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I have such an easy and delicious recipe to share with you today – Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls Recipe! These are so delicious – they are just like mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, but in ball form. They melt in your mouth. They are that good. 🙂
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for peanut butter and chocolate lovers alike. The combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate makes for an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday cookie exchange or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, these peanut butter balls will quickly become a family favorite. They’re simple to make, requiring only a few ingredients, and can be prepared in no time.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet
- Waxed paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Double boiler or saucepan with a metal or glass bowl
- Fork
- Refrigerator
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 12 oz bag of chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons shortening
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with waxed paper and set aside.
- Mix peanut butter, butter, and vanilla together in a large bowl.
- Slowly add one cup of powdered sugar to the creamy mixture, mixing well each time. Note: I do not sift my powdered sugar! I just scoop out 1 cup full and dump it in my bowl.
- By the time you get to the third cup of powdered sugar, the mixture will become very difficult to stir with a spoon. Take your rings off and start mixing with your hands.
- Once all of the powdered sugar is incorporated into the peanut butter mixture, you can start making your balls. Simply pinch off a small amount and roll between your hands to form a small ball. Place the peanut butter balls on the prepared cookie sheet with waxed paper.
- Once you have made all of your balls, melt your chocolate. My favorite way to do this is in the double boiler, but if you don’t have one, you can simply put a metal or glass bowl on top of a saucepan with about an inch of water in it. As the water in the saucepan begins to heat up, the steam will heat up your bowl and start melting your chocolate. Be sure to add the shortening to your chocolate – this will make covering your peanut butter balls with chocolate a lot easier.
- One at a time, drop your peanut butter balls into the melted chocolate. Lift the ball out of the chocolate with a fork and then transfer it to the waxed paper.
- Once all of your peanut butter balls are coated, put the cookie sheet in the fridge for 15-30 minutes. This will ensure the chocolate coating is completely hardened.
Tips for Success
- Make sure your butter is softened to blend well with the peanut butter.
- Mix the powdered sugar gradually to avoid lumps.
- Use a double boiler to melt chocolate slowly and evenly.
Additional Tips or Variations
Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate coating for a sweet and salty twist. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate, like dark or white chocolate, to suit your taste preferences.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Each serving of these Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls provides a delicious balance of protein and sweetness. While they are a treat, they offer a bit of protein from the peanut butter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter can be used if you prefer a bit of texture in your peanut butter balls.
How should I store these treats?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, they freeze well for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls are a delightful treat that’s sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth. Give this easy and delicious recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your creations and experiences with us. We can’t wait to hear how much you enjoy them!
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