4-ingredient Peanut Butter Balls

1. Mixing the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and softened butter. Gradually stir in the powdered sugar until the mixture is fully incorporated and smooth. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to allow the mixture to firm up slightly.
2. Shaping the Dough: Once the mixture is firm, remove it from the refrigerator. Using your hands, shape the dough into 1-inch balls. Arrange the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate the peanut butter balls for at least 20 minutes. This chilling step helps the balls maintain their shape when dipped in chocolate.
3. Melting the Chocolate: While the peanut butter balls are chilling, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips. You can do this by following the package instructions, either using a microwave or a double boiler. If you prefer a smoother coating, you can add 1 tablespoon of vegetable shortening or coconut oil to the chocolate as it melts. This step is optional but recommended for a glossy finish.
4. Dipping the Balls: Remove the chilled peanut butter balls from the refrigerator. Using a fork, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow the excess chocolate to drip off before placing the chocolate-covered balls back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat this process for all the peanut butter balls.
5. Setting the Chocolate: Once all the peanut butter balls are coated in chocolate, cover the baking sheet and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the chocolate to set completely, which usually takes about 30 minutes. Once set, the peanut butter balls are ready to serve.
6. Serving and Storing: These peanut butter balls can be enjoyed straight from the refrigerator or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Conclusion :

hese 4-ingredient Peanut Butter Balls are a delightful treat that combines simplicity with decadence, making them a perfect addition to your dessert repertoire. Their appeal lies in the harmonious blend of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate, which creates a flavor combination that is universally loved. These treats are especially ideal for the holiday season, when time is often limited but the desire for homemade goodies is high. However, their versatility means they are equally suited for any occasion throughout the year, whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or simply a sweet craving that needs to be satisfied.

What sets these Peanut Butter Balls apart is not just their delicious taste but also the ease with which they are made. With only four ingredients and minimal preparation time, they are accessible to even the most novice of bakers. Despite their simplicity, they deliver a level of indulgence that can compete with any store-bought candy. The process of making them is straightforward, involving just a few steps of mixing, shaping, chilling, and dipping. This makes them an excellent choice for those who may feel intimidated by more complex recipes but still want to create something special and homemade.

Continued on next page