These 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls are a quick and easy treat, perfect for holidays, parties, or any day when a sweet craving hits. With just four simple ingredients, these creamy, crunchy, and chocolate-dipped delights are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to Make: No baking required, making it perfect for beginners or when short on time.
Minimal Ingredients: Only four pantry staples are needed.
Customizable: Easily switch up the chocolate or add toppings to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: A perfect balance of sweet, salty, and creamy flavors that everyone loves.
Great for Gifting: These store well and make for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Ingredients
1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup chocolate chips (for dipping)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Combine Peanut Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, I mix the peanut butter and powdered sugar together until smooth and fully combined.
Add Graham Cracker Crumbs:
I stir in the graham cracker crumbs until the mixture is thick and starts holding together. Sometimes, I use my hands to ensure everything is well incorporated.
Shape into Balls:
I scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. Then, I place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper.
Chill:
Refrigerating the peanut butter balls for at least 30 minutes helps them firm up nicely.
Dip in Chocolate:
Using a microwave-safe bowl, I melt the chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth. Once the balls are chilled, I dip each one into the melted chocolate, using a fork or toothpick to make the process easier.
Set and Serve:
After coating, I place the chocolate-covered balls back on parchment paper and let the chocolate harden. A few minutes in the fridge speeds up this process.
Enjoy:
Once the chocolate is set, the peanut butter balls are ready to enjoy!
Servings and Timing
Servings: Makes about 24 peanut butter balls.
Prep Time: 20 minutes.
Chilling Time: 30 minutes.
Total Time: 50 minutes.
Variations
Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the peanut butter mixture.
Toppings: Sprinkle sea salt, crushed nuts, or festive sprinkles on the chocolate coating before it sets.
Chocolate Options: Use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even a mix of both for dipping.
Healthier Twist: Swap powdered sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, though the texture will change slightly.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to make this recipe suitable for those avoiding gluten.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: I store these in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Freezing: They freeze well for up to three months. I just thaw them in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: These don’t require reheating, but if I want to soften the chocolate slightly, a quick 5-10 seconds in the microwave does the trick.
Related Recipes:
- 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
- 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Mousse
- Pecan Pie Balls! No Bake!
FAQs
How do I keep the chocolate smooth for dipping?
I melt the chocolate in short intervals, stirring between each, to prevent it from overheating and seizing. Adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil or coconut oil can help achieve a glossy finish.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but I find it best to mix it thoroughly beforehand to ensure the oil is fully incorporated. The consistency may be slightly softer.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! These can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the fridge. They’re also freezer-friendly for longer storage.
What’s the best way to roll the balls without sticking?
Chilling the mixture slightly before rolling helps reduce stickiness. Lightly greasing your hands with a bit of oil or butter can also make rolling easier.
Can I skip the chocolate coating?
Yes, the peanut butter balls are delicious on their own, though the chocolate adds a nice contrast. You could also roll them in powdered sugar or cocoa powder as an alternative.
Conclusion
These 4-ingredient peanut butter balls are an irresistible treat that’s as easy to make as they are to enjoy. Whether for a quick dessert, a holiday gift, or a satisfying snack, this recipe is a keeper. Customize them to your liking, store them for later, and watch them disappear fast at any gathering.
📖 Recipe:
Print4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: About 24 peanut butter balls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These 4-ingredient peanut butter balls are a no-bake, quick, and easy treat perfect for holidays, parties, or everyday snacking. With creamy peanut butter, crunchy graham cracker crumbs, and a chocolate coating, this simple dessert is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. Great for gifting or sharing, they’re customizable and freezer-friendly, making them an ideal go-to recipe.
Ingredients
1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup chocolate chips (for dipping)
Instructions
- Combine Peanut Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, mix peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth. - Add Graham Cracker Crumbs:
Stir in graham cracker crumbs until the mixture thickens and holds together. - Shape into Balls:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions, roll into balls, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. - Chill:
Refrigerate the balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up. - Dip in Chocolate:
Melt chocolate chips in 20-second intervals in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth. Dip each chilled ball into the chocolate using a fork or toothpick. - Set and Serve:
Place the dipped balls on parchment paper and let the chocolate harden. Chill briefly to speed up setting, then enjoy!
Notes
Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or cinnamon for extra flavor.
Decorate with sprinkles, crushed nuts, or a drizzle of white chocolate.
Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 24 peanut butter balls