December 25, 2025

Classic No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

The Ultimate Easy Chocolate-Dipped Treat

Is there any combination more iconic than peanut butter and chocolate? These Peanut Butter Balls are a timeless classic for a reason. They are incredibly creamy on the inside, perfectly sweet, and coated in a smooth chocolate shell—all without ever turning on the oven.

I absolutely love this simple, no-bake recipe. It’s my go-to favorite for holiday cookie trays, party platters, or just when that specific peanut butter chocolate craving hits. It’s the perfect activity for little helpers in the kitchen, too. These bite-sized treats are surprisingly easy to make and are guaranteed to be the first ones to disappear at any gathering!

Prep Time: 15 min | Chill Time: 45 min | Total Time: 1 hr

Key Ingredients

This recipe relies on simple pantry staples to create a decadent treat.

Creamy Peanut Butter: 1 cup. Crucial Tip: Do not use natural or oily-style peanut butter that requires stirring. The oil separation prevents the dough from setting properly. Stick to standard commercial brands.
Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick), softened to room temperature.
Powdered Sugar: 1 1/2 cups, sifted. (Sifting is key to ensuring a smooth, lump-free center).
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: 2 cups. (You can also substitute milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter coating).
Vegetable Shortening or Coconut Oil: 1 tablespoon. This is essential for thinning the melted chocolate, ensuring a smooth dip and a glossy finish.
Pure Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon.
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, to balance the sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

These no-bake treats come together quickly, though they do require some chilling time to ensure perfect dipping.

Prepare the base: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat together the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
Add the powdered sugar: Gradually stir in the sifted powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time. Continue mixing until the mixture forms a thick, firm dough that holds together and doesn’t stick to your hands.
Shape the balls: Line a large baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms into a 1-inch ball (roughly the size of a walnut). Place it on the lined sheet and repeat with the remaining dough.
First chill: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30–45 minutes. Do not skip this step! The balls need to be firm so they don’t fall apart when dipped in warm chocolate.
Melt the chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and shortening (or coconut oil). Microwave in 20–30 second intervals, stirring vigorously in between each interval, until completely smooth and melted.
Dip and coat: Using a fork or a toothpick, dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, turning to coat completely. Tap the fork gently on the edge of the bowl to let excess chocolate drip off, then return the ball to the lined tray.
Final set: Return the tray to the refrigerator for about 15 minutes, or until the chocolate coating has hardened completely.

Serving Suggestions

Holiday Cookie Tins: These are durable and travel well, making them perfect for gifting in festive tins alongside baked cookies.
Dessert Charcuterie Board: Arrange them on a board with pretzels, fresh berries, and other small treats for a party.
The “Frozen” Treat: Serve them straight from the freezer for a firmer, chilly bite on a hot day.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftover peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. They taste best chilled!
Freezing: These freeze beautifully. Once the chocolate coating is completely set, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or enjoy them straight from frozen.
Make-Ahead: You can make the peanut butter dough balls a day in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to melt the chocolate and dip them.

Tips & Tricks

Sift the Sugar: Don’t skip sifting the powdered sugar. It only takes a minute and ensures your centers are silky smooth with no lumps of sugar.
Don’t Skip the Fat: Adding that tablespoon of shortening or coconut oil to the chocolate prevents it from seizing and makes it much thinner and easier to work with for dipping.
The Toothpick Method: If using a fork leaves too many marks on the bottom of your chocolates, try inserting a toothpick into the ball to dip it. Place it on the tray, gently twist the toothpick out, and smooth the tiny hole with your finger.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Natural Peanut Butter: This is the biggest mistake people make. Using the type of peanut butter that separates will result in an oily, runny mess that won’t hold its shape.
Skipping the Chill: If the peanut butter balls aren’t cold, they will start to melt into the warm chocolate as you dip them, making the process messy and difficult.
Overheating the Chocolate: Microwave chocolate in short bursts. If it gets too hot, it can “seize” (become lumpy and unworkable) or scorch, ruining the flavor.

Chef’s Advice

The Buckeye Look: For a classic “Buckeye” appearance, don’t submerge the entire ball. Dip it about 3/4 of the way, leaving a small circle of peanut butter showing at the top.
Add a Crunch: Stir 1/2 cup of Rice Krispies cereal into the peanut butter dough before rolling for a surprise textural crunch.
Toppings: Immediately after dipping, sprinkle the tops with flaky sea salt, festive sprinkles, or finely chopped peanuts before the chocolate sets for a professional finish.

History and Cultural Significance

While beloved across North America, these treats are very similar to “Buckeyes,” a confection famously associated with the state of Ohio and its surrounding region.¹ They are named because their appearance—when partially dipped to leave a tan circle on top—resembles the nut of the Ohio state tree, the buckeye. They became exceptionally popular in the mid-20th century as convenient, processed foods like creamy peanut butter became household staples, making no-bake treats easy and accessible for home cooks everywhere.

Final Thoughts

These Peanut Butter Balls are the ultimate low-effort, high-reward treat. Whether you are whipping them up for a holiday gathering, a game day party, or just to keep stash in the fridge for emergency chocolate cravings, this recipe never disappoints. Enjoy the process of rolling and dipping!

Nutrition Information

Based on 6 servings per batch.

Serving Size	approx. 4-5 balls
Calories	680 (Estimate)
Protein	14g
Carbs	75g
Fat	40g
Fiber	5g
Sugar	65g

Disclaimer: Nutrition information is estimated using standard online calculation tools based on the ingredients and serving count listed in the source recipe. Values may vary based on specific brands used and the final size of the balls. For accurate dietary advice, consult a qualified nutrition professional.