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Day 2 of sweet treats!
I know of very few people who don’t love the chocolate-peanut butter combo. Who can resist a Reese’s peanut butter cup! I know I can’t, and these peanut butter ball are even tastier! These were requested by my brother-in-law, and thankfully he actually got them on time for the holidays. I had made these last year to give out to family, and they made quite an impression, apparently!
I got this recipe back when I was in college from my best friend/roommate. It was in a Better Homes & Gardens cookbook of his (I think), and I repeatedly lost the recipe, even after asking him for it a couple of times. So instead of continuously bugging him, I just found it online, bookmarked it, and eventually remembered to print it out and put it in my recipe binder before it disappeared again! I’ve been making these tasty little peanut butter balls ever since, and everyone raves about them. They are quite simple, as far as making truffles or candies goes, so great for beginners or anyone looking for an easy treat. Perfect as a gift, too, whether it be for a birthday, Christmas, Valentine’s Day (since it is coming up soon), or just because! 
Peanut Butter Balls
Yield:Â about 25 peanut butter balls
½ cup creamy peanut butter
3 tablespoons butter, softened
1 cup sifted powdered sugar
8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon vegetable shortening, optional
In a mixing bowl, stir together peanut butter and butter. Gradually add powdered sugar, stirring until combined. Shape into 1-inch balls; place on waxed paper. Let stand until dry, about 20 minutes, or place in the refrigerator until ready to dip.
In a double boiler over low heat or in a microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and vegetable shortening, if using, stirring until smooth; cool slightly. Using a fork, dip peanut butter balls, one at a time, into coating; let excess coating drip off. Place on waxed paper; refrigerate until chocolate coating is firm. Serve at room temperature or straight out of the refrigerator; store tightly covered in refrigerator.
Source: Slightly adapted from Better Homes & Gardens
A Dash of Sugar and Spice 
What’s not to love about these, eh? I had to count… five.. only 5 ingredients and I have all of them in my kitchen at this very moment.. I could make these and eat every single one!
I bet these tasted great. Peanut butter and chocolate sure is a winning combination!
Mom used to make these every Christmas but, unfortunately, the recipe has been lost. Well, I think we found one to replace it, Stefanie. Thanks, I can’t wait to try it out — and it will be long before next Christmas! 🙂
Aaah… I reckon I’d try some crunchy peanut butter… you know… to add a bit of crunchy texture…. do you think that’d be possible?
Of course! I just prefer mine creamy, but add anything you want to add texture!
Hi Stefanie – I saw something similar on another blog recently and thought how incredible they looked. I might try to add some cherries in too if I make them – I think that would make a fabulous addition.
Great looking little sweets – so beautiful and I can just imagine the fabulous taste 🙂
I’m oddly not a chocolate fan, but I definitely don’t mind when it’s paired with peanut butter. I LOVE peanut butter balls and yours look delicious, Stefanie! I know I can’t resist Reese’s. 😉
Yeah, I think I’d probably like these. A lot. Lucky brother-in-law!
Yet again another recipe I could win friends with. I’m not a fan of peanut butter, but my nearest and dearest all are, if I’m going to cook with it I at least like to make something pretty, which these are 🙂
Yup. Again I’d be the one that doesn’t like peanut butter and chocolate…but my kids and hubby sure do! 🙂 Mr. N especially. He LOVES peanut butter cups.
Yummy!
These look amazing. Can’t wait to try them 🙂