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These 6 ingredient Peanut Butter Balls with Butter taste like Reese’s Pieces and are so easy to make. Whether you decide to cover them in chocolate or not, these decadently delicious treats will be a hit with the entire crowd!

There’s a reason why chocolate and peanut butter have always been viewed as the perfect combo or a match made in Heaven. Am I right? The rich, decadent notes of chocolate compliments the creamy, nutty goodness of peanut butter SO well, it’s hard not to reach for this delectable combination time and time again. So, if you’re a fan of the famous peanut butter and chocolate combo or if your chocolate bar of choice is always Reese’s Pieces (boyfriend, is that you?!?!) then these Peanut Butter Balls with Butter were seriously made for you. Yeah, you.

chocolate covered peanut butter balls stacked on a plate, more (not covered in chocolate) in the backgroud

With just 6 simple ingredients I’m willing to bet you already have stocked up in the pantry, they could not be any simpler to make. They’re packed full of the ultimate pb and chocolate flavour, have the most perfect texture and are a classic for a reason. The best part about these quick and easy peanut butter balls is that you can decorate them to suit any occasion. Whether you choose to coat them in a decadent layer of dark chocolate, roll them in chopped nuts or decorate them with red and green sprinkles to share this Christmas, they will steal the hearts (or shall I say taste buds?!) of peanut butter lovers and haters alike.

And here’s a tip: make an extra batch because they also freeze exceptionally well, ensuring you have a secret stash for those moments when the craving strikes (and believe me. It strikes). The velvety smoothness and irresistible aroma of peanut butter and butter, combined with the satisfying crunch, make these balls a timeless favorite. So, whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee, gifting them to friends or sneaking one in as a midnight snack, these Peanut Butter Balls with Butter are bound to be a winner and a recipe you’re going to want to make over and over again!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THEM

ingredients for peanut butter balls with butter - peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, chocolate chips, vanilla extract, salt — *Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.*

Yup. That’s right. 6 simple baking ingredients is your ticket to chocolate and peanut butter Heaven! Let’s discuss exactly what you’ll need in a little bit more detail down below:

Peanut Butter: Why, of course! Peanut butter is the star ingredient in this recipe for peanut butter balls. Choose a good-quality, creamy peanut butter. For a healthier option, use natural peanut butter without added sugar or hydrogenated oils. However, commercial brand peanut butter will work just fine as well. Smooth or chunky is totally up to your preference and the texture you want the balls to be. For your reference, the ones you see in the photos were made using chunky peanut butter!
Butter: Adds richness and a smooth texture to the peanut butter balls. Unsalted butter works best in this recipe as it allows you to control the overall saltiness. PRO TIP: Make sure you soften the butter (allow it to come to room temperature) before using it in this recipe.
Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the ingredients together. It also contributes to the smooth texture. You may find powdered sugar labelled confectioners’ sugar or icing sugar in the grocery store.
Vanilla Extract: A common ingredient in baked goods or sweets. It enhances the flavour of the peanut butter balls, providing a warm and aromatic undertone.
Salt: Helps balance the sweetness and enhances the overall flavour of the balls. A small pinch goes a long way in this recipe. RECIPE NOTE: If you’re using salted butter, you may want to omit the added salt.
Chocolate Chips: Optional but provides a delicious chocolatey layer and outer crunchy coating to the peanut butter balls. You can use dark, milk, or white chocolate chips, depending on your preference and the flavour profile you’re going for.

peanut butter balls on a plate and baking sheet, some covered in chocolate and some not, glass of milk in the background

HOW TO MAKE PEANUT BUTTER BALLS WITH BUTTER (KEY TIPS)

hand holding a chocolate covered peanut butter ball over a parchment lined baking sheet with more, some not covered in chocolate

You can find full instructions for how to make these 6 ingredient peanut butter balls in the recipe card down below, but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:

Use softened butter for best results. Which is basically just a fancy way of saying to allow the butter to soften at room temperature before using it. Softened butter combines more easily with the other ingredients, resulting in a smoother mixture. EXTRA TIP: Forgot to soften your butter? No problem! Put it in a microwave safe bowl and microwave it in 5 second increments until it’s soft to the touch. Remember, though, you want softened butter and NOT melted butter.
Be mindful of salt. If you’re using salted butter, adjust the amount of additional salt accordingly. Taste the mixture before adding extra salt to ensure it’s not overly salty.
Use a hand mixer to blend the ingredients together, if possible. It makes the process a whole lot quicker and easier and ensures a smooth and well-mixed consistency for the peanut butter ball mixture. However, if you don’t have one, it’s not strictly necessary; you can also mix the ingredients by hand using a sturdy spoon or spatula.
Chill the mixture. Refrigerate the peanut butter mixture for about 30 minutes before shaping into balls. Chilling firms up the mixture, making it easier to handle and roll into uniform balls.
Use parchment paper. Line your tray with parchment paper before placing the rolled balls on it. This prevents sticking and makes it easier to remove the balls once they’re set.
Try to make the balls a consistent size for even presentation and consistent texture. EXTRA TIP: Use a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon to help with this.
Work quickly with the chocolate coating. If you’re coating the balls with chocolate, work efficiently when dipping or drizzling to prevent the chocolate from hardening before you finish. EXTRA TIP: This part will be a little bit messy and dare I say even a little bit frustrating? Stick with it and use two forks or a toothpick to help you coat the balls without getting your hands covered in chocolate. Remember, they don’t have to be perfect and IMHO, an uneven(ish) coat of chocolate gives them a rustic and unique look. EXTRA EXTRA TIP: If you plan on also drizzling chocolate onto the chocolate covered peanut butter balls, stick them in the fridge for a few minutes so the base layer of chocolate can harden making the drizzle a bit more distinct. EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA TIP: Add a bit of coconut oil to the melted chocolate to make it more runny and easier to coat the balls!
While you can most definitely enjoy them right away, it’s best to chill them for a bit to allow the chocolate to set and the balls to become firm. The chocolate coating creates a kind of shell around the peanut butter balls really giving them reese’s peanut butter cup vibes.

