These No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls are a simple and delicious treat that requires no baking! They are made with peanut butter, graham cracker crumbs, and a few other pantry staples, then coated in a rich chocolate shell. Perfect for a quick dessert, snack, or homemade gift.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full graham crackers)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 12 ounces chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening (optional, for smoother chocolate)
Instructions:
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add Graham Cracker Crumbs: Add the graham cracker crumbs to the mixture and mix until everything is evenly combined. The mixture will be thick and crumbly.
- Shape the Balls: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into small balls (about 1-inch in diameter). Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Chill: Chill the peanut butter balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with the vegetable shortening (if using). If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth.
- Dip the Balls: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off.
- Set the Chocolate: Place the chocolate-coated balls back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow the chocolate to set completely, either at room temperature or in the refrigerator for a quicker set.
- Serve: Once the chocolate is set, the peanut butter balls are ready to serve.
Tips and Notes:
- Peanut Butter Choice: Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture. You can use chunky peanut butter if you prefer a bit of crunch.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: You can use store-bought graham cracker crumbs or crush graham crackers yourself in a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and rolling over them with a rolling pin.
- Chocolate Variations: You can use different types of chocolate, such as white chocolate or flavored chocolate chips, for variety.
- Toppings: Before the chocolate sets, you can sprinkle the balls with toppings like sprinkles, chopped nuts, or sea salt.
- Storage: Store the peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: You can freeze the peanut butter balls in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.