✨ Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 cups chocolate chips (for coating – milk, dark, or semi-sweet)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional for extra flavor)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening (to smooth out the melted chocolate)
• Festive sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or white chocolate drizzle (optional for decoration)

🎅 Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Base

In a large bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and softened butter. Using a hand mixer or wooden spoon, blend until smooth and creamy. The mixture should look light and fluffy — that’s the secret to soft, melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter balls.

Step 2: Add Sweetness

Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Stir after each addition until the dough becomes thick but still soft enough to roll. If you want a richer flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract here. Your kitchen will start smelling like pure holiday happiness!

Step 3: Shape the Balls

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, roll the dough into bite-sized balls (about 1 inch each). Place them on the prepared sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes — this helps them firm up before dipping.

Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Coating

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with a tablespoon of coconut oil or shortening. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth and glossy. Be careful not to burn the chocolate — patience makes it perfect!

Step 5: Dip and Decorate

Using a fork or toothpick, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off. Place them back on the parchment paper. For extra festive flair, sprinkle crushed candy canes or colorful holiday sprinkles before the chocolate sets.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the coated peanut butter balls for about 1 hour or until the chocolate hardens completely. Once firm, store them in an airtight container — they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer.

🎁 Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Balls

• Use creamy peanut butter: It gives the smoothest, most luscious texture. Avoid natural peanut butter that separates easily.
• Chill before dipping: This prevents the balls from falling apart or melting when dipped in warm chocolate.
• Double coat: If you love a thicker chocolate shell, let the first layer set, then dip again!
• Add texture: Mix in a handful of crushed Rice Krispies, chopped peanuts, or pretzel bits for a fun crunch.
• Gift idea: Place them in mini cupcake liners inside a festive tin — perfect for neighbors, teachers, or coworkers.

🍫 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Christmas Peanut Butter Balls are the ultimate blend of sweet, salty, and creamy goodness. Each bite melts in your mouth, delivering that nostalgic peanut butter-chocolate combo we all crave. Plus, they’re no-bake, quick to make, and easy to customize — what’s not to love?

They’ve been a holiday staple for generations. Many families pass this recipe down from grandma’s handwritten cards, always made in batches big enough to share. Whether you’re a baking pro or a beginner, this recipe guarantees smiles all around.

🎨 Fun Variations

• White Chocolate Wonderland: Dip your peanut butter balls in white chocolate and drizzle with red and green lines for a stunning Christmas look.
• Dark Chocolate Lovers: Use dark or semi-sweet chocolate for a richer, more balanced flavor.
• Peanut Butter Crunch: Add crushed cereal or cookie crumbs to the dough for an extra bite.
• Peanut Butter Snowballs: Skip the chocolate and roll in shredded coconut for a snowy holiday treat.

☃️ Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

These peanut butter balls are freezer-friendly and perfect for making ahead of time. To freeze, place them in a single layer in an airtight container with wax paper between layers. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

If storing in the fridge, keep them covered to maintain their creamy texture and keep the chocolate shell crisp. They’ll be ready whenever you want a sweet holiday bite!

🎄 A Holiday Story Behind the Recipe

Every Christmas, there’s always that one treat everyone looks forward to — the one that disappears faster than you can make it. For many, these Peanut Butter Balls are that treat. They’re a mix of simplicity and nostalgia: just a few ingredients, but endless joy.

Maybe your grandmother used to make them, carefully rolling each one by hand. Maybe you remember sneaking a few from the fridge before dinner. That’s the magic of these peanut butter balls — they’re more than just candy; they’re little edible memories of Christmas warmth and laughter.