If you’re searching for a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet, creamy, and a hint of crunch, try this Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe. These irresistible little bites combine smooth peanut butter filling with a crisp coating of white chocolate, offering a festive and fun dessert that feels both cozy and luxurious. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a family gathering, or simply because you deserve something indulgent, these snowballs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will keep everyone reaching for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes the Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe so charming is its simplicity and the careful harmony of each ingredient. From creamy peanut butter to the sweet touch of white chocolate, every component brings a unique flavor or texture that makes the final result utterly delicious.
- Creamy peanut butter: Provides the rich, nutty base that gives the filling its signature taste and smooth texture.
- Butter, softened: Adds silkiness and helps bind the filling ingredients together for easy rolling.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth, lifting the overall flavor with subtle sweetness.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling while ensuring it remains smooth without any grittiness.
- Graham cracker crumbs: Introduce a slightly crunchy texture and a touch of honeyed flavor to complement the peanut butter.
- White chocolate bark or chips: Coats each snowball in a creamy, sweet shell that sets beautifully and contrasts perfectly with the filling.
- Holiday sprinkles (optional): Add a playful burst of color and festivity, making these treats extra special for any occasion.
How to Make Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Peanut Butter Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Using a stand mixer or a sturdy spoon, blend these ingredients until they are smooth and uniform. This forms the luscious base for your snowballs and ensures every bite is rich in flavor.
Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients
Next, fold in powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs. The powdered sugar sweetens and firms up the filling, while the graham cracker crumbs lend a gentle crunch and a lovely depth of flavor. Stir well until your mixture is fully combined and easy to shape.
Step 3: Shape the Snowballs
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your workspace clean and make cleanup a breeze. Scoop out about one tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll it between your palms into smooth, uniform balls. Place them evenly spaced on the baking sheet. This step is fun and hands-on, perfect for involving little helpers!
Step 4: Chill the Filling
Pop the baking sheet into the refrigerator and let the peanut butter balls chill for 30 minutes. This crucial step firms them up so they hold their shape through the next steps and ensures they won’t melt when dipped in warm chocolate.
Step 5: Melt the White Chocolate
Place the white chocolate bark or chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring well between each session, until the chocolate is fully melted and silky smooth. Avoid overheating to keep the chocolate glossy and temper it gently for the best coating texture.
Step 6: Dip the Snowballs
Using a fork or toothpick, carefully dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted white chocolate. Let the excess drip off by gently tapping the side of the bowl and then return them to the parchment-lined baking sheet. This coats the peanut butter center in a sweet, crisp shell that’s pure perfection.
Step 7: Decorate and Set
If you have leftover melted chocolate, pour it into a plastic or piping bag, snip off a tiny corner, and drizzle over the dipped snowballs for a pretty finish. Sprinkle holiday sprinkles on top for festive flair. Place the baking sheet back in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes so the chocolate coating can firm up completely.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a final touch is part of the fun. Sprinkle some colorful holiday sprinkles, crushed peanuts, or even a dusting of powdered sugar to mimic freshly fallen snow. These garnishes make the snowballs visually enticing and add a subtle additional layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
Peanut Butter Snowballs are versatile enough to be enjoyed on their own or alongside a warm cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or a creamy milkshake. They also pair wonderfully with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these snowballs in small festive muffin liners or arrange them on a decorative holiday platter surrounded by pine sprigs or edible flowers. You can even gift them in a beautifully wrapped box with parchment paper for an irresistible homemade present.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Peanut Butter Snowballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the coating crisp and the filling firm. They stay fresh for up to one week, making them an excellent treat to enjoy over time or share with friends throughout the week.
Freezing
These little delights freeze beautifully, allowing you to prepare them in advance. Arrange the snowballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing their delicious texture or flavor.
Reheating
For the best experience, thaw frozen snowballs in the refrigerator overnight rather than at room temperature to prevent sweating. enjoy them chilled or at room temperature. Avoid microwaving as it can soften the coating and alter the texture.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture to the filling, but keep in mind it may make rolling a bit more challenging. If you love that extra crunch, go for it.
Is it necessary to chill the peanut butter balls before dipping?
Yes, chilling helps the balls firm up so they hold their shape during dipping and prevents the chocolate from melting too quickly. Skipping this step might cause the snowballs to become messy.
Can I substitute the white chocolate with milk or dark chocolate?
Definitely! Milk and dark chocolate make delicious alternatives if you prefer a less sweet or richer coating. Just make sure to adjust the melting process accordingly for smooth dipping.
How long do Peanut Butter Snowballs last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, these treats remain fresh and tasty for up to a week. For longer storage, freezing is a great option.
Are these snowballs suitable for gift-giving?
They are perfect gifts! Pack them in decorative boxes or tins with some parchment paper, and they’ll be a sweet, homemade surprise that anyone will appreciate.
Final Thoughts
Making this Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe is such a joyful experience, from mixing the ingredients to sharing the finished treats with loved ones. These snowballs are easy to make, wonderfully tasty, and perfectly suited for bringing a smile to any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try making them yourself and discover just how addictive these creamy, chocolatey bites can be!
Print
Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Peanut Butter Snowballs are delightful no-bake treats combining creamy peanut butter filling coated in smooth white chocolate. Perfect for holiday gifting or festive parties, these bite-sized truffles are easy to prepare and bring a rich, sweet, and crunchy flavor with a festive touch of sprinkles.
Ingredients
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
For the Coating:
- 8 ounces white chocolate bark or white chocolate chips
- Holiday sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract until well blended. You can use a stand mixer for convenience or mix by hand for about 2-3 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs until the mixture is thoroughly combined and forms a firm dough-like consistency that can be shaped.
- Form Balls: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using about 1 tablespoon of the mixture for each, scoop and roll into smooth, round balls. Set them on the prepared sheet evenly spaced.
- Chill: Refrigerate the peanut butter balls for 30 minutes to firm up, making them easier to coat with chocolate.
- Melt Chocolate: Place the white chocolate bark or chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Coat the Balls: Using a fork or toothpick, dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted white chocolate. Allow excess chocolate to drip off by gently tapping the side of the bowl before placing the coated balls back onto the parchment-lined sheet.
- Decorate: Transfer any remaining melted chocolate into a plastic or piping bag, snip off a corner, and drizzle it over the coated balls. If desired, sprinkle holiday sprinkles on top while the chocolate is still wet.
- Set the Chocolate: Refrigerate the coated balls for at least 15 minutes to let the chocolate fully set and harden.
Notes
- Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture; natural peanut butter may alter consistency.
- Ensure the butter is softened for easy mixing.
- If you don’t have graham cracker crumbs, you can crush graham crackers finely with a food processor or by hand.
- White chocolate can seize if overheated; melt gently and stir often.
- Store finished snowballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- To make peanut butter snowballs extra festive, add colored sprinkles or edible glitter.
