Simple No-Bake Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Treats
This Peanut Butter Balls recipe is a simple, no-bake favorite that’s been delighting families for generations—creamy peanut butter mixed with sweet ingredients, rolled into bite-sized balls, and dipped in smooth chocolate. These irresistible treats taste remarkably similar to homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups but are infinitely easier to make. With just a handful of pantry staples and no oven required, you can create a batch of these addictive little bites perfect for holidays, parties, cookie exchanges, or anytime snacking. The combination of sweet, creamy peanut butter filling coated in rich chocolate creates that perfect sweet-and-salty balance we all crave. Whether you call them peanut butter balls, buckeyes, or chocolate-covered peanut butter truffles, one thing’s for certain—they disappear fast! Make them for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, teacher gifts, or keep a batch hidden in your freezer for emergency chocolate-peanut butter cravings.
Prep Time: 15 min | Chill Time: 45 min | Total Time: 1 hr
Key Ingredients
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural or oily style)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening or coconut oil (for smooth dipping)
Substitution Notes: Use regular commercial peanut butter like Jif or Skippy—natural peanut butter is too oily and won’t hold together properly. Dark chocolate chips can replace semi-sweet for a more sophisticated flavor. Salted butter works if you omit the added salt.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Base In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Using an electric mixer on medium speed or a sturdy wooden spoon, beat everything together until smooth and creamy with no lumps. The mixture should be well blended and uniform in color.
2. Add the Powdered Sugar Gradually stir in the sifted powdered sugar, adding about ½ cup at a time. Mix thoroughly after each addition. After the first addition, the mixture will be loose and sticky. Continue adding sugar until the mixture transforms into a thick, firm dough. The texture should be firm enough to roll without sticking to your hands—similar to Play-Doh or cookie dough. If it’s still too sticky, add a bit more powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time.
3. Shape the Balls Using your hands, roll the peanut butter mixture into 1-inch balls, about the size of a walnut. Aim for uniform size so they coat evenly and look professional. As you roll each ball, place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet or large plate. You should get approximately 30 to 36 balls depending on size. Keep your hands slightly cool by rinsing them with cold water periodically if the mixture starts sticking.
4. Chill the Mixture Refrigerate the peanut butter balls for at least 30 to 45 minutes, or until they’re firm throughout. This crucial step helps them hold their shape when dipping into warm chocolate. If you’re short on time, you can freeze them for 15 to 20 minutes instead. They should feel solid but not rock-hard.
5. Melt the Chocolate When the peanut butter balls are almost done chilling, prepare your chocolate coating. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and vegetable shortening or coconut oil. The fat helps thin the chocolate for easier, smoother dipping. Microwave in 20 to 30 second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted. Be careful not to overheat, as chocolate can seize and become grainy. The mixture should be fluid and glossy.
6. Dip and Coat Working quickly while the chocolate is still warm and fluid, remove a few peanut butter balls from the refrigerator at a time. Using a fork or toothpick inserted into the ball, dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, turning to coat completely. Some people prefer to leave a small circle of peanut butter showing on top (buckeye style), which you can do by holding the ball partially submerged. Gently tap the fork on the edge of the bowl to allow excess chocolate to drip off, then carefully slide the coated ball back onto the parchment-lined tray. If using a toothpick, use a second toothpick to help slide the ball off, then smooth over any holes with your finger or a small offset spatula.
7. Set and Store Once all the peanut butter balls are coated, refrigerate the tray again for about 15 minutes, or until the chocolate coating hardens completely. The chocolate should be firm and no longer tacky to the touch. Once set, transfer to an airtight container with parchment paper between layers.
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday Gift Boxes: Package in festive tins or clear boxes tied with ribbon for beautiful homemade gifts
- Party Platter: Arrange on a tiered stand or decorative platter for elegant presentation at gatherings
- Dessert Table: Include alongside cookies, fudge, and other bite-sized treats on a dessert buffet
- Coffee Pairing: Serve with hot coffee or espresso for an after-dinner treat
- Ice Cream Topping: Chop and sprinkle over vanilla ice cream for a deconstructed peanut butter cup sundae
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigeration: Store peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Place parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. The cold storage keeps the filling firm and the chocolate coating crisp.
Freezing: These freeze exceptionally well! Layer in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers and freeze for up to 3 months. They can be eaten straight from the freezer (they’re deliciously firm) or thawed in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving for a softer texture.
Make-Ahead Strategy: The peanut butter balls can be shaped and frozen (before dipping) for up to 1 month. Dip them in chocolate as needed for fresh treats anytime. You can also make fully finished peanut butter balls up to 2 weeks ahead and store them in the refrigerator.
Room Temperature Warning: While these can sit at room temperature for a few hours during serving, they’re best kept chilled. In warm environments, the chocolate may develop bloom (whitish coating) and the filling can become too soft.
Transporting Tip: Keep peanut butter balls cold during transport by placing them in a cooler with ice packs, especially during warm weather. They travel well when kept chilled.
