No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

Home » No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

If you’re craving something sweet, rich, and completely irresistible, these No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls are your new best friend. Imagine the perfect combination of creamy peanut butter, sweetness, and a hint of chocolate—all without having to turn on the oven. These little bites of joy are quick to make and even easier to devour. They’re just the right balance of sweet and salty, and the best part? No baking required! Trust me, you’ll be reaching for these again and again.

Why You’ll Love No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

This recipe isn’t just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s about bringing joy to every bite. Whether you’re making these as a treat for yourself or sharing them with friends, they are sure to become a favorite. Here’s why:

  • Versatile: Whether you need a quick snack, a sweet treat for a party, or an energy bite to fuel your day, these No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls work for every occasion. They’re as perfect for an after-school snack as they are for dessert at a get-together.
  • Budget-Friendly: With just a few pantry staples, these peanut butter balls are the definition of budget-friendly. No fancy ingredients required—just peanut butter, oats, chocolate, and a couple of other essentials.
  • Quick and Easy: These come together in no time! If you’ve got 10 minutes, you’ve got enough time to prep these delicious little treats. No fuss, no hassle, just peanut butter bliss.
  • Customizable: Add-ins like mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit make it easy to switch things up. Feel free to get creative with the flavor and texture!
  • Crowd-Pleasing: Kids love ‘em. Adults love ‘em. Honestly, who can resist that sweet, salty, and chocolatey combo? It’s a crowd-pleaser through and through.

Ingredients

Let’s take a look at the ingredients that come together to make these peanut butter balls so irresistible:

Peanut Butter: The heart of this recipe. Smooth, creamy peanut butter holds everything together while giving the balls their rich, nutty flavor. If you’re more of a chunky peanut butter fan, feel free to use that instead for a bit of texture!

Oats: Oats give these peanut butter balls a nice, hearty texture. They also help balance the sweetness and make these bites feel like a satisfying snack.

Powdered Sugar: This ingredient adds just the right amount of sweetness to offset the peanut butter’s saltiness. It also helps the balls stick together without being too sticky.

Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla brings a warm, aromatic sweetness that complements the peanut butter and chocolate perfectly.

Chocolate Chips: For the coating! Melting chocolate chips over the peanut butter balls gives them a sweet, smooth finish. Plus, it’s a classic pairing with peanut butter—what’s not to love?

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into making these delicious treats! Here’s how to create your perfect No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls:

Step 1: Mix the Peanut Butter Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, powdered sugar, oats, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined and you’ve got a sticky, dough-like mixture. You’ll want it to hold its shape but still be soft enough to roll into balls.

Step 2: Roll Into Balls

Once your mixture is ready, use your hands to roll it into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. If the mixture is too sticky to handle, you can chill it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to make it easier to roll.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate

While the balls are setting, melt the chocolate chips. You can do this either in the microwave or over a double boiler. Stir occasionally to avoid burning the chocolate, making sure it’s smooth and melted.

Step 4: Dip in Chocolate

Once the peanut butter balls are rolled and the chocolate is melted, dip each ball into the chocolate, making sure it’s fully coated. Use a fork or spoon to lift the balls out of the chocolate, and let any excess drip off.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Place the chocolate-coated balls on a parchment-lined tray. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until the chocolate has set and the peanut butter balls are firm.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the chocolate is hardened, the No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls are ready to enjoy! Serve them as a snack, dessert, or just a little treat to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 190

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes (including chilling time)

How to Serve No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

These peanut butter balls are delightful on their own, but they can be served in a variety of fun ways:

  • As a Snack: Perfect for munching on throughout the day, these little treats will curb your sweet cravings and give you a nice energy boost thanks to the oats and peanut butter.
  • For Parties or Gatherings: They’re easy to make in bulk and are a great finger food at parties. People will love picking them up and popping them in their mouths!
  • With a Glass of Milk: There’s nothing better than pairing these peanut butter balls with a cold glass of milk. It’s a classic combo that never gets old.
  • As a Gift: Pack them into a cute jar with a ribbon, and you’ve got yourself a homemade gift that’s both thoughtful and delicious.

Presentation tip: Arrange them neatly on a platter or a fun dessert stand for a sweet touch that looks as good as it tastes.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

  • Add-ins: Mix in mini chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor. You can get creative with your additions!
  • Chill for a Smoother Coating: If the chocolate is hard to coat, chill the peanut butter balls in the fridge first. It helps the chocolate set faster and makes the process a bit cleaner.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free chocolate chips if you’re making these peanut butter balls for someone with a dairy allergy or if you’re dairy-free yourself.
  • Make Ahead: These peanut butter balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. They’re perfect for prepping in advance for events or when you just want a quick treat on hand.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
A1: Yes, crunchy peanut butter will work just fine! It will add a little extra texture to your peanut butter balls. If you prefer the smooth version, you can always stick with that.

Q2: Can I use something other than oats?
A2: You can try using graham cracker crumbs, rice cereal, or even protein powder if you’re looking to add a bit more protein. Just note that this may change the texture a little bit.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store these in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They’ll stay fresh and firm, ready for snacking whenever you need a treat!

Q4: Can I freeze these peanut butter balls?
A4: Yes, these freeze beautifully! Just pop them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, and they’ll last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature.

Q5: Can I make these without chocolate coating?
A5: Of course! If you want a simpler, lighter version, you can skip the chocolate coating and enjoy the peanut butter balls as they are. They’re still delicious!

Q6: Can I add protein powder to make these more filling?
A6: Yes, feel free to mix in some protein powder! Just be aware that it may change the texture a little bit, so you might need to adjust the amount of oats or peanut butter accordingly.

Q7: How do I make them sweeter or less sweet?
A7: If you want these to be sweeter, just add a little more powdered sugar or drizzle extra honey over the top. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of powdered sugar or skip the chocolate coating.

Q8: Can I use honey instead of powdered sugar?
A8: You can! Just note that honey will make the mixture a bit stickier, so you may need to adjust the amount of oats to balance it out.

Q9: How do I know when the chocolate is melted properly?
A9: You’ll know it’s melted when the chocolate is smooth and glossy, with no lumps. Stir occasionally to make sure it’s melting evenly and slowly.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and follow the same instructions. These peanut butter balls are easy to scale up for bigger batches.

Conclusion

These No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls are the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and chocolatey—plus, they’re ridiculously easy to make! Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack, need to bring a treat to a party, or just want something sweet without the effort, these little bites are the way to go. I promise, once you try them, you’ll want to keep a batch in the fridge at all times. Go ahead and treat yourself—you’ve earned it!

Print

No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

These No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls are a perfect treat for peanut butter lovers! With a creamy peanut butter center coated in rich chocolate, they’re an easy-to-make, irresistible sweet snack. No baking required—just mix, chill, dip, and enjoy!

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 24 balls 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-bake
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

For the Peanut Butter Mixture:

  • 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups powdered sugar

For the Chocolate Coating:

  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 teaspoons coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smoother melting)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until a thick, dough-like consistency forms.
  • Form the Balls: Roll tablespoon-sized portions of the peanut butter mixture into balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Chill the Balls: Refrigerate the balls for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.
  • Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using) in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth.
  • Coat the Balls: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off.
  • Chill the Coated Balls: Place the coated balls back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set.
  • Store and Serve: Store the peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Notes

  • You can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate if preferred, but semi-sweet chocolate offers the perfect balance of sweetness.
  • For a smoother coating, use coconut oil or shortening when melting the chocolate.
  • If you don’t want to dip them, you can drizzle the chocolate over the balls for a more rustic look.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 ball
  • Calories: 170
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 17g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star