Peanut Butter Snowballs are a delightful no-bake treat that’s perfect for holiday celebrations or a quick sweet fix. These bite-sized balls of creamy peanut butter, coated in chocolate and dusted with powdered sugar, are as festive as they are delicious. They’re simple to make and always a hit with family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake Recipe: No oven required, making it quick and easy.
- Perfect for Gifting: Package them beautifully for a homemade holiday gift.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A favorite for peanut butter and chocolate lovers.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Store well, making them great for parties or meal prepping desserts.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Creamy peanut butter
- Powdered sugar
- Butter, softened
- Vanilla extract
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- White chocolate chips (optional, for drizzling)
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 20–30 minutes to firm up.
- Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Using a fork or toothpick, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, coating completely. Let any excess drip off.
- Place the coated balls back onto the parchment-lined sheet. Optionally, drizzle with melted white chocolate for decoration.
- Dust with powdered sugar while the chocolate is still slightly warm for a snowy effect.
- Chill in the refrigerator until the chocolate is set. Serve and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 20 snowballs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Crunchy Version: Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Dark Chocolate Lovers: Substitute semi-sweet chocolate with dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Nut-Free Option: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or almond butter.
- Holiday Flair: Roll the snowballs in holiday-themed sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
- Extra Sweet: Add mini chocolate chips or crushed graham crackers to the peanut butter mixture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: Not applicable; enjoy these snowballs cold or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but ensure it’s well-stirred and not too oily, as it might affect the consistency.
Can I use white chocolate for the coating?
Absolutely! White chocolate makes for a visually stunning variation.
Do I have to freeze the balls before coating them?
Freezing helps the balls hold their shape during dipping and prevents them from melting in the warm chocolate.
What’s the best way to melt chocolate?
A microwave works well, but you can also use a double boiler for more control.
Can I skip the powdered sugar dusting?
Yes, but the powdered sugar adds a festive “snowy” look.
Can I add flavors to the peanut butter mixture?
Yes, mix in a pinch of cinnamon or a few drops of peppermint extract for a holiday twist.
How do I make these vegan?
Use vegan butter, dairy-free chocolate chips, and ensure your powdered sugar is vegan-friendly.
Can I use almond or cashew butter instead?
Yes, both work as substitutes, though the flavor will vary slightly.
Can I double this recipe?
Certainly! This recipe is easy to scale up for larger batches.
How do I prevent the chocolate from clumping during dipping?
Add a teaspoon of coconut oil to the melted chocolate for a smoother consistency.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Snowballs are a no-bake masterpiece that’s both festive and irresistible. With their creamy peanut butter centers, rich chocolate coating, and snowy powdered sugar finish, these treats are perfect for the holidays or any special occasion. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite in your dessert lineup. Try them today and bring a little sweetness to your celebrations!
Print
Peanut Butter Snowballs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 snowballs 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
Peanut Butter Snowballs are creamy, bite-sized treats coated in a snowy layer of powdered sugar or white chocolate. These no-bake delights are perfect for the holidays and make a festive addition to any dessert tray or gift box!
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar (plus extra for coating, if desired)
- 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers (about 12 sheets)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz white chocolate (for dipping)
- Optional Garnishes: sprinkles, shredded coconut, or crushed peanuts
Instructions
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture:
- In a large bowl, mix the peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, crushed graham crackers, and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture should form a dough-like consistency.
- Shape the Snowballs:
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 15–20 minutes, or until firm.
- Melt the White Chocolate:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and fully melted.
- Coat the Snowballs:
- Using a fork or toothpick, dip each frozen peanut butter ball into the melted white chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the coated balls back onto the parchment paper.
- Decorate (Optional):
- While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the snowballs with sprinkles, shredded coconut, or crushed peanuts for added flair.
- Set and Serve:
- Let the snowballs set at room temperature or refrigerate until the chocolate hardens. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a simpler version, skip the white chocolate and roll the peanut butter balls in powdered sugar or shredded coconut instead.
- These snowballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Substitute crushed graham crackers with crushed cookies, like vanilla wafers or Oreos, for a fun variation.