Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and crave the perfect blend of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, you are in for a real treat with the Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe. These delightful little bites are packed with luscious peanut butter centers coated in a smooth chocolate shell, accented with a drizzle of caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt or crushed peanuts for that irresistible crunch. They are perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or just indulging yourself at home. Once you try this Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe, it will undoubtedly become one of your favorite go-to desserts to share and savor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for these snowballs is a breeze, and each component plays a vital role in the luscious flavor and perfect texture of the finished treat. From creamy peanut butter to silky chocolate, every item is essential to bring this recipe to life.

• Creamy peanut butter: The heart and soul of the filling, providing smooth richness and classic flavor.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Adds moisture and a subtle creaminess while helping bind the dough.
• Powdered sugar, sifted: Sweetens and firms up the center for easy rolling and shaping.
• Vanilla extract: Boosts depth of flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
• Fine salt (optional): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Crushed graham crackers (optional): Adds a mild crunch and complementing flavor.
• Crushed vanilla wafers (optional): Introduces light texture and a hint of vanilla crispiness.
• Powdered milk (optional): Offers structure and richness to the peanut butter dough.
• Semi-sweet or milk chocolate melting wafers or chips: Creates the luscious chocolate coating enveloping each snowball.
• Vegetable or coconut oil (optional): Smooths the melted chocolate for perfect dipping consistency.
• Soft caramel candies or caramel sauce: Adds a sticky, sweet drizzle to elevate the indulgence factor.
• Heavy cream or milk: Used to melt and thin the caramel for easy decorating.
• Sea salt flakes (for decoration): Provides the best salty contrast to sweet chocolate and caramel.
• Crushed peanuts (for decoration): Introduces satisfying crunch and extra peanut flavor.
• Sprinkles (for decoration): Bring a fun, festive touch with color and texture.
• White chocolate drizzle (for decoration): Adds pretty contrast and another layer of sweetness on top.

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Dough

Start by combining creamy peanut butter, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Stir these together until silky smooth; this base will give your snowballs their signature creamy texture and subtle savoriness beneath the sweetness.

Step 2: Sweeten and Thicken the Mixture

Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition until you have a dough that is thick, pliable, and firm enough to roll without stickiness. Adjust the powdered sugar amount as needed; this step is crucial to getting the perfect texture so your snowballs hold their shape.

Step 3: Add Optional Crunch and Structure

If you want your snowballs to have a little extra body and textural contrast, gently fold in finely crushed graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or powdered milk. These add little pockets of flavor and light crunch without overpowering the soft peanut butter center.

Step 4: Shape the Snowballs

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Using a teaspoon or small scoop, portion the dough, then roll between your palms to form smooth balls about one inch in diameter. Space them on the tray so they are easy to dip later.

Step 5: Chill the Peanut Butter Centers

Place the tray in your refrigerator for at least 25 minutes or pop them in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes. Chilling firms the centers so they won’t melt when you coat them in chocolate and ensures a clean, smooth finish.

Step 6: Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, gently melt your chosen semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips or wafers. Heat in short bursts of 20 to 30 seconds, stirring after each one until completely smooth. Adding a teaspoon of vegetable or coconut oil helps create a thinner coating for easier dipping.

Step 7: Coat the Snowballs in Chocolate

Remove your chilled peanut butter balls from the fridge, then use a fork or dipping tool to submerge each one fully into the melted chocolate. Lift carefully to let excess drip off, then place back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. This coating seals in the creamy center and adds that classic chocolate snap.

Step 8: Prepare the Caramel Drizzle

Melt soft caramel candies with heavy cream or milk in short bursts until fluid and smooth. This luscious caramel drizzle will give your snowballs a sticky-sweet contrast, taking presentation and flavor to the next level.

Step 9: Decorate with Caramel and Toppings

Pipe or spoon thin lines of the warm caramel across the chocolate-coated snowballs. Before the toppings set, sprinkle sea salt flakes, crushed peanuts, sprinkles, or drizzle white chocolate to add an extra dimension of taste, color, and texture.

Step 10: Final Chill

Return the finished snowballs to the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes until the chocolate and caramel harden completely. Once set, your Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe treats are ready to enjoy or store for later.

How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing your snowballs can make all the difference in both appearance and flavor. A sprinkle of sea salt flakes enhances the sweet and salty balance beautifully, while crushed peanuts add satisfying crunch and deepen the peanut flavor you love. For a pop of fun and festivity, colorful sprinkles or a delicate drizzle of white chocolate can transform each bite into a miniature work of art.

