Peanut Butter Balls are a delightful treat that brings together the creamy richness of peanut butter with the indulgent sweetness of chocolate. Perfect for a weeknight indulgence or a special occasion, these delectable treats require only a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation time, making them an ideal option for satisfying your sweet cravings in a flash.
With a preparation time of just 1 hour and 5 minutes from start to finish, including a mere 5 minutes of active cooking time, these Peanut Butter Balls are a breeze to whip up whenever the craving strikes. Plus, they boast a tantalizing flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults alike, earning them a well-deserved spot in your recipe repertoire.
To embark on your culinary journey towards crafting these mouthwatering Peanut Butter Balls, gather your ingredients: confectioners’ sugar, butter, margarine, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, creamy peanut butter, and vegetable shortening. These pantry staples come together harmoniously to create a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more with each bite.
Begin by preparing the filling for your Peanut Butter Balls. In a medium bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar, butter, milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Using your hands, blend the ingredients together until well combined. Then, mix in the creamy peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and cohesive, ready to be shaped into delectable balls of goodness.
Line a jelly roll pan with wax paper, providing a non-stick surface for your Peanut Butter Balls to set. With heaping teaspoons of the filling mixture, roll the mixture into 3/4-inch balls, ensuring each one is evenly sized for a uniform presentation. Once all the balls are formed, refrigerate them for at least 2 hours or until they are firm to the touch, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to set.
While the Peanut Butter Balls chill, it’s time to prepare the luscious chocolate coating that will elevate these treats to new heights of indulgence. In a small saucepan, melt the chocolate and vegetable shortening until smooth and glossy, creating a velvety pool of chocolatey goodness that will enrobe each Peanut Butter Ball in a decadent embrace.
Once the chocolate mixture is ready, transfer it to a small bowl, ready for dipping. Using toothpicks, spear each chilled Peanut Butter Ball and dip it into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated on all sides. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before returning the coated balls to the lined pan, ready to set.
Before the chocolate sets completely, sprinkle the Peanut Butter Balls with non-pareils, adding a festive touch that enhances both the visual appeal and textural contrast of these irresistible treats. Then, refrigerate the coated balls for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the chocolate to firm up, ensuring a perfect bite with each indulgent mouthful.
Once set, these Peanut Butter Balls can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, although they are unlikely to last that long once you and your loved ones get a taste of their irresistible allure. Whether enjoyed as a sweet treat to end a meal or shared with friends and family during festive gatherings, these Peanut Butter Balls are sure to become a beloved favorite in your culinary repertoire.
