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Classic Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

This Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls Recipe is a timeless holiday favorite. These rich, no-bake candies are sweet, easy to make, and perfect for gifting or serving at gatherings. With a creamy peanut butter center and a smooth chocolate coating, they’re irresistible.

delicious chocolate covered peanut butter balls in a white glass bowl.

How To Make Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls

These no-bake peanut butter balls are a great choice for the holidays, parties, or a quick homemade treat. The combination of a smooth peanut butter filling and a chocolate coating creates a satisfying, classic candy that’s simple to prepare.

The recipe uses a handful of pantry staples and only takes a short time to assemble. Follow the step-by-step instructions below for consistent, delicious results.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Peanut Butter Balls

  • 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter (no-stir works best for texture)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Coating

  • 2 cups milk chocolate chips (or semi-sweet chips)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable shortening or coconut oil

ingredients for chocolate covered peanut butter balls on a white counter top.

Step 1: Line baking sheets with parchment paper or wax paper and have your ingredients ready. If using wax paper, lightly spray it with non-stick spray so the balls don’t stick.

creamy peanut butter and softened unsalted butter in a mixing bowl.

Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

peanut butter and butter mixture with powdered sugar in a white mixing bowl.

Step 3: Gradually add the powdered sugar, starting the mixer on low and increasing the speed as the sugar incorporates. Mix until well combined and the dough holds together.

peanut butter balls mixture in a mixing bowl.

Step 4: Use a cookie scooper or tablespoon to portion the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets and freeze for 1 hour to firm up.

chocolate chips and vegetable oil in a small glass bowl and peanut butter balls on a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 5: Melt the chocolate and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 1 minute, stir, then continue in 10–15 second intervals, stirring between each, until mostly melted. Remove from the microwave and stir until smooth. A glass bowl helps prevent overheating.

Tip: If the melted chocolate is too thick, stir in 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil at a time until it reaches a smooth dipping consistency.

peanut butter balls ready to be dipped in the melted chocolate with a chocolate dipping fork.

Step 6: Work with 3–4 frozen peanut butter balls at a time, keeping the rest in the freezer until you’re ready to dip.

chocolate covered peanut butter ball after being dipped into the melted chocolate coating.

Step 7: Dip each ball into the melted chocolate using two forks or a dipping tool, shake off excess chocolate, and transfer to the prepared baking sheet. When finished, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.

finished old fashioned chocolate covered peanut butter balls in a white glass bowl and plate.

Make-Ahead and Storage

You can prepare the peanut butter dough ahead of time and freeze the uncoated balls for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw slightly and dip in chocolate.

To store finished peanut butter balls, let the chocolate set, then place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, layer the balls with parchment paper and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Melting Chocolate Alternatives and Troubleshooting

If you prefer not to use a microwave, melt the chocolate using a double boiler: simmer 1–2 inches of water in a saucepan, set a heat-safe bowl over the pot, add chocolate and shortening, and stir over low to medium heat until smooth.

If the chocolate begins to harden while you’re dipping, return it to the microwave for 10 seconds to soften and continue.

Variations

  • Different chocolates: Use semi-sweet, dark, white chocolate, or almond bark instead of milk chocolate.
  • Crunchy peanut butter: Swap creamy for crunchy peanut butter to add texture.
  • Toppings: Finish with a white chocolate drizzle, sea salt flakes, or festive sprinkles.

Other Dessert Recipes

  • Chocolate Chip Cookies with Self-Rising Flour
  • Cosmic Brownie Recipe
  • Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars
  • Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies

Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls Covered with Chocolate

Peanut butter balls stacked in a white glass bowl

Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls Covered with Chocolate

Prep Time
15
Chill Time
30
Total Time
45

Ingredients

Peanut Butter Balls

  • 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Coating

  • 2 cups milk chocolate chips (or semi-sweet)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable shortening or coconut oil

Instructions

  • Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, beat peanut butter, butter, and vanilla until creamy. No-stir peanut butter gives the best texture.
  • Add powdered sugar gradually, starting on low speed and increasing until fully combined.
  • Shape into 1-inch balls using a cookie scooper and place on the parchment. Freeze for 1 hour.
  • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and shortening or coconut oil.
  • Heat for 1 minute, stir, then continue in 10–15 second intervals until almost melted. Stir until smooth.
  • Remove 3–4 balls at a time from the freezer, keeping the rest frozen until ready to dip.
  • Dip the balls into the melted chocolate using two forks or a dipping tool. Shake off excess and place on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Refrigerate to set for at least 30 minutes, then enjoy.

Notes

To add a decorative swirl, put melted chocolate in a squeeze bottle and drizzle over the set chocolate.

finished chocolate covered peanut butter balls in a white glass bowl.