This Quick 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe Everyone Loves

Creamy peanut butter balls offer a delightful no-bake treat that satisfies sweet cravings with minimal effort.

These compact spheres of pure indulgence blend simplicity and rich flavor into a single irresistible bite.

Minimal ingredients redefine ordinary pantry staples into an extraordinary snack that appeals to both kids and adults.

Smooth textures and nutty undertones create a harmonious balance of sweetness and protein-packed goodness.

Homemade confections like these prove that complex desserts aren’t necessary for maximum enjoyment.

Quick preparation means you can whip up these delectable morsels in just minutes without complicated techniques or specialized equipment.

The magic happens when basic ingredients merge into something truly spectacular.

Peanut Butter Balls in Just Four Ingredients

• Create Effortless Treats: These peanut butter balls require only four ingredients and minimal kitchen skills, making them perfect for novice bakers or busy dessert lovers.
• Texture Paradise: Experience a delightful contrast between the smooth, creamy peanut butter interior and the crisp chocolate coating that provides a satisfying crunch with every bite.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare these no-bake delights in under 30 minutes, ideal for last-minute gatherings, potlucks, holiday parties, or sweet midnight cravings that demand instant gratification.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by using different chocolate varieties, adding sprinkles, or experimenting with alternative nut butters to match your personal flavor preferences.

Pantry Items for Peanut Butter Balls

• Peanut Butter: Creamy and rich base that provides classic nutty flavor, smooth variety works best.
• Butter: Softened to blend smoothly, adds richness and helps bind ingredients together.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps create the perfect ball texture, sifted for smooth consistency.

• Chocolate Chips: Milk or dark chocolate for smooth dipping, high-quality chips melt more evenly.

• Vanilla Extract: Optional flavor enhancer that complements peanut butter's richness.
• Sea Salt: Optional topping for a sweet and salty contrast, enhances overall flavor profile.

Quick Instructions for Peanut Butter Balls

Step 1: Prepare Creamy Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, blend softened butter and peanut butter until smooth. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, stirring consistently until fully combined. Refrigerate mixture for 15 minutes to firm up the texture.

• Peanut butter
• Softened butter
• Powdered sugar

Step 2: Shape Delightful Spheres

Remove chilled mixture from refrigerator. Gently roll the mixture into small, uniform balls using clean hands. Each ball should be approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place shaped balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Return to refrigerator for 20 minutes to help maintain shape during chocolate coating.

Step 3: Melt Chocolate Coating

Select a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler. Carefully melt chocolate chips using short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to prevent burning. Stir until chocolate reaches a smooth, glossy consistency.

Step 4: Dip and Decorate

Using a fork, carefully lower each chilled peanut butter ball into melted chocolate. Gently tap fork on bowl’s edge to remove excess chocolate. Transfer chocolate-coated balls onto wax paper or silicone mat. Allow chocolate to set by refrigerating for 10-15 minutes.

Step 5: Store and Serve

Once chocolate has completely hardened, transfer peanut butter balls to an airtight container. Store in refrigerator for up to one week. Serve chilled for best texture and flavor.

No-Fuss Tips for Perfect Texture

• Chill for Success: Refrigerate the mixture before shaping to make handling easier and prevent sticky hands.
• Uniform Size Matters: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to create consistently sized peanut butter balls for even coating and cooking.
• Chocolate Dipping Trick: Let excess chocolate drip off slowly for a thin, smooth chocolate shell that looks professionally made.
• Temperature Control: Work quickly when dipping to keep chocolate smooth, and return to refrigerator immediately to set the coating.
• Storage Hack: Store these treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Storing Peanut Butter Balls for Later

• Refrigeration: Store peanut butter balls in an airtight container, separating layers with wax paper to prevent sticking. Keep chilled for up to one week.
• Freezing: Wrap individual balls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to three months for longer preservation.
• Reheating: Let frozen balls thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Serve chilled or at room temperature for best texture and flavor.

Pairing Snacks with Peanut Butter Balls

• Pair with Creamy Milk Stout: Complement the rich peanut butter flavor with a smooth, velvety milk stout that echoes the dessert's indulgent texture and adds a subtle roasted undertone.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Espresso: Serve alongside a small shot of vanilla-infused espresso to enhance the nutty sweetness and provide a bold, contrasting coffee kick.
• Create a Chilled Caramel Companion: Pour a chilled caramel liqueur that mirrors the dessert's sweet profile and adds a luxurious, buttery dimension to each bite.
• Elevate with Dark Chocolate Red Wine: Select a full-bodied red wine with dark chocolate notes to intensify the chocolate coating and create a sophisticated dessert experience.

Flavor Variations for PB Ball Fans

• Protein Power Balls: Replace peanut butter with almond butter and add a scoop of vanilla protein powder for an extra nutritional boost. These energy-packed treats are perfect for post-workout snacking.
• Coconut Crunch Edition: Roll the peanut butter balls in shredded coconut before chocolate dipping for added texture and tropical flavor. The crispy coconut coating brings a delightful crunch to each bite.
• Dark Chocolate Luxury: Swap milk chocolate chips for rich dark chocolate to create a more sophisticated and slightly less sweet version. Sprinkle sea salt on top for an gourmet touch that elevates the entire recipe.
• No-Bake Nutty Option: Mix in crushed graham crackers or chopped nuts into the peanut butter mixture for extra crunch and depth of flavor. These additions provide a wonderful textural contrast to the smooth peanut butter base.

4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Irresistible 4-ingredient peanut butter balls pack a sweet, nutty punch with minimal effort. Quick no-bake treats blend creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, chocolate, and vanilla into delightful bite-sized morsels you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• ½ cup (118 ml) creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons (45 g) salted butter, softened
• 1 cup (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Coating/Melting Ingredient:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vegetable shortening or coconut oil (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blend softened butter with creamy peanut butter until the mixture achieves a uniform, silky consistency.
2. Incorporate powdered sugar gradually, stirring methodically until the ingredients meld into a cohesive dough-like texture.
3. Refrigerate the mixture for approximately 15 minutes to enhance firmness and facilitate easier shaping.
4. Gently roll the chilled mixture between palms, crafting uniform spherical treats approximately one inch in diameter.
5. Arrange the delicate orbs on a chilled baking sheet, maintaining slight separation between each ball.
6. Return the sheet to the refrigerator for an additional 20 minutes, allowing the spheres to solidify and retain their precise form.
7. Utilize a microwave or double boiler to carefully melt chocolate chips, stirring intermittently to prevent scorching.
8. Employ a specialized dipping fork to immerse each peanut butter sphere completely into the molten chocolate, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
9. Delicately tap the fork to remove excess chocolate, creating a smooth, even coating.
10. Transfer the chocolate-enrobed delicacies onto wax paper, permitting them to set at a cool temperature.
11. Refrigerate the completed confections until serving time, preserving their pristine chocolate shell and creamy interior.

Notes

• Chill the mixture before shaping to ensure easier handling and prevent sticky hands.
• Roll balls uniformly for consistent size and professional-looking treats.
• Use room temperature ingredients to blend smoothly and create creamy texture.
• Opt for high-quality chocolate chips for rich, glossy coating that enhances flavor.
• Allow excess chocolate to drip off completely to prevent thick, uneven layers.
• Store in refrigerator to maintain firmness and prevent melting at room temperature.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 151
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 83 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 8 mg