Side Dishes

Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe is a rich dessert best paired with lighter accompaniments to balance your palate. Fresh berries or a crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette work beautifully, cutting through the creaminess. For a cozy evening, serve alongside a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a cold glass of milk to complement their luscious peanut butter and chocolate flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is half the fun! Serve your snowballs nestled in mini cupcake liners for individual portions that look as great as they taste. For holiday occasions, arrange them in festive patterns on a platter or place them in a decorative glass jar as an edible gift. You can even skewer several and arrange as fun dessert kabobs to wow your guests with creativity and charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Keeping them chilled preserves the firmness of the chocolate shell and peanut butter centers, ensuring each bite stays as delightful as the first.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze your snowballs in a single layer on parchment-lined trays until solid, then transfer to sealed freezer bags or containers. They freeze well for up to three months, making it easy to prepare ahead for busy times or spontaneous guests.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy frozen snowballs, simply thaw them in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Avoid microwaving to keep the chocolate coating intact and prevent melting or sogginess. They are best served chilled and fresh.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

Natural peanut butter can be used, but keep in mind it might have a thinner consistency and more oil separation, which could affect the texture of the dough. If using natural peanut butter, mix well before measuring and consider adding a bit more powdered sugar to achieve the right firmness for rolling.

Is it necessary to chill the peanut butter balls before dipping?

Yes, chilling helps the centers firm up, making them easier to dip without falling apart. It also prevents the chocolate from melting too quickly, which ensures a smooth, glossy coating.

Can I substitute the chocolate chips with another type of chocolate?

Absolutely! Feel free to use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even flavored chocolate melts to suit your taste. Just be mindful that different chocolates melt differently, so adjust melting times and oil accordingly.

What if I don’t have caramel candies for the drizzle?

If caramel candies aren’t available, you can use store-bought caramel sauce or even skip the drizzle altogether. For a fun twist, try drizzling melted peanut butter or chocolate instead.

How long will these snowballs stay fresh at room temperature?

Because of the peanut butter center and chocolate coating, these snowballs should be stored in the refrigerator and are not ideal for room temperature storage beyond a couple of hours to maintain freshness and texture.

Final Thoughts

There truly is something magical about the Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe that makes every bite feel like a special event. Whether you’re looking to brighten up a holiday celebration, impress friends with a homemade treat, or simply indulge your own sweet cravings, these snowballs deliver flavor, texture, and joy in every morsel. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved favorite you’ll come back to again and again!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe

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4.2 from 48 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delightfully rich and creamy Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs combine smooth peanut butter, sweet powdered sugar, and a luscious chocolate coating with optional crunchy mix-ins and decorative toppings. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or a festive snack, featuring a smooth peanut butter center dipped in melted chocolate and drizzled with caramel and other decorations for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Snowball Base

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 to 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch fine salt (optional)
• 1/2 cup finely crushed graham crackers (optional)
• 1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafers (optional)
• 1/4 cup powdered milk (optional)

Coating

• 12 ounces semi-sweet or milk chocolate melting wafers or chips
• 1 teaspoon vegetable or coconut oil (optional)

Caramel Drizzle

• 1/4 cup soft caramel candies or caramel sauce
• 1 teaspoon heavy cream or milk

Decorations

• Sea salt flakes (for decoration)
• Crushed peanuts (for decoration)
• Sprinkles (for decoration)
• White chocolate drizzle (for decoration)

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Instructions

1. Mix the Base Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, blend peanut butter, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and uniform in texture.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually incorporate sifted powdered sugar into the peanut butter mixture until a thick, pliable dough forms. Adjust the amount of powdered sugar as needed to achieve a firm, non-sticky consistency.
3. Incorporate Optional Mix-Ins: If desired, fold in crushed graham crackers, crushed vanilla wafers, or powdered milk to add structure and extra flavor to the dough.
4. Prepare the Work Surface: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to place the formed snowballs on for chilling and coating.
5. Form Snowballs: Using a teaspoon or small scoop, portion out the dough and roll between your palms to create smooth balls approximately 1 inch in diameter. Arrange the balls evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Chill the Snowballs: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 25 minutes or freeze for 10 to 15 minutes to ensure the centers become firm before dipping in chocolate.
7. Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate in 20-30 second intervals, stirring well after each interval until fully smooth. Stir in vegetable or coconut oil if a thinner coating is preferred.
8. Coat Snowballs: Remove the chilled centers from the refrigerator. Using a fork or dipping tool, submerge each ball into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Place the coated balls back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
9. Prepare Caramel Drizzle: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the caramel candies with heavy cream or milk. Heat in 10-15 second intervals, stirring until the mixture is fluid and smooth.
10. Decorate: Pipe or spoon the melted caramel in thin lines over the chocolate-coated snowballs. Immediately garnish with sea salt flakes, crushed peanuts, sprinkles, or white chocolate drizzle before the coatings set.
11. Set the Snowballs: Return the tray to the refrigerator and chill for 15 to 20 minutes until the chocolate and caramel coatings are fully firm and set.
12. Store: Transfer the finished snowballs into an airtight container for storage, and keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Notes

• Adjust powdered sugar quantity based on desired dough firmness; adding optional crushed crackers or wafers enhances texture and flavor.
• Using vegetable or coconut oil helps create a smoother, thinner chocolate coating that sets nicely.
• The chilling step is essential to prevent breaking or cracking during dipping.
• Use a small scoop or teaspoon for uniform snowball size and even coating.
• Decorate immediately after caramel drizzle to ensure toppings stick before setting.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and firmness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (melting chocolate and caramel)
• Category: No-Cook
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American