peanut butter balls, some covered in chocolate and some not, stacked on a plate, bite bitten out of the one at the top

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHY ARE MY PEANUT BUTTER BALLS SOFT?

If your balls are turning out softer than desired, there are a few potential reasons for this. Here are a few common factors that could contribute to softer peanut butter balls:

If your butter is too soft or melted, it can result in a softer mixture. Ensure that the butter is at the right temperature before mixing.

Insufficient chilling time can result in a softer mixture. Make sure to refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes, or until it’s firm enough to shape into balls.

If your kitchen is very warm, it can affect the texture of the mixture. Try working in a cooler environment or place the mixture back in the refrigerator for a short period if it becomes too soft.
If the mixture is too soft even after chilling, you can gradually add more powdered sugar until you achieve the desired consistency.

WHY ARE MY PEANUT BUTTER BALLS STICKY?

If your peanut butter balls are turning out sticky, there are several potential reasons for this. Here are a few common factors that could contribute to sticky peanut butter balls:

The type of peanut butter you use can impact the stickiness of the mixture. Natural peanut butters with varying consistencies may result in a stickier mixture. Consider using a thicker peanut butter or adjusting the ratio of ingredients.

The quality and fineness of the powdered sugar matter. If it’s too coarse or contains moisture, it can contribute to stickiness. Ensure that your powdered sugar is finely ground and dry.

If you’re coating the peanut butter balls in chocolate, improper melting or tempering of the chocolate can result in a sticky coating. Make sure the chocolate is fully melted and properly tempered.

If the mixture is too sticky, return it to the refrigerator for additional chilling before shaping into balls. Once the mixture is properly chilled, it should be very easy to work with and roll into smooth balls.

HOW SHOULD I STORE PEANUT BUTTER BALLS?

Store peanut butter balls in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge where they’ll last for 2-4 weeks. The cooler temperature helps prevent the balls from becoming too soft, especially if they have a chocolate coating. PRO TIP: If you need to stack the peanut butter balls in the container, place a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.

CAN I FREEZE PEANUT BUTTER BALLS?

YES, you certainly can freeze peanut butter balls. To do so, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe, airtight container or a zip-top bag. Thaw in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy. They’ll be good for up to 3 months.

HOW MANY CALORIES IN A PEANUT BUTTER BALL?

The number of calories in a peanut butter ball can vary based on the specific ingredients and their quantities in the recipe. For this basic recipe, the balls have around 250 calories per ball. However, keep in mind that the actual calorie count will depend on factors such as the specific brands of ingredients used, whether or not you covered them in chocolate and any variations or additions to the recipe. The size of each ball also affects how many calories will be in each.

peanut butter balls, some covered in chocolate and some not, on a parchment lined baking sheet, glass of milk in the background

PEANUT BUTTER BALLS WITH BUTTER

Yield: ~19 Balls

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Chill Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

These 6 ingredient Peanut Butter Balls with Butter taste like Reese's Pieces and are so easy to make. Whether you decide to cover them in chocolate or not, these decadently delicious treats will be a hit with the entire crowd!

Ingredients

2 cups Powdered Sugar
1 cup Peanut Butter*
1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Pinch of Salt
1-2 cups Chocolate Chips, optional, for coating*
Chopped nuts, sprinkles, coconut, optional, for coating

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla extract and salt. Mix (using a hand mixer, if you have one) until well combined. Depending on the kind of peanut butter you chose to use, the batter might be chunky or smooth. Place the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Once chilled, take small portions of the mixture at a time and roll into bite-sized balls. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and back into the fridge for a few minutes, until you melt the chocolate.
If desired, melt chocolate chips* and dip each ball to coat. Use a toothpick or two forks to help you. now is a If you want to add a chocolate drizzle on top, place the chocolate covered balls in the fridge for 5 minutes to harden. This will make the drizzle more distinct. Place the coated balls back on the parchment-lined tray and refrigerate until the chocolate is set or the balls become firm.

Notes

You can use chunky or smooth, natural or commercial brand peanut butter for this recipe.

If you want to coat all of the peanut butter balls in chocolate, you will need 2 cups of chocolate chips. However, if you only want to coat half, 1 cup of chocolate chips should be enough. You can use whatever kind of chocolate chips you want. Dark, white or milk all make great options.

I melt the chocolate in a microwave in 5 second increments.

If you are going to decorate your peanut butter balls, do so just after rolling them in the chocolate before it hardens.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 19 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 256Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 75mgCarbohydrates: 27gFiber: 2gSugar: 22gProtein: 4g

Nutrition is only an estimate and calculated using Nutritionix.