Tips & Tricks
Use the Right Peanut Butter: This recipe requires regular commercial creamy peanut butter like Jif, Skippy, or Peter Pan. Natural or organic peanut butter with separated oil won’t work properly—the mixture will be too oily and won’t hold together when shaped into balls.
Chill Before Dipping: Don’t skip the chilling step! Warm or soft peanut butter balls will fall apart when dipped in chocolate and create a messy disaster. They should be firm and cold for clean, smooth coating.
Add Shortening to Chocolate: The tablespoon of vegetable shortening or coconut oil is essential for creating smooth, thin chocolate that coats evenly and sets with a nice shine. Without it, the chocolate will be too thick and may not coat smoothly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using natural peanut butter – The separated oil makes the mixture too soft to hold shape; use conventional creamy peanut butter only
- Not chilling long enough – Warm balls will fall apart during dipping; make sure they’re firm throughout
- Overheating chocolate – Chocolate can seize if overheated; use short intervals and stir frequently
- Working too slowly with warm balls – The peanut butter will soften from the warm chocolate; work quickly and keep remaining balls chilled
- Skipping the shortening – Without added fat, the chocolate coating will be too thick and won’t look smooth
Chef’s Advice
Flavor Variations:
- Add ½ cup crushed graham crackers to the peanut butter mixture for a different texture
- Mix in ¼ cup mini chocolate chips to the filling for chocolate-studded centers
- Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture (though it’s slightly harder to shape)
- Drizzle with white chocolate after the dark chocolate sets for decorative contrast
- Roll in crushed pretzels, chopped peanuts, or sprinkles before the chocolate sets for added crunch
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Almond butter or sunflower seed butter can replace peanut butter for allergy-friendly versions (use thick, not-drippy varieties)
- Coconut oil works perfectly in place of vegetable shortening for the chocolate
- Dairy-free chocolate chips create a vegan version when paired with plant-based butter
- Honey or maple syrup (2 tablespoons) can replace ¼ cup of the powdered sugar for different sweetness
Presentation Ideas:
- Make them “buckeye style” by leaving the top circle of peanut butter exposed
- Drizzle with contrasting chocolate (white on dark or dark on milk chocolate)
- Roll in finely chopped peanuts immediately after dipping for extra peanut flavor
- Place in mini cupcake liners for easy serving and elegant presentation
- Dust with edible gold luster dust for special occasions
Professional Dipping Tips:
- Use a candy dipping fork or regular dinner fork for easiest dipping
- Keep paper towels nearby to wipe your fork between dips
- If chocolate starts to thicken while working, microwave for 10 seconds to re-thin
- Work in batches of 5-6 balls at a time, keeping the rest refrigerated
History and Cultural Significance
Peanut butter balls, also known as “buckeyes” in Ohio, have been a beloved homemade treat in American households since at least the mid-20th century. The buckeye name comes from their resemblance to the nut of the Ohio buckeye tree when left partially undipped, with a circle of peanut butter showing on top. They became especially popular as a homemade candy during the holidays when families would gather for cookie and candy-making sessions.
The combination of peanut butter and chocolate has been beloved since H.B. Reese introduced Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in 1928. Home cooks soon realized they could recreate similar flavors with simple ingredients and no special equipment. Peanut butter balls became a staple of church bake sales, school fundraisers, and holiday gift boxes throughout the latter half of the 20th century.
These no-bake treats gained popularity during a time when convenience recipes were prized—they required minimal ingredients, no baking, and could be made by cooks of any skill level. The recipe was passed down through generations via handwritten recipe cards, church cookbooks, and community recipe exchanges long before the internet era.
Today, peanut butter balls remain a nostalgic favorite that bridges generations. Many people have fond memories of making them with grandmothers, mothers, or as their first independent baking project as children. They represent homemade goodness and the tradition of sharing sweets during celebrations.
Final Thoughts
These Peanut Butter Balls are the definition of simple perfection—a handful of ingredients, minimal active time, and maximum deliciousness. They satisfy that peanut butter-chocolate craving we all get, rivaling any store-bought candy but with the pride and love of homemade treats. Whether you’re making them for a holiday cookie tray, packaging them as gifts, or simply stashing a batch in the freezer for personal emergencies, they never disappoint.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its foolproof nature and flexibility. You can make them exactly as written or customize them with your favorite add-ins and coating variations. They’re equally at home at elegant parties and casual family gatherings. Plus, they’re a wonderful recipe to make with children—the rolling and dipping steps are fun, tactile activities that create lasting memories.
So grab that jar of peanut butter, clear some space in your refrigerator, and get ready to make the easiest, most addictive treat in your recipe collection. Fair warning: you might want to make a double batch. These Peanut Butter Balls have a way of disappearing faster than you’d think possible!
Nutrition Information
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 ball (based on 36 balls) | 95 | 2g | 10g | 6g | 1g | 8g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is estimated using standard online calculation tools and may vary based on ingredients and preparation methods. For accurate dietary advice, consult a qualified nutrition professional.
Course: Dessert, Snack, Candy | Cuisine: American | Yield: 30-36 balls | Servings: 6 (about 5-6 balls each)
