Peanut Butter Ball
Indulging in a sweet, creamy treat is one of life’s little pleasures, and this Peanut Butter Ball will surely become a favorite in your household. With its delightful combination of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and a hint of cinnamon, this no-bake dessert is as easy to make as it is hard to resist. Perfect for gatherings, parties, or just a sweet snack at home, these bites deliver a punch of flavor wrapped in nostalgia. Whether you’re a peanut butter lover or simply looking for a fun recipe to try, this one is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Peanut Butter Ball recipe is one of my go-to treats for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to whip up—no baking required! The creamy filling comes together quickly, and you can easily customize it with your favorite mix-ins. Plus, it has that perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors that makes every bite enjoyable. It’s also a fantastic way to get the kids involved in the kitchen, allowing them to roll the balls and choose their favorite dippers. With endless possibilities for serving and enjoying, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your dessert rotation.
The Ingredient Lineup
Creating the perfect Peanut Butter Ball starts with the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 18 oz. package cream cheese, softened – This adds the creamy base and richness to our dessert.
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar – For sweetness and structure.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter – The star of the show! Go for a classic brand for the best flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – A hint of vanilla enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional) – Adds a lovely warmth that complements the peanut butter.
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips – For that delightful chocolatey goodness.
- 1/2 cup peanut butter chips – Extra peanut butter flavor in every bite.
- 1/2 cup butterscotch chips – A sweet twist that pairs beautifully with peanut butter.
- Graham crackers – Crushed, they make an excellent base for rolling the balls.
- Cinnamon graham crackers – For a flavorful alternative.
- Vanilla wafers – Another delicious option for coating.
- Cookies: PB chocolate chip, chocolate sandwich cookies – Use these for rolling or dipping.
- Pretzels – A fun and crunchy dipper.
- Apple slices – For a fresh and fruity pairing.
Tools of the Trade
To make your Peanut Butter Ball a success, you’ll need a few key tools:
- Mixing bowl – A large bowl to combine all the ingredients easily.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer – For a smooth and creamy mixture.
- Spatula – To scrape down the sides and ensure everything is combined.
- Cookie scoop or spoon – For uniform ball sizes.
- Wax paper or parchment paper – To keep the balls from sticking as they chill.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Essential for accurate measurements.
Peanut Butter Ball Made Stepwise
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients and tools. Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese and Peanut Butter
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and creamy peanut butter using a hand mixer until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Add the Sweetness
Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 4: Flavor It Up
Stir in the vanilla extract and cinnamon (if using) until evenly mixed.
Step 5: Fold in the Chips
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and butterscotch chips until they are uniformly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 6: Chill the Mixture
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes, or until the mixture is firm enough to handle.
Step 7: Roll into Balls
Once chilled, use a cookie scoop or spoon to scoop out portions of the mixture. Roll each portion into a ball, about 1 inch in diameter.
Step 8: Coat the Balls
Roll each ball in crushed graham crackers, cinnamon graham crackers, or vanilla wafers until fully coated. You can also get creative and use crushed cookies or pretzels for an extra crunch!
Step 9: Chill Again
Place the coated balls on a wax paper-lined tray and refrigerate for another 30 minutes to set.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Peanut Butter Ball with apple slices, pretzels, or any other dippers you love. Enjoy this delightful treat with family and friends!
Adaptations for Special Diets
If you have specific dietary needs, here are some adaptations you can make:
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for coating.
- Dairy-free: Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
- Vegan: Use a plant-based cream cheese and ensure chocolate chips are dairy-free.
- Low sugar: Substitute powdered sugar with a sugar alternative, like erythritol or coconut sugar.
Cook’s Notes
- Feel free to customize the mix-ins based on your preferences. Add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet touch.
- For a fun twist, try different flavored chips, such as white chocolate or dark chocolate.
- Make sure to chill the mixture adequately; it will make rolling the balls much easier.
- These balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for several days, making them perfect for meal prep.
Best Ways to Store
To ensure your Peanut Butter Ball stays fresh:
Store the balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Questions People Ask
Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
While you can use natural peanut butter, it may alter the texture of the Peanut Butter Ball. Stick to creamy peanut butter for the best results.
How do I know when the mixture is ready to roll into balls?
The mixture should be firm enough to hold its shape when rolled into a ball. If it’s too soft, chill it for a bit longer in the refrigerator.
Can I omit the chocolate chips?
Absolutely! You can omit the chocolate chips or substitute them with other mix-ins like dried fruits or nuts if you prefer.
What is the best way to serve these?
These Peanut Butter Balls are delicious on their own but can be served with a variety of dippers like pretzels, apple slices, or even drizzled with melted chocolate for an indulgent treat!
Final Thoughts
The Peanut Butter Ball is a versatile and delightful treat that caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Whether you’re enjoying them as a quick snack, serving them at a party, or packing them in lunchboxes, these sweet bites are sure to please. Easy to prepare and customizable, they bring together the beloved flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a way that’s simply irresistible. With this recipe at your fingertips, you’re now equipped to create a delicious treat that everyone will love. Happy snacking!
Peanut Butter Ball
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Gather all your ingredients and tools. Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and creamy peanut butter using a hand mixer until smooth and well combined.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and cinnamon (if using) until evenly mixed.
- Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and butterscotch chips until they are uniformly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes, or until the mixture is firm enough to handle.
- Once chilled, use a cookie scoop or spoon to scoop out portions of the mixture. Roll each portion into a ball, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Roll each ball in crushed graham crackers, cinnamon graham crackers, or vanilla wafers until fully coated. You can also get creative and use crushed cookies or pretzels for an extra crunch!
- Place the coated balls on a wax paper-lined tray and refrigerate for another 30 minutes to set.
- Serve your Peanut Butter Ball with apple slices, pretzels, or any other dippers you love. Enjoy this delightful treat with family and friends!
Notes
- Feel free to customize the mix-ins based on your preferences. Add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet touch.
- For a fun twist, try different flavored chips, such as white chocolate or dark chocolate.
- Make sure to chill the mixture adequately; it will make rolling the balls much easier.
- These balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for several days, making them perfect for meal prep.
