If you’re looking for a holiday treat that’s decadently creamy, delightfully sweet, and a total crowd-pleaser, you’ve just stumbled onto your next obsession: Peanut Butter Snowballs. These bite-sized beauties combine smooth peanut butter and silky-sweet white chocolate in the most irresistible way. They’re no-bake, so easy that you could make them in your sleep, and they’re always the first to vanish from any dessert platter. Whether you need a festive addition to your cookie tray or a quick sweet fix, Peanut Butter Snowballs will be your go-to recipe every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t you love when the richest desserts are made from pantry staples? Each ingredient in these Peanut Butter Snowballs plays a vital role in taste and texture, and together, they create a treat that’s both luscious and perfectly balanced. Here’s what you’ll need (and why you need it!):
- Creamy Peanut Butter: The main event! Use your favorite brand; it creates the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth center.
- Unsalted Butter (softened): Adds richness and helps the filling set up exactly right. Make sure it’s soft for easy blending.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and binds the peanut butter mixture, giving these snowballs their signature truffle-like texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a little splash brings a lovely warmth and depth to every bite.
- White Chocolate Chips or Melting Wafers: This is what creates the “snowball” effect. White chocolate gives that stunning color and a sweet, creamy shell.
- Shortening or Coconut Oil: Stir in for a smooth, glossy coating that’s easy to dip and sets perfectly.
- Sprinkles or Shredded Coconut (optional): For extra festive flair and an irresistible bite of texture, scatter a few on top before the chocolate sets!
How to Make Peanut Butter Snowballs
Step 1: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together. You’re looking for a smooth, thick, and slightly tacky dough that holds together easily. This combination creates the base for that soft, melt-away center that makes Peanut Butter Snowballs so addictive.
Step 2: Shape the Snowballs
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the peanut butter mixture into 1-inch balls. If things get a little sticky, dust your hands with a bit of extra powdered sugar. Arrange all the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they’re spaced so they don’t touch. The size is up to you, but remember: snackable is best!
Step 3: Chill to Set
Slide the baking sheet into your freezer for 20 to 30 minutes. This quick chill firms up the filling, making it far easier to dip in melted chocolate later. Don’t skip this step—it’s the secret to getting a beautiful, even coating without any mess.
Step 4: Melt the White Chocolate
Combine your white chocolate chips or melting wafers with the shortening (or coconut oil) in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well after each go, until the chocolate is smooth, silky, and ready for dipping. The shortening ensures your white chocolate coats perfectly and snaps when bitten into.
Step 5: Dip and Decorate
Working with one ball at a time, use a fork or skewer to dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted white chocolate, making sure every bit is coated. Gently shake off any excess before returning each snowball to the baking sheet. While the chocolate is still melty, sprinkle with festive toppings like sprinkles or shredded coconut—if you’re feeling extra fancy!
Step 6: Let Them Set
Pop the tray into the refrigerator so the coating hardens completely. Once set, these snowy treats are ready to eat. Serve chilled for extra snap, or let them sit at room temperature for a softer bite. Either way, Peanut Butter Snowballs will disappear in a flash!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Snowballs
Garnishes
To make your Peanut Butter Snowballs look irresistible, play with garnishes. A simple dusting of shredded coconut transforms each bite into a “mini snowball,” while holiday-colored sprinkles give them party-ready pizazz. For a more refined look, a drizzle of dark chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt is lovely too.
Side Dishes
Peanut Butter Snowballs are stars on any dessert platter, especially when paired with hot cocoa, coffee, or a glass of cold milk. For a full holiday spread, serve alongside crisp shortbread cookies, fresh fruit slices, or chocolate-dipped pretzels to mix up flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
You can nestle them in festive mini cupcake wrappers for instant charm or pile them in a glass jar tied with a ribbon for gifting. They look beautiful arranged in a pyramid on a holiday tray, scattered with more coconut “snow,” or packed into a pretty tin to surprise friends and neighbors. This adaptable presentation is part of what makes Peanut Butter Snowballs perfect for the holiday season—or any time you need a little joyful indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Peanut Butter Snowballs are wonderful for making ahead. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 weeks. The interior stays creamy and lush, while the exterior coating keeps its delicate snap.
Freezing
If you want to prep a big batch, these snowballs freeze like a dream. Arrange them in a single layer in a container, separated with parchment if layering is needed, and freeze for up to 3 months. They’re perfect to have on hand for unexpected guests or last-minute desserts.
Reheating
No reheating needed! Just take them straight from the fridge or freezer. If frozen, allow the Peanut Butter Snowballs to thaw in the fridge for 30-45 minutes before serving. They’re fabulous chilled, but can also be enjoyed at room temperature if you like your centers extra-soft.
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will add a pleasant crunch and an extra hit of roasted peanut flavor to your snowballs. Just be aware the final mix may be a little more textured and might not form perfectly smooth balls—but they’ll taste amazing!
Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
Yes! Use a plant-based butter substitute and dairy-free white chocolate chips or melting wafers. Opt for coconut oil instead of shortening for the coating. The result will be just as dreamy and totally dairy-free.
Can I make Peanut Butter Snowballs gluten-free?
Good news—this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written! Just double-check your ingredients (especially the chocolate and toppings) to ensure they’re certified gluten-free if you have sensitivities.
What’s the best way to melt white chocolate without burning?
Microwave the white chocolate in short, 30-second bursts, stirring well after each, and stop as soon as it’s just melted. Alternatively, you can melt it slowly over a double boiler. Either method, always stir often for perfect smoothness.
Can I use milk or dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Certainly! While white chocolate gives classic “snowball” vibes, a coating of milk or dark chocolate is delicious too, adding a rich, deeper cocoa flavor to every bite. Use what you love most—Peanut Butter Snowballs are endlessly customizable.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about whipping up a batch of Peanut Butter Snowballs—simple ingredients, no baking, and pure, irresistible joy in every bite. They’re a treat that never fails to win hearts and create smiles. Give them a try; I have a feeling they’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes including chilling
- Yield: 24 snowballs
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peanut Butter Snowballs are delightful no-bake treats perfect for the holidays or any time you crave a sweet and nutty snack. Creamy peanut butter mixed with powdered sugar and vanilla, coated in white chocolate, and optionally adorned with sprinkles or coconut, these snowballs are easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Mixture:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coating and Garnish:
- 2 cups white chocolate chips or melting wafers
- 2 tablespoons shortening or coconut oil
- Sprinkles or shredded coconut for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Peanut Butter Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and thick.
- Form Balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 20 to 30 minutes until firm.
- Coat with Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate with shortening in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, coating evenly.
- Garnish: Place the coated balls on parchment paper and top with sprinkles or coconut before the chocolate hardens.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate until set. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can use dark or milk chocolate for coating variations.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 snowball
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
