Peanut Butter Balls (Truffles)

Peanut butter balls are the ultimate no-bake treat—rich, creamy, and dipped in smooth chocolate for a decadent finish. Often called peanut butter truffles, these bite-sized sweets taste like homemade Reese’s, but with an even silkier texture and better flavor. They’re the kind of holiday candy that disappears before the tray even hits the table.

With just a handful of pantry staples and no oven required, this recipe is perfect for gifting, parties, or storing in the fridge for a quick sweet bite. Add festive sprinkles and you’ve got yourself a holiday favorite in the making.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

this recipe

• 🥜 Creamy, melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter center
• 🍫 Real chocolate coating—no candy melts or shortcuts
• ❄️ No baking needed—just mix, chill, dip
• 🎁 Perfect for gifting or holiday trays
• ⏱️ Freezer-friendly and make-ahead approved

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter (not natural-style)
• 2½ cups (300g) confectioners’ sugar
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 12 oz (339g) semi-sweet baking chocolate, chopped
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• Optional: festive sprinkles

Instructions

1. Prep the tray: Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat.
2. Make filling: In a large bowl, beat butter until smooth (2 mins). Add peanut butter and mix until combined. Stir in confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and salt. Mixture will look crumbly—this is normal!
3. Roll into balls: Scoop 1 tablespoon of filling, press and roll into balls. Place on prepared sheet. You should get ~32–35 truffles.
4. Chill: Refrigerate balls for at least 1 hour. (Don’t skip! Cold filling helps with clean chocolate coating.)
5. Melt chocolate: Combine chopped chocolate and oil in a heatproof bowl. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each until smooth. Let cool for 5–7 minutes.
6. Dip & decorate: Dip chilled peanut butter balls into melted chocolate using a fork or dipping tool. Tap off excess, place back on baking sheet, and top with sprinkles if desired.
7. Set & store: Chill dipped truffles for 30 minutes, or until chocolate is fully set. Store in the fridge up to 2 weeks, or freeze for 2–3 months.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Servings: 32–35 truffles
• Difficulty: Easy

Nutrition Facts (Per Piece – Approximate)

• Calories: 150
• Fat: 9g
• Carbs: 16g
• Sugar: 13g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 40mg

Tips & Variations

• Use processed peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. Natural peanut butter is too oily and crumbly for this recipe.
• Chill the dough if it’s too sticky to roll—just 10–15 minutes in the fridge helps.
• Need a firmer filling? Add an extra 2–4 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar.
• Get creative with toppings: drizzle with white chocolate, crushed peanuts, or colored sugar for holidays.
• Use a cookie scoop to keep truffle size consistent.

Peanut Butter Balls (Truffles)

Creamy peanut butter truffles dipped in rich chocolate—an easy, no-bake treat perfect for gifting or holiday trays.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 30

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 130

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• – 6 tbsp unsalted butter softened
• – 1 cup creamy peanut butter not natural
• – 2½ cups confectioners’ sugar
• – ½ tsp vanilla extract
• – ⅛ tsp salt
• – 12 oz semi-sweet baking chocolate chopped
• – 1 tsp vegetable oil
• – Optional: sprinkles for decoration

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• – Hand mixer
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Baking sheet
• – Parchment or silicone mat
• – Dipping tool or fork

Method

 

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Beat butter until smooth. Mix in peanut butter.
3. Add sugar, vanilla, and salt. Mix until crumbly but combined.
4. Roll into 1-inch balls (about 1 tbsp each).
5. Chill balls for 1 hour.
6. Melt chocolate with oil in microwave (20-sec increments). Let cool slightly.
7. Dip chilled balls into chocolate. Tap off excess. Place on tray.
8. Sprinkle with toppings if using.
9. Chill 30 mins to set chocolate. Enjoy!

Notes

– Chill before and after dipping for best results
– Store in fridge up to 2 weeks, or freeze up to 3 months
– Add festive sprinkles or drizzle for extra flair

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
It’s possible, but the filling will be more crumbly and harder to roll smoothly.

Why is my chocolate too thick?
Add a little extra vegetable oil (½ teaspoon at a time) to thin it for smoother dipping.

Why is my chocolate cracking?
Chocolate may be too hot or the filling too cold. Let chocolate cool slightly and work quickly when dipping.

How long do they last?
Up to 2 weeks in the fridge or 2–3 months in the freezer. They taste amazing cold!

Can I make these ahead?
Yes! Roll and chill the balls the night before, then dip in chocolate the next day.

Conclusion

These peanut butter balls are the best kind of candy—simple, satisfying, and irresistibly creamy. Whether you’re gifting them, serving at a party, or storing them for your own late-night treat, they’ll always deliver that perfect balance of peanut butter and chocolate. Make a double batch… you’ll thank yourself later!