Peanut Butter Balls

Introduction

Get ready to sweeten up your holiday celebrations with Peanut Butter Balls with Peppermint! These delightful little treats blend the creamy richness of peanut butter with the cool, refreshing kick of peppermint, creating a flavor combination that’s truly irresistible. Perfect for festive gatherings, gifting, or simply indulging in a holiday treat, these no-bake wonders are as easy to make as they are to enjoy.

Each bite offers a balance of sweet, creamy peanut butter coated in chocolate and accented with just the right hint of peppermint. Whether you dress them up with crushed candy canes for a festive look or keep them simple, these bite-sized goodies will quickly become a seasonal favorite

These Peanut Butter Balls with Peppermint are the perfect make-ahead dessert, storing well in the fridge or freezer. They’re ideal for cookie swaps, party platters, or even as edible gifts. With their irresistible flavor and festive charm, they’ll be a star at every holiday event. Try them once, and you’ll find yourself making these every year!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Peanut Butter Balls with Peppermint are destined to become a holiday hit:

• Sweet & Salty Perfection: The creamy peanut butter paired with crunchy chocolate coating is an irresistible combo.
• Minty Freshness: Peppermint adds the perfect refreshing twist to this classic treat.
• No-Bake Delight: These treats come together without needing the oven, making them simple and easy to prepare.
• Great for Gifting: Package them in a cute box or tin for a homemade gift that’s sure to wow friends and family.
• Holiday Cheer: The minty flavor and festive look make them the perfect addition to your holiday dessert spread.
• Customizable Coating: You can dip them in either white or dark chocolate for a sweet touch, or even roll them in crushed peppermint for extra crunch!
• Crowd-Pleaser: These are always a hit, no matter the occasion.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep them days ahead and store them in the fridge, perfect for busy holiday schedules.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 24 peanut butter balls
• Calories per serving: Approximately 130 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Fat: 10g, Carbohydrates: 12g, Fiber: 1g

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Peanut Butter Balls with Peppermint:

the Peanut Butter Balls:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Chocolate Coating:

• 8 oz. semisweet or milk chocolate, chopped
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or shortening

the Peppermint Coating:

• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy (or candy canes)

Ingredient Highlights

• Peanut Butter: The creamy peanut butter gives these treats their rich, smooth texture and comforting flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and binds the peanut butter mixture together for the perfect consistency.
• Crushed Peppermint: Adds a festive, refreshing crunch that complements the richness of the peanut butter.
• Chocolate Coating: The glossy chocolate coating brings it all together with an irresistible finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Peanut Butter Balls with Peppermint:

Make the Peanut Butter Mixture

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the peanut butter, powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until fully combined and smooth.
2. Shape the Balls: Use your hands or a spoon to roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Chill the Peanut Butter Balls

1. Chill for Firmness: Pop the baking sheet with the peanut butter balls into the fridge for about 15 minutes, or until firm.

Coat the Balls in Chocolate

1. Melt the Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate and vegetable oil (or shortening) together in the microwave or using a double boiler. Stir until smooth.
2. Dip the Peanut Butter Balls: Using a fork, dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, making sure to coat it completely. Tap off any excess chocolate.
3. Add Peppermint: Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle crushed peppermint on top or roll the ball in the crushed candy for an extra festive touch.

Let the Chocolate Set

1. Cool the Balls: Place the chocolate-coated peanut butter balls back on the parchment paper and allow the chocolate to set at room temperature or chill in the fridge for faster results.

How to Serve

Here are some festive serving ideas for your Peanut Butter Balls with Peppermint:

1. Holiday Dessert Table: Place these festive treats on a platter at your holiday dessert table.
2. Gift-Giving: Pack them in a holiday tin or jar for a homemade gift that’s sure to impress.
3. Pair with Hot Cocoa: Serve alongside a cup of hot chocolate for the perfect winter treat.
4. Individual Servings: Place a few peanut butter balls in small candy cups for easy grab-and-go servings.
5. Party Snack: These treats are great for parties – set them out on a table for guests to nibble on.
6. Add a Personal Touch: Arrange them in a fun pattern or stack them to create a mini holiday tower of treats.
7. Pair with Peppermint Bark: Serve alongside peppermint bark for an extra festive dessert spread.
8. Use as a Garnish: Add a few crushed peppermint balls on top of cupcakes or cakes for a holiday-inspired garnish.

Additional Tips

Make your Peanut Butter Balls with Peppermint even more special with these tips:

1. Chill for Better Results: The peanut butter balls hold their shape better when chilled before coating.
2. Get Creative with Coatings: You can also dip them in white chocolate for a different look, or drizzle extra chocolate on top for decoration.
3. Use a Chocolate Melting Pot: If you make these often, a chocolate melting pot helps keep the chocolate warm and easy to dip.
4. Customize the Peppermint: Add more or less crushed peppermint to taste – or swap for mini chocolate chips for a different crunch.
5. Check for Firmness: If the peanut butter mixture feels too soft, refrigerate for a little longer before shaping.
6. Store for Later: These treats last up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature, or up to two weeks in the fridge.
7. Make in Batches: Double the recipe if you’re serving a crowd or giving out a lot of gifts.

Recipe Variations

Switch things up with these fun variations:

• Nut Butter Version: Try almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor.
• Chocolate Peppermint Drizzle: Drizzle a little white or dark chocolate over the chocolate-covered balls for a stylish twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder to the peanut butter mixture for a unique, spicy flavor.
• Coconut Coating: After dipping in chocolate, roll the peanut butter balls in shredded coconut for a tropical vibe.
• Mini Versions: Make mini peanut butter balls for bite-sized treats.
• Peanut Butter Crunch: Add chopped peanuts to the peanut butter mixture for extra crunch.

Freezing and Storage

Store your Peanut Butter Balls with Peppermint properly to keep them fresh:

• Storage: Keep the peanut butter balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• Refrigerate: For longer shelf life, store them in the fridge for up to two weeks.
• Freezing: Freeze uncoated peanut butter balls for up to three months. Thaw and coat in chocolate once ready to serve.

Special Equipment

Here’s what you might need to make your Peanut Butter Balls with Peppermint:

• Mixing Bowl: For combining the peanut butter mixture.
• Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
• Fork or Dipping Tool: For dipping the peanut butter balls into chocolate.
• Microwave Safe Bowl or Double Boiler: For melting the chocolate.
• Airtight Container: To store the finished peanut butter balls.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to some common questions:

• Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
  Yes, if you like a little extra texture, crunchy peanut butter works just fine.
• How long do they stay fresh?
  They stay fresh for about a week at room temperature, or up to two weeks in the fridge.
• Can I freeze the peanut butter balls?
  Absolutely! Freeze them before coating in chocolate and dip them once they’ve thawed.
• What if I don’t have peppermint?
  You can substitute with any other minty treat like crushed mint candies or even mint chocolate chips.

Print

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Balls with Peppermint are a festive twist on a classic treat, combining creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and a refreshing hint of peppermint. They’re the perfect bite-sized indulgence for the holiday season, whether you’re gifting them to loved ones, sharing them at a party, or savoring them with a cozy mug of cocoa.

What makes these treats even better is how simple they are to prepare—no baking required! Plus, you can get creative with decorations, like drizzles of white chocolate or a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candy, making each batch uniquely yours. Their sweet, creamy centers and crunchy chocolate exteriors will have everyone reaching for seconds.

So, gather your ingredients and give these festive treats a try. Don’t wait—make your holidays a little sweeter today! And don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations!