Irresistible 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe for Sweet Smiles

Crafting delectable 4-ingredient peanut butter balls requires minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Sweet treats like these always spark joy in our kitchen.

Incredibly simple ingredients combine to create something magical.

Quick mixing and no-bake preparation mean you can whip these up in minutes.

Chocolate lovers will adore the rich coating that complements creamy peanut butter perfectly.

Small hands and big appetites alike gravitate toward these irresistible bites.

Let’s roll into a delightful snacking adventure that promises pure deliciousness.

Peanut Butter Balls That Are So Easy and Loved by All

• Quick and Easy Preparation: Whip up these delightful peanut butter balls in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving a speedy sweet treat.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Create a decadent dessert with only 4 simple ingredients, eliminating complicated shopping lists and kitchen stress.
• Kid-Friendly Cooking Adventure: Engage children in a fun, mess-friendly recipe that allows them to roll balls and get creative with chocolate coating and decorations.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for potlucks, holiday gatherings, and casual dessert nights, these bite-sized treats satisfy both kids and adults with their irresistible combination of creamy peanut butter and smooth chocolate.

4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls – What Goes In

Main Ingredients:

• Cream Cheese: Soft and creamy base that provides smooth texture and richness to the balls.
• Peanut Butter: Adds classic nutty flavor and helps bind the ingredients together.

• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create the right consistency for the mixture.

• Chocolate: Great for coating the balls, adds rich flavor and smooth finish. Milk, dark, or white chocolate work well. Choose high-quality chocolate for best results.
• Optional Powdered Sugar: Light dusting adds extra sweetness and elegant presentation.

Peanut Butter Ball Instructions in Four Ingredients

Step 1: Blend Creamy Base

In a mixing bowl, whip softened cream cheese and peanut butter together until the mixture becomes silky smooth and perfectly combined.

Use an electric mixer to achieve a consistent texture without any lumps.

Step 2: Create Dough Mixture

Gradually incorporate powdered sugar into the creamy base.

Stir thoroughly until the ingredients transform into a thick, moldable dough that holds its shape when pressed together.

Step 3: Shape Delightful Balls

Gently roll the mixture into bite-sized spheres, approximately one inch in diameter.

Place each ball carefully on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.

Step 4: Chill and Prepare

Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and let the balls cool for about 15-20 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare your chosen chocolate for coating.

Step 5: Melt Chocolate Coating

Select milk, dark, or white chocolate for dipping.

Melt the chocolate using either a microwave in short intervals or a double boiler, stirring until completely smooth and glossy.

Step 6: Dip and Cover

Remove chilled balls from the refrigerator.

Using a fork or specialized dipping tool, carefully submerge each ball into the melted chocolate.

Ensure complete coverage and allow excess chocolate to drip off.

Step 7: Set and Harden

Place chocolate-coated balls on a fresh parchment-lined tray.

Return to the refrigerator and let them set until the chocolate becomes firm and crisp.

Step 8: Final Flourish

Optional: Sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle additional melted chocolate for an elegant finishing touch.

Serve chilled and enjoy your decadent treats.

Quick PB Ball Tips Using Only Four Ingredients

• Refrigerate the peanut butter balls for 30 minutes before chocolate dipping to help them maintain shape and prevent crumbling during the coating process.
• Select high-quality chocolate that melts smoothly and provides a rich flavor, ensuring the coating complements the creamy peanut butter filling.
• Add a teaspoon of coconut oil to melted chocolate to create a thinner, more even coating that slides off smoothly and hardens quickly.
• Swap regular cream cheese for dairy-free alternatives and use vegan chocolate to make this recipe gluten-free and suitable for plant-based diets.
• Use a small cookie scoop or melon baller to create uniform-sized balls, ensuring consistent texture and appearance across all peanut butter treats.

Save 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls

• Store peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Place balls in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper. They'll keep perfectly frozen for 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Remove desired amount from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain their creamy consistency.
• Best enjoyed straight from the refrigerator to keep chocolate coating crisp and filling firm. Chocolate-covered treats taste most delicious when slightly cool.

