Nutty Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

The Perfect Nutty Peanut Butter Balls Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Sweet memories of childhood snacking dance through my mind whenever I whip up these delectable nutty peanut butter balls.

Crunchy textures and rich flavors combine in a simple treat that never disappoints hungry friends.

My grandmother’s secret recipe inspired this delightful confection that takes minutes to prepare.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and protein-packed goodness.

Kids absolutely adore rolling these tasty morsels alongside me in the kitchen.

Minimal ingredients and zero baking make this recipe a quick go-to dessert for spontaneous gatherings.

You’ll want to save this recipe and surprise everyone with these irresistible little spheres of happiness.

Reeses Peanut Butter Balls Notes

  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Treats: These Reese's Peanut Butter Balls deliver irresistible chocolate and peanut butter flavor that everyone loves, making them perfect for parties and gatherings.
  • Master Simple Technique: No advanced baking skills required – anyone can roll balls, dip in chocolate, and create professional-looking desserts with minimal kitchen experience.
  • Customize with Creativity: Easily personalize by adding different toppings, using alternative chocolate types, or experimenting with mix-in ingredients to match personal preferences or dietary needs.
  • Prepare Make-Ahead Magic: These delightful treats can be made in advance, stored conveniently in the refrigerator, and pulled out whenever sweet cravings strike or unexpected guests arrive.

Ingredients for Reeses Peanut Butter Balls

Base Ingredients:
  • Peanut Butter: A creamy and rich base that provides the primary flavor of the dessert.
  • Butter: Softened butter helps create a smooth and cohesive filling texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the peanut butter mixture together.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a subtle aromatic touch.
Chocolate Coating:
  • Chocolate Chips: Creates a smooth and rich chocolate covering for the peanut butter balls.
  • Coconut Oil: Helps thin the chocolate and provides a glossy finish for dipping.
Texture and Garnish:
  • Reese's Pieces, Crushed: Adds a delightful crunch and extra peanut butter flavor to the dessert, both inside the filling and as a topping.

How to Prepare Reeses Peanut Butter Balls

Step 1: Craft Creamy Peanut Butter Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip together peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture transforms into a silky smooth consistency. Gradually introduce powdered sugar, blending until the mixture becomes a sturdy, malleable dough that holds its shape perfectly.

Step 2: Sprinkle in Crunchy Goodness

Gently fold crushed Reese’s Pieces into the dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed for a delightful texture in every bite.

Step 3: Shape Delectable Spheres

Roll the dough into bite-sized balls, each about the size of a walnut.

Arrange these delightful spheres on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them into the freezer for 20-30 minutes until they become wonderfully firm.

Step 4: Melt Chocolate Magic

Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl.

Zap in 30-second bursts, stirring between each interval, until the mixture transforms into a glossy, smooth chocolate waterfall.

Step 5: Create Chocolate-Coated Treasures

Using a toothpick or fork, gracefully dunk each frozen ball into the melted chocolate.

Allow excess chocolate to drip off, creating a perfect chocolate coating.

Step 6: Add Decorative Crunch

While the chocolate remains wet, sprinkle additional crushed Reese’s Pieces on top for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.

Step 7: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the chocolate-covered balls for approximately 30 minutes, or until the chocolate hardens into a delectable shell.

Step 8: Store and Savor

Transfer your magnificent Reeses Peanut Butter Balls to an airtight container.

Refrigerate and enjoy these delightful treats for up to two weeks – if they last that long!

Tips for Reeses Peanut Butter Balls

  • Chilling the peanut butter balls ensures they maintain their shape and prevents the filling from melting during chocolate coating.
  • Add a touch of coconut oil to melted chocolate for a glossy, thin, and easy-to-apply chocolate shell that hardens beautifully.
  • Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to keep the balls from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
  • Experiment with different mix-ins like chopped nuts or additional crushed candy for unique texture and flavor variations.
  • Let the balls sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance their creamy texture.

