PEANUT BUTTER BALLS

PEANUT BUTTER BALLS

Calling all peanut butter lovers! These Peanut Butter Balls, also sometimes called Buckeye Balls, are here to satisfy your sweet tooth. They're incredibly easy to make, requiring no baking and minimal ingredients, making them perfect for a quick treat or a fun activity with kids.

What Makes These Peanut Butter Balls So Special?

• Simple and Delicious: Made with just a handful of ingredients – peanut butter, confectioners' sugar, butter, and a touch of vanilla – these treats are as easy to make as they are delightful to eat.
• Sweet and Salty Perfection: The creamy peanut butter base offers a satisfying sweetness that's beautifully balanced by a touch of salt.
• No-Bake Convenience: Who needs an oven when you have these? This recipe requires no baking, making it ideal for busy days or hot summer weather.
• Fun and Customizable: Feel free to get creative! The recipe suggests adding coconut pecan cake icing and coconut flakes for a delightful twist. You can also experiment with other mix-ins like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit.

Ingredients for Your Peanut Butter Ball Paradise:

• 16 oz. creamy peanut butter
• 1 pound powdered confectioners' sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1.5 sticks (¾ cup) unsalted butter, softened

Optional Add-Ins for a Fun Twist:

• Coconut pecan cake icing
• Coconut flakes
• Chopped nuts
• Chocolate chips
• Dried fruit

Step-by-Step Guide to Peanut Butter Ball Bliss:

1. Creamy Peanut Butter Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, powdered confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract, and softened butter. Using a hand mixer or electric mixer, beat everything together until well combined and creamy.
2. Forming the Balls: This is where the fun begins! Scoop out heaping tablespoons of the peanut butter mixture and roll them into balls between your palms. Aim for a size slightly larger than a marble.
3. Optional Dipping Aid: For easier dipping later, you can insert a toothpick into each peanut butter ball before freezing. This will provide a handle for dipping.
4. Freeze and Firm Up: Place the rolled peanut butter balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and transfer them to the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This will help them firm up and hold their shape for dipping.
5. Chocolatey Coating: While the peanut butter balls are chilling, melt your chocolate bark according to package instructions. You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate for a fun variation.
6. Dipping Delight: Once the chocolate is melted and the peanut butter balls are chilled, carefully dip each ball into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Tap gently to remove excess chocolate and let the excess drip back into the bowl.
7. Decorate and Set: For an extra touch, you can sprinkle the dipped peanut butter balls with chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or another topping of your choice. Place the dipped balls back onto the parchment paper-lined baking sheet and let them sit at room temperature until the chocolate coating hardens.
8. Store and Enjoy!: Once the chocolate coating is set, your Peanut Butter Balls are ready to enjoy! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They're perfect for a quick snack, after-school treat, or a delightful addition to any dessert platter.