These little no-bake chocolate peanut butter balls are the kind of treat that disappears fast at parties — creamy, slightly salty, and perfectly chocolatey without turning on the oven. I’ve made them dozens of times for potlucks and weeknight treats; they’re fast to assemble and consistently loved by kids and adults. If you enjoy simple chocolate desserts, you might also like these flourless chocolate crinkle cookies for another fuss-free option.
Why Make This Recipe
- Fast and no-bake: ready in about an hour with minimal hands-on time, great when you need dessert quickly.
- Crowd-pleaser: creamy peanut butter center with a chocolate shell appeals to many palates and ages.
- Portable and party-ready: they travel well for potlucks or lunchbox treats.
- Customizable: you can make them fully chocolate-coated, half-dipped like buckeyes, or roll them in chopped nuts or coconut.
- Personal insight: I love this recipe because the dough is forgiving — if it’s too soft, a short chill fixes it, so beginners rarely fail. Also, these pair surprisingly well with savory sliders like my favorite bang-bang chicken sliders for a party spread.
Recipe Overview
- Prep time: 20 minutes active, plus 30–60 minutes chilling
- Cook time: 0 minutes (no-bake)
- Total time: 50–80 minutes (including chill time)
- Servings: about 24 (1-inch balls)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Method: Mix a peanut butter dough, chill, roll into balls, then dip in melted chocolate and chill to set.
My Experience Making This Recipe
I tested this version multiple times to get the dough texture right so it’s not crumbly and not too sticky. The biggest discovery: chilling the dough 30 minutes makes rolling much easier and gives a cleaner chocolate finish. I also found that using a small cookie scoop yields uniform results and faster dipping.
How to Make Irresistible Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
You’ll whisk creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth, then stir in sifted powdered sugar until a pliable dough forms. Chill the dough briefly, scoop and roll into 1-inch balls, then dip each ball in melted chocolate (tempered roughly by adding a little coconut oil) and set on parchment to chill until firm. Key techniques: chill for easier handling, use a consistent scoop for uniform size, and work quickly while dipping so the centers stay firm.
Expert Tips for Success
- Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to fully incorporate butter and peanut butter for a silky dough; this prevents gritty pockets of sugar.
- Sift powdered sugar and add it gradually; stop when the dough barely holds its shape to avoid an overly dry center.
- Melt chocolate gently in 20–30 second microwave bursts, stirring between bursts, and aim for about 115–120°F for easy dipping (use a candy thermometer if you have one).
- If the chocolate is too thick, stir in 1 teaspoon of coconut oil or vegetable shortening at a time until smooth — this improves shine and sets softer.
- For a party board, serve alongside savory bites like spicy-sweet sliders; contrasting flavors make the dessert pop.
How to Serve Irresistible Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
- Serve chilled on a platter lined with parchment and garnish with flaky sea salt or a dusting of cocoa.
- Pair them with coffee, milk, or a dessert wine for an adult twist.
- Add to a dessert board alongside cookies and fruit for variety at parties.
- For gift-giving, place 6–8 balls in small boxes layered with tissue paper and a ribbon.
Storage and Reheating Guide
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in a single layer (or layers separated by parchment) for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Avoid room temperature storage for more than a day in warm climates; chocolate can bloom or soften.
- Reheating: No reheating needed — if frozen, thaw in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours; bringing to room temperature 15–20 minutes before serving improves texture. For refreshingly different pairings at picnics, serve chilled with a classic side like loaded potato salad.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free if your peanut butter and chocolate chips are certified GF.
- Dairy-free / Vegan: Use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips (and coconut oil); texture will be slightly softer.
- Peanut-free: Substitute almond or sunflower seed butter and adjust salt; sunflower butter makes a great allergy-friendly swap.
- Flavor twists: Add 1–2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder to the chocolate for mocha notes, or roll finished balls in crushed pretzels or toasted coconut. For a fruitier dessert idea, try pairing techniques like those in these caramel apple dessert cups for fall gatherings.
Nutritional Highlights
- Protein and healthy fats: Peanut butter provides plant protein and monounsaturated fat, which can be satisfying in small portions.
- Calorie-dense treat: These are indulgent — recommend 1–2 balls per serving for portion control.
- Allergens: Contains peanuts (or tree nuts if substituted), dairy if using regular butter/chocolate, and confectioners’ sugar (may contain starch). Label accordingly for guests.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Dough too sticky: Chill 20–30 minutes and dust hands with a little powdered sugar or use a scoop to avoid sticking.
- Chocolate won’t set or is dull: Ensure chocolate isn’t overheated; stirring in 1 teaspoon coconut oil can help, but excessive oil creates a softer set. Chill at 35–40°F (fridge) for 15–30 minutes to set.
- Grainy texture: Overmixing powdered sugar at high speed or using low-quality peanut butter can cause grit; use a smooth, high-quality peanut butter and mix just until combined.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make the peanut butter balls ahead of time?
A1: Yes — you can form the balls and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze them for up to 3 months. If freezing, layer parchment between rows and thaw in the fridge before serving.
Q2: How do I get a smooth, shiny chocolate coating?
A2: Melt chocolate gently and stir until glossy. Adding 1–2 teaspoons coconut oil per 8–12 ounces of chocolate helps shine and ease of dipping. Don’t overheat; aim for 115–120°F when melting and cool slightly before dipping.
Q3: Can I use crunchy peanut butter or natural peanut butter?
A3: Crunchy peanut butter adds texture and is fine, but natural peanut butter (where oil separates) should be stirred thoroughly and may require slightly less powdered sugar. If using natural PB, chill the dough longer to firm up.
Q4: What’s the best way to dip without messy hands?
A4: Use a small cookie scoop to portion dough, roll balls with lightly oiled or powdered-sugar-dusted hands, and use a fork or dipping tool to submerge and lift each ball. Tap the fork on the bowl rim to let excess chocolate drip off, then slide onto parchment to set.
No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These no-bake chocolate peanut butter balls are creamy, slightly salty, and perfectly chocolatey, making them a hit at parties!
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional, for dipping)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Gradually stir in the sifted powdered sugar until a pliable dough forms.
- Chill the dough for about 30 minutes to firm it up.
- Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and place on parchment paper.
- Melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil in the microwave in 20-30 second bursts, stirring until smooth.
- Dip each ball in the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off, then return to parchment to set.
- Chill until the chocolate is firm, then serve or store as desired.
Notes
These chocolate peanut butter balls can be customized by rolling in chopped nuts or coconut, and are great for potlucks and parties.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg