There are few flavor combinations as timeless and beloved as chocolate and peanut butter. These Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs capture that perfect pairing in a simple, no-bake treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for an easy holiday candy to share, a delicious addition to a party platter, or a quick dessert to satisfy a craving, this recipe is your answer. They’re incredibly simple to make, yet they look and taste like they came straight from a candy shop.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of these delightful snowballs in no time. The creamy, rich peanut butter center is perfectly balanced by a smooth, decadent chocolate coating. Let’s get started on what is sure to become one of your new favorite no-bake desserts.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe
- Completely No-Bake: Free up your oven and whip up a delicious treat without any baking required. It’s the perfect recipe for hot days or busy holiday seasons.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything you need right in your pantry, making this an easy, go-to recipe for last-minute needs.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The classic mix of salty peanut butter and sweet chocolate is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
- Perfect for Gifting: Pack these treats in a festive box, and you have a wonderful homemade gift for neighbors, teachers, and friends.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can easily prepare these snowballs in advance, making party prep a breeze. Check out our No-Bake Christmas Cheesecake for another great make-ahead option!
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
The key to perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs is using simple, quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Use a standard commercial creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. Avoid natural peanut butters where the oil separates, as they can make the filling too soft.
- Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the filling and provides the structure, helping the balls hold their shape.
- Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature to ensure it mixes smoothly with the other ingredients.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances the rich flavors.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The perfect coating that’s not overly sweet. You can also use dark or milk chocolate if you prefer.
- Coconut Oil or Shortening: This is the secret ingredient for a smooth, glossy chocolate coating that hardens perfectly.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs: Step-by-Step
Making these treats is as easy as mix, roll, and dip. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time.
Step 1: Mix the Peanut Butter Filling
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to beat the softened butter and creamy peanut butter together until smooth and well-combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until it’s fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should be thick and somewhat crumbly, but should hold together when pressed.
Step 2: Chill and Roll
Cover the bowl and chill the peanut butter mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial, as it makes the dough much easier to handle. Once chilled, scoop the mixture and roll it into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. For perfectly uniform treats, consider using a small cookie scoop. Freeze the rolled balls for another 15-20 minutes to ensure they are firm before dipping.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
While the peanut butter balls are in the freezer, prepare the chocolate coating. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the coconut oil or shortening. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat it.
Step 4: Dip and Decorate
Remove the firm peanut butter balls from the freezer. Using a fork or a dipping tool, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the coated balls back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. If you like, you can add sprinkles or a dusting of powdered sugar before the chocolate sets. For another easy and fun treat, try our Rolo Pretzel Clusters.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the filling before rolling and freezing the balls before dipping is the most important step. It prevents the balls from falling apart in the warm chocolate.
- Smooth Chocolate is Key: Adding a teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening to the chocolate chips before melting creates a silky-smooth coating that hardens beautifully.
- Easy Dipping Technique: Drop a ball into the melted chocolate, use a fork to roll it around, then lift it out. Gently tap the fork on the side of the bowl to let the excess chocolate drip away.
- Get Creative with Toppings: While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle on some festive sprinkles, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a drizzle of white chocolate for a professional look. If you love coconut, you will adore these Pink Coconut Snowball Cake Bars.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs are perfect for making ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Simply place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, with parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking. Let them thaw in the refrigerator for an hour before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
They are very similar! The main difference is that a buckeye is only partially dipped in chocolate, leaving a small circle of the peanut butter filling exposed to resemble the nut from a buckeye tree. A snowball is fully coated in chocolate.
Yes, absolutely! These freeze wonderfully. Store them in an airtight, freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
You can make these several days in advance. They will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, which makes them a perfect make-ahead party dessert.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are a great all-purpose choice. For a smoother melt and a shinier coating, you can use chocolate melting wafers or add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening to your chocolate chips.
This usually happens if the peanut butter mixture isn’t chilled long enough or if you’re using natural peanut butter. Ensure you chill the mixture for at least 30 minutes before rolling and freeze the balls for 15-20 minutes before dipping to help them firm up.
More Delicious Dessert Recipes To Try
If you enjoyed these Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs, you’ll love exploring more of our easy and delicious dessert recipes. From cakes and cookies to other no-bake delights, there’s always something sweet to discover. Try our fan-favorite Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll for another irresistible treat!
We hope you love making and sharing this simple recipe for Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs. They are truly a perfect treat for any time of year. If you make them, please leave a comment below or share a photo with us on Pinterest. We can’t wait to see your creations!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe
Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs (Easy No-Bake Recipe!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and creamy peanut butter together with a mixer until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Cover the bowl and chill the peanut butter mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll the chilled mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze the balls for 15-20 minutes until firm.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely melted and smooth.
- Dip each frozen peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off. Place back on the parchment paper and let the chocolate set completely. Refrigerate to speed up the process.
Notes
Dipping Tip: Use a fork or a dedicated dipping tool for the cleanest results. Tap the fork on the edge of the bowl to remove excess chocolate before placing the ball on the parchment paper.