Variations for Reeses Peanut Butter Balls

  • Vegan Peanut Butter Spheres: Replace butter with coconut oil, use dairy-free chocolate chips, swap powdered sugar with powdered monk fruit sweetener, and use almond butter for a plant-based alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Bites: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, substitute regular chocolate with gluten-free dark chocolate, and use gluten-free Reese's Pieces or crushed nuts.
  • Low-Sugar Peanut Butter Treats: Swap powdered sugar with stevia or erythritol, use sugar-free chocolate chips, and incorporate sugar-free Reese's Pieces or chopped nuts for texture.

Pairing Suggestions for Reeses Peanut Butter Balls

  • Brew a rich, dark roast coffee to balance the sweet peanut butter and chocolate flavors, creating a decadent taste experience.
  • Select a cold glass of whole milk that cuts through the richness and provides a classic, refreshing companion to these indulgent treats.
  • Pour a small glass of bourbon or whiskey, whose caramel and oak notes will beautifully highlight the nutty, chocolatey undertones of the Reese's Peanut Butter Balls.
  • Serve a sweet port wine that complements the chocolate coating and adds a sophisticated touch to this playful dessert.

Storage Instructions for Reeses Peanut Butter Balls

  • Place Reese's Peanut Butter Balls in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep them chilled for up to two weeks, maintaining their delicious texture and flavor.
  • Carefully arrange balls in a freezer-safe container with wax paper separating each layer. Freeze for up to three months, ensuring they're tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn and preserve taste.
  • Remove desired number of balls from freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can cause chocolate to melt and lose its smooth coating.
  • Enjoy directly from the refrigerator or let them sit for a few minutes to soften slightly. Serve chilled for best texture and flavor experience.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of peanut butter?

Yes, creamy or crunchy peanut butter works well. Just ensure it’s smooth enough to mix with other ingredients without lumps.

  • How can I prevent the balls from falling apart during dipping?

Freeze the peanut butter balls completely before chocolate dipping. This helps them stay firm and maintain their shape during coating.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make these?

No special equipment is needed. Just a mixing bowl, baking sheet, and basic kitchen tools like a fork or toothpick for dipping will work perfectly.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly for making together?

Absolutely! Kids can help roll the balls and sprinkle toppings. Adult supervision is recommended for melting chocolate and handling hot surfaces.

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Nutty Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

Nutty Peanut Butter Balls Recipe


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4.6 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 36 1x

Description

Irresistible nutty peanut butter balls dance with sweet chocolate and creamy textures that promise pure dessert magic. Quick homemade treats deliver indulgent bliss you’ll savor with every delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate and Coating:

  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil or shortening

Peanut Butter Base:

  • 1.5 cups creamy peanut butter
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3.5 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Candy Addition:

  • 1.5 cups crushed Reese’s Pieces

Instructions

  1. Craft a velvety base by whipping peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract until silky and homogeneous in texture.
  2. Incrementally introduce powdered sugar, blending until the mixture transforms into a cohesive, malleable dough.
  3. Delicately fold crushed Reese’s Pieces throughout the mixture, ensuring uniform distribution of crunchy fragments.
  4. Methodically form compact, spherical portions approximately 1-inch in diameter, positioning each carefully on a parchment-lined tray.
  5. Rapidly chill the formed balls in the freezer for 20-30 minutes, allowing them to solidify and maintain structural integrity.
  6. Create a glossy chocolate coating by microwaving chocolate chips and coconut oil in brief 30-second bursts, stirring between intervals until achieving a smooth, liquid consistency at 110°F.
  7. Utilize a toothpick to delicately immerse each frozen ball into the molten chocolate, ensuring complete coverage and allowing excess to cascade back into the bowl.
  8. While chocolate remains liquid, sprinkle additional crushed Reese’s Pieces atop each ball for textural enhancement and visual appeal.
  9. Refrigerate coated balls for approximately 30 minutes at 40°F, permitting the chocolate to solidify completely.
  10. Store the finished confections in an airtight container within the refrigerator, where they will maintain peak quality for up to two weeks.

Notes

  • Chill the peanut butter mixture thoroughly before shaping to prevent sticky hands and ensure clean, uniform balls.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and easier blending of peanut butter and powdered sugar.
  • For gluten-free version, verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially Reese’s Pieces and chocolate chips.
  • Keep balls small and bite-sized for easier coating and more controlled chocolate coverage.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 36
  • Calories: 173
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 37 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 8 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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