyes, you won’t dip the the whole truffle. If you’re making peanut butter balls, then you will. This recipe is a totally no bake chocolate covered peanut ball.

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Set:Place all of the dipped balls back on the cookie sheet and leave them to set. Once the chocolate has hardened, they are ready to serve.

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How to Store Easy Peanut Butter Balls

Keep them in an airtight container, and they will keep for five days in the refrigerator.

Best Chocolate for Peanut Butter Truffles

There are lots of chocolates out there you can use to roll truffles in but here is what I recommend using:

  • Ghiradelli Candy Melts: find these in the baking aisle. They come in chocolate or white chocolate and they taste the best out of all of the melting chocolate.
  • Candiquik: find it in the baking aisle. It’s chocolate made for melting and comes in a block. This is similar to almond bark but tastes better.
  • Baking Chocolate: you can also use semi-sweet baking chocolate bars but that gets really expensive!
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Peanut Butter Ball Recipe Variations

You can easily switch this recipe up to make it your own – feel free to experiment!

  • Chocolate:Use white chocolate, dark chocolate, or milk chocolate – they all work great! I recommend sticking with candy melts, Candiquik, almond bark, or even bars of baking chocolate for the best results. Avoid chocolate chips – they don’t melt as well!
  • Peanut Butter: Use your favorite peanut butter! Crunchy, creamy or flavored.
  • Decorations:Sometimes, I add some sprinkles before the chocolate sets. This is great for holidays, so think red and white for Valentine’s day, red and green for Christmas, pastel sprinkles for Easter… you get the idea!
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FAQ

Can I make homemade Reese’s peanut butter cups instead of balls?

You can make adorable mini peanut butter cups with this recipe, too! Lightly coat mini liners with cookie spray and coat the bottom with a layer of chocolate. Add a peanut butter ball and flatten it. Cover it with more chocolate, and then leave them to sit at room temperature until they’re set.

Can you use melted chocolate chips?

I don’t recommend using chocolate chips for this recipe. You need a really smooth and dippable melted chocolate. Chips are thicker when melted, making it hard to dip and coat the peanut butter balls evenly. So use melting chocolate for the best results!

Can you use chunky peanut butter?

Yes, if you want to make crunchy peanut balls substitute the same amount of chunky peanut butter for the smooth kind.

Can you freeze peanut butter balls?

Yes, you can freeze them. It works best to layer them in a container with wax paper between each layer so they don’t stick together. Thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Mistakes to Avoid When Making Buckeyes

Be sure to measure your powdered sugar correctly – too much will make the mixture dry. Make sure your butter is softened so it mixes together properly, and use candy melts for dipping so the mixture doesn’t melt in your hands.

Other Favorite Candy

  • Oreo Truffles
  • Nutella Truffles
  • 5 Minute Fudge
  • 5 Minute Candy Bark
  • Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Peanut Butter Cheesecake

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Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

Make sure to make a double batch and share one. Everyone loves a good peanut butter candy. This is an age old recipe, better than any Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups!

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Yield 36 balls

Serving Size 1 serving

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup (283g) creamy peanut butter
  • 6 tablespoons (84g) butter
  • 2 ¾ cups (311g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 package 10 ounces Chocolate melting chocolate (such as Ghiradelli or Candiquik)

Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl, cream the peanut butter and butter together with a hand mixer.

  • Slowly add the powdered sugar until well combined. Add the vanilla.

  • Line a large cookie sheet with wax paper or parchment paper.

  • Scoop 1-inch balls of the peanut butter mixture and roll into a ball. Place on the cookie sheet. Continue until all the peanut butter mixture is gone.

  • Refrigerate for 20 minutes until hardened.

  • In a microwave safe bowl, melt the melting wafers for 30 seconds. Stir and if not completely melted add for an additional 10 seconds, stir and repeat as necessary. (Refer to package directions for melting instructions as well.)

  • Remove the peanut butter balls from the refrigerator. Using a toothpick, dip one ball at a time into the chocolate until covered. Place back on the lined cookie sheet. Let harden completely before serving.

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 5 days.

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

There have been some comments saying the recipe is too sweet or doesn’t work. It DOES work – I’ve made them several times. Here are some tips:

  • The dough comes together easily if using a stand mixer. If you’re using a hand mixer, you might want to reduce the sugar to 2 1/2 cups.
  • Be sure you’re measuring your sugar correctly and not packing it. I have added the weights in grams so that helps.
  • I find 2 3/4 cups powdered sugar to be fine for sweetness and taste. If you want them less sweet you can reduce sugar to 2 1/2 cups.
  • Make sure you’re using SALTED butter. If you’re using unsalted add 1/4 teaspoon salt.

This recipe does work. Just have patience with mixing – it takes awhile to get the mixture all together.

Recipe Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 98kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 50mg | Potassium: 48mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 58IU | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional information not guaranteed to be accurate

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Author Dorothy Kern

Did you try this recipe? Click the stars to rate the recipe below

Easiest Peanut Butter Balls Recipe - Crazy for Crust (10)

These EASY Peanut Butter Balls are chocolate covered like buckeyes but better – and they’re done in no time at all! This candy recipe is no bake and tastes like a peanut butter cup – use your favorite kind of chocolate too!