Sweet Snacks for Peanut Butter Balls

• Pair Perfectly with Peanut Butter Chocolate Balls
• Sip Rich Espresso Martini: A sophisticated cocktail with coffee liqueur that complements the sweet chocolate and nutty peanut butter, cutting through the richness with its bold espresso kick.
• Match with Salted Caramel Latte: A warm, creamy beverage that echoes the dessert's sweet-salty profile, enhancing the peanut butter's depth while adding a luxurious texture contrast.
• Serve Alongside Dark Cherry Wine: A full-bodied red wine with fruity undertones that balances the chocolate's sweetness and provides a sophisticated adult pairing experience.
• Enjoy with Cold Milk Tasting Flight: Serve different milk varieties like whole, almond, and chocolate milk to create a playful tasting experience that highlights the dessert's creamy texture.

Classic Peanut Butter Balls Reimagined

• Almond Butter Alternative: Replace peanut butter with almond butter for a different nutty flavor and reduced peanut allergen risk.
• Vegan Chocolate Coating: Use dairy-free dark chocolate or carob chips for a plant-based chocolate coating option.
• Gluten-Free Version: Confirm powdered sugar is certified gluten-free and use gluten-free chocolate for individuals with wheat sensitivities.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Swap powdered sugar with powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, and use sugar-free chocolate for a low-carb version.

FAQs

• Are peanut butter balls suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

They can be adapted for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free powdered sugar, but contain dairy from cream cheese and may not be suitable for vegans or those with nut allergies.

• How long can I keep peanut butter balls before serving?

These treats can be prepared up to 5-7 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, maintaining their fresh taste and texture.

• Can I make these without a mixer?

While a mixer helps create a smoother texture, you can mix the ingredients by hand using a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon, just ensure the cream cheese is very soft and mix thoroughly.

• What type of chocolate works best for coating?

Chocolate melting wafers or high-quality chocolate chips work best because they melt smoothly and create a nice, even coating on the peanut butter balls.

4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 20 1x

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Description

Indulgent 4-ingredient peanut butter balls deliver sweet nostalgia with minimal effort. Creamy peanut butter, chocolate, and crisp rice cereal combine into irresistible bite-sized treats that bring pure comfort and joy in every delectable morsel.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened

Coating Ingredients:

• Chocolate (milk, dark, or white)

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Instructions

1. Blend softened cream cheese and peanut butter in a mixing bowl until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
2. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, stirring until the mixture transforms into a dense, cohesive dough.
3. Shape the mixture into compact, spherical portions approximately one inch in diameter, arranging them carefully on a lined baking sheet.
4. Chill the formed balls in the refrigerator for approximately 15-20 minutes to firm their structure.
5. Select your preferred chocolate variety – milk, dark, or white – and gently melt using a microwave or double boiler, stirring until achieving a glossy, smooth texture.
6. Remove chilled balls from refrigerator and prepare a dipping station with melted chocolate and a fork or specialized dipping tool.
7. Carefully immerse each ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring complete coverage and allowing excess chocolate to elegantly cascade back into the bowl.
8. Transfer chocolate-coated balls onto a parchment-lined tray, maintaining spacing between each piece.
9. Return the tray to the refrigerator, allowing the chocolate coating to solidify completely.
10. For an optional elegant finishing touch, delicately dust with powdered sugar or create intricate chocolate drizzle patterns across the surface of the chilled treats.

Notes

• Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother, easier-to-mix consistency that prevents lumps in the mixture.
• Chill the peanut butter ball mixture for 15-30 minutes before rolling to make shaping easier and prevent sticky hands.
• Experiment with alternative nut butters like almond or cashew butter for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
• Add a pinch of sea salt or drizzle with dark chocolate for more complex flavor depth and gourmet appeal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Rolling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 20
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg