If you’re looking for a deliciously festive treat that’s both easy to make and incredibly tasty, then Peanut Butter Snowballs should be on your list. With their rich peanut butter filling and smooth candy coating, these little bites of heaven are perfect for Christmas parties or any holiday celebration. Whether you’re making them for yourself or as a gift, they’ll surely impress everyone who tries them. Let’s dive into how you can make these delightful treats at home!
Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Snowballs
Peanut Butter Snowballs are simple to prepare, and only require 4 ingredients, making them a breeze for both beginner and seasoned bakers. They have a creamy peanut butter center that’s coated in a smooth vanilla candy coating, making them the perfect sweet-and-salty treat. Plus, with a sprinkle of colorful Christmas sprinkles, they look as festive as they taste!
For those who love peanut butter, these little bites will be a game changer. If you’re already a fan of peanut butter-based desserts like Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Balls or Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies, this recipe will quickly become your go-to during the holidays.
Why Peanut Butter Snowballs are a Must-Make
Peanut Butter Snowballs are the perfect combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet candy coating. They’re quick and easy to make, yet they look impressive and taste incredible. Whether you’re preparing them for your own enjoyment, holiday parties, or gifting them to loved ones, they’re a treat that’s sure to please.
Plus, with the versatility of flavor, you can easily tweak this recipe to suit different occasions and dietary needs. From Peanut Butter Cup Cookies to Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies, the variety of peanut butter treats you can make is endless. No matter which you choose, peanut butter desserts are a timeless favorite that everyone can enjoy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 pound vanilla candy coating
- Christmas sprinkles (for decoration)
How to Make Peanut Butter Snowballs: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Start by combining peanut butter, softened butter, and powdered sugar in a large bowl. Use a spoon or spatula to mix until the dough forms. If the dough is too crumbly, add a little more peanut butter until it holds together. This mixture should be firm enough to roll into balls.
Step 2: Shape into Balls
Take small portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. This prevents them from sticking and allows you to easily transfer them into the fridge.
Step 3: Chill the Balls
Refrigerate the peanut butter balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Chilling them helps the candy coating adhere better when you dip them.
Step 4: Dip and Decorate
Once the balls are chilled, melt the vanilla candy coating according to the package instructions. Dip each ball into the melted coating, covering it completely. Allow the excess coating to drip off before placing the balls back on the wax paper.
Sprinkle with festive Christmas sprinkles for that perfect holiday touch. Once the coating is set, chill for another 15-20 minutes to ensure they harden.
Peanut Butter Snowballs: A Perfect Holiday Gift
Not only are these treats delicious, but they also make an excellent homemade gift. These cute, festive Peanut Butter Snowballs are great for giving to neighbors, coworkers, and family. Place them in a decorative box or tin, and you’ve got a thoughtful, easy-to-make gift that everyone will appreciate.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Snowballs
- Peanut Butter: For best results, use a creamy peanut butter like JIF or Skippy. Natural peanut butter might not hold together as well, leading to a crumbly dough.
- Freezing: To speed up the process, freeze the peanut butter balls before dipping them into the candy coating. This helps the candy coating harden faster, giving you a smoother finish.
- Consistency: If the dough is too dry, add a bit more peanut butter to make it stick together. If the dough is too sticky, add a little extra powdered sugar.
Store Your Peanut Butter Snowballs
These delicious treats are great for storing:
- Room Temperature: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 5-7 days.
- Refrigerator: You can store them in the fridge for up to 10 days.
- Freezer: If you want to store them longer, place them in an airtight freezer-safe container for 1-2 months. Be aware that when thawing, they might “sweat”, so use a paper towel to absorb any moisture.
Variations of Peanut Butter Snowballs
While this recipe is perfect for Christmas, you can easily adjust it for other holidays. Here are some fun ideas:
- Valentine’s Day: Use pink candy coating and heart-shaped sprinkles.
