Peanut Butter Snowballs Treats

Peanut Butter Snowballs are the irresistible treat I whip up for every holiday cookie tray and wintry party These soft no bake balls feature creamy peanut butter wrapped in a sweet white chocolate shell and always disappear in minutes

I first made these with my kids on a snowy afternoon and now they insist we make them together every December it has become one of those sweet family traditions we look forward to

Ingredients

• Creamy peanut butter: this gives the treats their iconic flavor use a commercial variety for smooth mixing avoid natural peanut butter with oils which can separate
• Unsalted butter: for richness and binding set it out ahead to soften
• Powdered sugar: creates a smooth texture and balances the salty peanut butter check for clumps and sift if needed
• Almond bark or white melting candy coating: melts easily for a glossy coating choose high quality brands for better flavor and consistency
• Sprinkles: optional but so festive choose your favorite colors and types for a personal touch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix the Peanut Butter and Butter:

Combine creamy peanut butter and butter in a bowl Beat together until the mixture is completely smooth and no lumps remain This step transforms the peanut butter into a fluffy filling base

Add the Powdered Sugar:

Slowly add powdered sugar and continue to mix at a low speed At first the mixture will look crumbly but keep mixing until it forms a dough that you can squeeze together easily

Chill the Peanut Butter Mixture:

Transfer the peanut butter dough to a smaller bowl and cover Chill in the refrigerator for one hour so it firms up This chilling step makes rolling much easier later

Shape the Balls:

Scoop out dough in one inch portions and roll into balls using your hands Place each ball onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment or wax paper even sizing helps them coat evenly

Freeze the Balls:

Move the tray into the freezer for at least fifteen to twenty minutes This firming step makes coating with chocolate neat and easy

Melt the Chocolate Coating:

Place the almond bark or candy coating in a microwave safe glass bowl Heat in fifteen second bursts stirring regularly Stop before it is completely melted and stir until smooth Overheating can make coating thick or grainy

Dip the Peanut Butter Balls:

Use a toothpick to lift each cold ball Dip gently into the melted chocolate then tap your wrist lightly to shake off the excess Set each coated ball onto waxed paper Sprinkle immediately before the coating sets

Finish and Set:

Let the coated balls rest at room temperature or in the refrigerator until the chocolate shell is completely firm They are ready to serve or store

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My favorite ingredient is definitely the creamy peanut butter the better the peanut butter the more luscious these snowballs turn out I remember making these with my sister when we were kids dusting them with rainbow sprinkles was always her favorite part

Storage Tips

Store snowballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator They keep their best texture when cold and the chocolate does not melt at room temperature easily For longer storage freeze up to one month thaw in the refrigerator before serving and expect the coating to be slightly less shiny but still delicious

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of almond bark use any high quality white chocolate chips with a teaspoon of coconut oil to help with melting You can also swap in a different nut butter but stay away from natural versions with a lot of oil since they will not set up right

Serving Suggestions

Peanut Butter Snowballs are adorable on cookie trays with other holiday treats Try packaging a few in a gift bag or festive tin as teacher or neighbor gifts For a fancier look drizzle with dark chocolate or dust with edible glitter

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Cultural Context

This recipe is a classic American holiday treat often nicknamed buckeyes if they are left partially uncoated and inspired by Ohio’s famous candy Their popularity comes from the combination of ease nostalgia and crowd pleasing flavor making them a staple at gatherings from classroom parties to cookie exchanges

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use natural peanut butter for these treats?

It's best to use creamy, processed peanut butter to ensure a smooth texture. Natural peanut butter may cause the mixture to separate because of excess oils.

→ How do I keep the chocolate coating smooth?

Melt the white chocolate in short intervals and stir frequently to avoid overheating, which can make it stiff and difficult to coat.

→ How long do the snowballs need to chill?

Chill the formed balls for at least one hour in the refrigerator, then freeze briefly before dipping in chocolate. This helps them stay firm during coating.

→ Can I use different coatings or decorations?

Absolutely! Substitute dark or milk chocolate for a different flavor, and use various sprinkles or chopped nuts as desired.

→ How should I store peanut butter snowballs?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week for optimal freshness and texture.