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My friend shared this recipe years ago, and wow - these treats are pure gold! Mix peanut butter, sugar, and butter, dip in chocolate, and boom - better than any store candy. My kids say they beat Reese's any day of the week.
Why You'll Love Making These
Such a fun kitchen project! My kids fight over who gets to roll the balls and sprinkle the toppings. No hot oven to worry about, barely any cleanup, and you can make them way ahead for parties.
Shopping List
- Peanut Butter: Just grab the creamy kind.
- Sugar: Powdered makes them silky smooth.
- Butter: Set it out early to soften.
- Chocolate: Love those semi-sweet chips.
- Extra Tip: Bit of coconut oil for shine.
Kitchen Time
- Mix It Up
- Throw your peanut butter, butter, and sugar in a bowl. Mix until it feels like play-dough. Too sticky? More sugar. Too crumbly? Extra spoon of peanut butter.
- Roll Those Balls
- This is where my kids jump in! Roll little balls - about penny-sized. Pop them on wax paper and stick them in the fridge to get cold.
- Chocolate Bath
- Melt your chocolate slowly in the microwave. Stir in that spoonful of coconut oil - makes it all glossy.
- Dip Away
- Drop each ball in chocolate, scoop it out with a fork, tap off the extra. My daughter says they look like tiny planets getting their chocolate jackets!
- Final Touch
- Sprinkles go on now if you want them. We usually get carried away here!
My Best Tips
Keep those balls cold - trust me on this one. Want some crunch? Toss in crushed pretzels or Rice Krispies. Around Christmas, we go nuts with red and green sprinkles. And don't sweat if they're not perfect circles - they'll disappear just as fast!
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Store Them Right
I usually stash some in the freezer - they're great to have on hand when friends drop by. They'll stay good in the fridge for a couple weeks, but at my house they never make it past day three! Just layer them with wax paper so they don't stick.
Share The Love
Pack these in a cute box, and you've got the perfect gift. Everyone thinks they're from a fancy candy shop - I never tell them how easy they are to make! My neighbor keeps hinting for more, and my mom saves them for her special after-dinner treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
While creamy works best for smooth texture, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you like the extra crunch. Just make sure to pack the balls tightly when rolling.
- → Why do the balls need to be chilled?
Chilling helps firm up the peanut butter mixture, making it easier to roll into balls and dip in chocolate without falling apart.
- → How long do these peanut butter balls last?
They'll keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
- → Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, you can use any type of chocolate you prefer - milk, dark, or semi-sweet all work great for coating.
- → Why add shortening or coconut oil to the chocolate?
Adding a bit of oil helps thin the chocolate, making it easier to dip the balls and creates a smoother coating.