- Halloween: Dip in orange candy coating and top with spooky sprinkles.
- Easter: Use pastel-colored candy coating and Easter-themed sprinkles.
Changing the color of the candy coating and sprinkles gives these snowballs versatility, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Other Peanut Butter-Based Treats You’ll Love
If you can’t get enough of peanut butter treats, be sure to try these other peanut butter-based desserts from our collection:
- Peanut Butter Cup Cookies: A chocolatey twist on the classic peanut butter cup.
- Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies: A quick and easy option when you need something in a hurry.
- Peanut Butter Cookie Bars: Perfect for parties or holiday gatherings.
How to Make Peanut Butter Snowballs for a Crowd
If you’re preparing for a large holiday gathering, you might need to make a larger batch of Peanut Butter Snowballs. Here are some tips to help you scale up your recipe:
- Increase Ingredients Proportionally: To double or triple the batch, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. You can even freeze the extra batch for later use.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: To ensure uniform-sized snowballs, use a cookie scoop or melon baller. This way, each snowball will be perfectly shaped and the coating will set evenly.
- Decorate in Batches: Instead of dipping each ball individually, consider creating small batches at a time. This method helps the candy coating set faster and more consistently.
Pairing Peanut Butter Snowballs with Other Holiday Desserts
Peanut Butter Snowballs are perfect on their own, but they also make a great addition to a dessert table. You can pair them with other easy Christmas treats for a more varied spread. Here are some dessert ideas that go well with peanut butter:
- Peppermint Bark: The refreshing minty flavor of Peppermint Bark complements the creamy richness of peanut butter, making them a perfect pairing for a festive dessert table.
- Christmas Sugar Cookies: A classic choice for any holiday gathering, Christmas Sugar Cookies are simple yet delicious and can be customized with sprinkles or icing.
- Fudge: Try pairing your snowballs with some rich, velvety Chocolate Fudge for a decadent treat everyone will love.
The combination of flavors—from rich chocolate to refreshing mint and classic sugar cookies—will give your guests a delightful range of options and make your holiday table memorable.
Peanut Butter Snowballs for Special Diets
If you’re catering to special dietary needs, you can make easy swaps to ensure everyone can enjoy your Peanut Butter Snowballs.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t use flour. Just ensure that your candy coating is also gluten-free, or use chocolate instead.
- Dairy-Free: You can make these snowballs dairy-free by substituting the butter with dairy-free alternatives like coconut oil or vegan butter, and choosing dairy-free chocolate or candy coating.
- Low Sugar: For a lower sugar version, try using sugar-free powdered sugar and low-sugar candy coatings. You can also experiment with sugar substitutes like stevia or monk fruit.
With these simple swaps, everyone, including those with dietary restrictions, can enjoy your festive treat!
Perfect for Christmas Parties and Holiday Gatherings
These Peanut Butter Snowballs aren’t just delicious; they’re the perfect party treat. Their bite-size nature makes them easy to serve and enjoy, and their rich, peanut butter flavor will please both kids and adults alike. You can arrange them on a festive platter alongside other holiday appetizers, or package them up in a cute box as a thoughtful gift for friends and family.
If you’re planning a Christmas cookie exchange, these peanut butter snowballs are an excellent choice, as they’re both unique and widely loved. For more tips on hosting a cookie exchange, check out our guide on Christmas Party Appetizers that offers great ideas for a well-rounded event.
Conclusion: Why You Should Make Peanut Butter Snowballs
Peanut Butter Snowballs are a fantastic and easy-to-make treat that combines creamy peanut butter and sweet vanilla candy coating. Their festive look makes them perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, and even cookie exchanges. Plus, they only require a few simple ingredients and are quick to prepare, making them an ideal choice when you’re short on time but still want to impress.
For more delicious Christmas treats and ideas on how to celebrate with festive food, be sure to check out our other recipes like Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Balls and Date Balls. These delightful, no-bake desserts are sure to brighten any occasion!