Last Updated on August 21, 2022

Easiest Peanut Butter Balls Recipe - Crazy for Crust (2024)

FAQs

Why are my peanut butter balls too soft? ›

If your butter was too soft or if the peanut butter you're using is too thin, the filling can get a little soft and sticky as you're rolling. The refrigerator can fix that—stop what you're doing and chill the bowl of filling for 15 minutes in the refrigerator before trying again to roll into balls.

What is one creative way to use peanut butter? ›

Ideas to Try:

Add into a bowl of oatmeal. Dip apple slices in peanut butter. Add banana slices to a toasted PB&J. Spread on a rice cake or cracker.

What are peanut butter balls made of? ›

Making Peanut Butter Balls couldn't be simpler. The filling ingredients (creamy peanut butter, butter, vanilla extract, and confectioners (powdered or icing) sugar) are just mixed together, rolled into small balls, chilled, and then dipped in melted chocolate.

Can you leave Buckeyes out? ›

How to Store Buckeyes. Buckeyes are fine to sit out at room temperature on holiday cookie plates for up to 24 hours, though if you're keeping them around for longer than that, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they'll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. Buckeyes also freeze super well.

How do I make my peanut butter soft? ›

When using peanut butter only, the key is heat. Peanut butter is naturally high in fat, but that fat is nearly solid at room temperature. In order to soften it up, you need some heat. In my case, I heated two tablespoons in a heat-proof bowl and then stirred like crazy.

How do you make peanut butter more solid? ›

How do you make natural peanut butter more solid? refrigerate it and eat it before it warms up. If anyone has another answer, that would be the peanut butter holy grail.

What enhances peanut butter flavor? ›

Adding a small amount of vanilla extract or cinnamon for extra flavor. Mixing in cocoa powder or cacao nibs for a chocolate peanut butter. Mixing in a small amount of coconut oil for a creamier texture and a hint of coconut flavor. Mixing in a small amount of powdered ginger or nutmeg for a spicy kick.

Can dogs eat peanut butter? ›

Whether speaking to new or seasoned pet parents, veterinarians are often asked 'can dogs eat peanut butter? ' The good news is that regular peanut butter is safe to give your dog as a treat. Just make sure to avoid peanut butter with Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in lower or sugar-free products.

What are the best combinations with peanut butter? ›

Fruits and nuts are a classic combination and would taste just right on peanut butter toast. Some ideal ingredients are berries, slivered almonds, chopped walnuts, and banana slices. You can also sprinkle on chia seeds and ground flaxseeds for added crunch and nutrition.

What is the white goop in peanut butter? ›

Occasionally, you may find an oily substance at the top of your jar of natural peanut butter. This is the oil separating from the natural peanut butter.

Are peanut balls good for you? ›

A peanut ball can provide so many benefits to you or your child's physical therapy exercises. They can help develop and build gross motor skills, bilateral coordination, core muscle strength, postural stability and balance.

What happened to Reese's peanut butter balls? ›

They were similar to Reese's Peanut Butter Cups but in a smaller, bite-sized form. Unfortunately they were discontinued in 2007 bc stupid kids were choking on them which is the same reason Butterfinger BB'S were discontinued. Packing an order for a customer who loves chocolate.

Are buckeyes OK to eat? ›

Poisonous Plant: All parts of the plant (leaves, bark, fruit) are highly toxic if ingested – because of the glycoside aesculin, the saponin aescin, and possibly alkaloids. Symptoms are muscle weakness and paralysis, dilated pupils, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, paralysis, and stupor.

Why are my buckeyes dry? ›

1. To avoid a dry, crumby dough . . . Mix together the peanut butter and butter first, and then stir in the powdered sugar one cup at a time, until you reach the right consistency. Usually about 3 cups of powdered sugar will do for approximately 1 1/2-2 cups of peanut butter.

Do buckeyes have a purpose? ›

The Buckeye's Place in History

As well as the belief in the good fortune of its storied seed, the buckeye has been held to cure rheumatism and other, more minor ailments. Pioneering farm families also made soap from the kernels of buckeye seeds, and many a child's cradle was carved from the wood of this tree.

Why are my buckeyes soft? ›

Not chilling the peanut butter balls long enough.

Not giving the peanut butter ample time to chill and firm up in the fridge is one of the top reasons buckeyes get a bad reputation for being so messy to make.

How do you keep peanut butter firm? ›

Want to fully stop the separation cycle? Store your jar of peanut butter in the fridge when it's all mixed together. Separation anxiety, gone!

Why are my peanut butter balls not forming? ›

The mixture should be easy to roll into balls that stay together while not being sticky. If it is sticky, add just a little more powdered sugar. If it won't form into a ball, add just a little more peanut butter.

How do you harden soft peanut brittle? ›

I have experimented heating the candy between 285-300 degrees. I like heating to 300 if it is immediately taken off the heat and cooled. It hardens quickly if you go over 300 even a little bit. Most people have had success with the brittle at any temp in between 285-300, but like I said, I prefer closer to 300 degrees.

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