This chocolate peanut butter balls recipe puts Reese cups to shame! Super easy and perfect for the holidays, all you peanut butter and chocolate fans are going to go, well, nuts for these.

Chocolate peanut butter ball biten in half. — Serving chocolate peanut butter balls

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I like Reese cups.

I like these chocolate peanut butter balls better.

Reeses have a hierarchy of deliciousness based on the very scientific ratio of chocolate to peanut butter.

Christmas tree Reeses and pumpkin Reeses are at the top followed by Valentine’s Day hearts and Easter eggs with the cups coming in last.

It’s all because those seasonal versions are more fun (obviously) but also there’s a thicker layer of peanut butter.

See, the peanut butter to chocolate ratio!

And that’s what we’ve got going on with these chocolate peanut butter balls.

A thick, rich layer peanut butter- like a full inch thick with a thin layer of chocolate.

Then that peanut butter goodness really shines.

They are a treat no matter when you make them but definitely a must make for the holidays.

And this chocolate peanut butter ball recipe is no bake so you aren’t worried about fighting for oven space.

The results? Rich, luxurious peanut butter treats that blows Reeses right outta the water and are perfect for adding to a holiday dessert table.

Ingredients and Kitchen Supplies

Ingredients for chocolate peanut butter balls recipe: chocolate chips, powdered sugar, butter, creamy peanut butter, coconut oil, vanilla, and sprinkles.

To make our chocolate peanut butter balls recipe, you’ll need:

Peanut Butter – We prefer smooth chocolate peanut butter balls, so we get smooth peanut butter. If you want some crunch, you could use crunchy peanut butters. Make sure you aren’t using natural peanut butter. The filling won’t set up properly.
Butter – You’ll want to leave it out to soften before using. We also recommend using unsalted butters.
Vanilla – For a bit of added flavor, we use vanilla extract.
Powdered Sugar – This provides some firming texture to the peanut butter and also offers some sweetness.
Chocolate Chips – For the chocolate coating, we use semi-sweet chips. You can use other varieties if you prefer.
Coconut Oil – This helps to soften the chocolate coating so you are not biting into something that is rock hard. We’ve made it without, but expect a much harder shell if you skip it.
Sprinkles – These are optional and can help add some festive or seasonal flair to the chocolate peanut butter balls. Change them out to make them seasonally appropriate.

You don’t need any fancy equipment for these, but you will want to pull out your:

How to Make Our Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

1. Mix the peanut butter filling.

The peanut butter filling gives the balls their shape and is very easy to make.

To start, scoop your peanutbutter into a medium to large bowl.

Add in the softened butter, vanilla extract, and about half of the powdered sugar.

With a spoon or hand mixer, beat the ingredients together.

Once incorporated, add in the remaining powedered sugar and beat to combine.

Holding filling for chocolate covered peanut butter balls up to show texture. — The peanut butter filling should hold its shape.

The peanut butter should be the consistency of crumbly cookie dough but be moldable and hold its shape well.

2. Form the balls.

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or spray with non-stick spray.

Using a melon baller or ice cream scoop to get consistent sized peanut butter balls for dipping in chocolate. — Use an ice cream scoop or melon baller to get consistent sized peanut butter balls.

Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, scoop out a small portion of the peanut butter mixture and then use your hands to form into roughly 1 inch balls.

You can make them bigger or smaller if you like.

Peanut butter filling rolled into balls to dip in chocolate. — Peanut butter balls waiting to get covered in chocolate.

You should have enough for about 16-18 balls, less if they are bigger or more if they are smaller.

Place the tray in the fridge and allow them to cool for about 30 minutes before coating with chocolate.

3. Coat with chocolate.

Put your chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave safe bowl.

In increments of 30 seconds, heat the chocolate and coconut oil, stirring between each 30 seconds.

Melted chocolate ready to dip peanut butter balls in. — The chocolate should be smooth.

You will need to do this until the chocolate is smooth with no lumps.

Working quickly, dip your peanut butter balls into the melted chocolate, gently shaking to coat evenly.

Dipping a peanut ball in melted chocolate. — Dip each ball in the melted chocolate.

Remove the ball with a candy dipping spoon, spoon, or fork, being careful not to remove too much of the chocolate coating.

Freshly dipped chocolate peanut butter ball. — Place the dipped balls on a tray to dry.

Repeat the process until you have covered all the peanut butter balls in chocolate.

Before they set, sprinkle with sprinkles or other small candies for decoration if desired.

Chocolate covered peanut butter balls on a clear plate with sprinkles. — Serving the chocolate peanut butter balls.

Let the chocolate peanut butter balls to set before serving.

Serving

Chocolate covered peanut butter balls on a clear plate. — Chocolate peanut butter balls on a clear plate.

Chocolate peanut butter balls are a combination of candy and dessert.

You can make a batch or two and eat them all week as a quick and easy snack to satisfy a sweet tooth.

Or you could put them on a platter and serve them to guests at a party or other gathering.

Storing

Store these chocolate peanut butter balls in the fridge to keep them fresh and tasting their best.

To store, place them in an air tight container or cover tightly with cling wrap.

You can serve them chilled or you can let them come up naturally to room temperature.

These also make excellent homemade candy gifts for loved ones and friends, just keep them in the fridge until you are ready to gift them.

Tips and Tricks

Chocolate peanut butter ball cut in half with others in the background. — Serving the peanut butter balls.

Don’t skip the coconut oil. This softens the chocolate coating so it is not hard as a rock when you bite into it. If you like a harder coating, then you will want to make it as thin as possible when adding the chocolate.
Don’t forget to let the peanut butter balls set a bit first. This helps them keep their shape.
You can make other shapes beyond balls. Rolling out the peanut butter, you can use cookie cutters to cut out fun designs. You coat them the same as you would the balls.
Get more chocolate chips than you think you need just in case you make more than you think or use different sizes.
Once the chocolate has set, you can break any of the excess “feet” off the bottom of the truffles for a cleaner look.

Other Candy Recipes

Looking for other fun candy recipes? Try these:

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