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If you’re on the hunt for a festive treat that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat, the Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe is an absolute must-try. These bite-sized, melt-in-your-mouth sweets combine creamy peanut butter with a sweet vanilla coating and a fun pop of colorful Christmas sprinkles, creating a cookie alternative that’s irresistibly rich, perfectly sweet, and simply joyful. Whether you’re looking for a quick holiday dessert or a charming snack to share, these snowballs bring warmth and excitement with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe perfection. From the creamy texture of peanut butter to the smooth sweetness of vanilla candy coating, every component is essential to delivering that perfect, snowy bite.
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter: Provides rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture essential to the dough.
- 3 tablespoons butter (softened): Adds smoothness and helps bind the dough together for easy shaping.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Offers sweetness and a silky texture that balances the peanut butter’s saltiness.
- 1 pound vanilla candy coating: Gives a beautiful, glossy, and sweet outer shell that hardens perfectly on the snowballs.
- Christmas sprinkles: Adds festive color and a playful crunch to finish these treats with flair.
How to Make Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Begin by combining the powdered sugar, creamy peanut butter, and softened butter in a bowl. Mix these together thoroughly until a smooth, pliable dough forms. This step is important because you want a uniform mixture that will hold its shape well when chilled and dipped.
Step 2: Shape and Chill
Using your hands or a small scoop, form the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them carefully on a baking sheet lined with wax paper to prevent sticking. Pop them in the fridge for 30 minutes—this chilling step firms up the dough, making it easier to dip in the coating without losing shape.
Step 3: Coat the Snowballs
While your dough balls chill, melt the vanilla candy coating according to the package directions, ensuring the coating is smooth and free of lumps. Once melted, dip each peanut butter ball fully into the coating, making sure it’s completely enveloped. Let any extra coating drip off, then set them back onto the wax paper-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Add Sprinkles and Final Chill
Before the coating hardens, generously sprinkle colorful Christmas sprinkles on top to give each Peanut Butter Snowball that festive sparkle. Return them to the fridge for another 15-20 minutes to allow the coating to set completely. Now they’re ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe
Garnishes
While the Christmas sprinkles are a classic finishing touch, you can also get creative by dusting a little powdered sugar over the snowballs for an authentic snowy effect or adding finely chopped nuts for some extra texture and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
Peanut Butter Snowballs make a fantastic pairing with a warm mug of hot cocoa or a cup of spiced tea, complementing their rich sweetness. For holiday parties, serve alongside fruit slices or simple cheese to balance out the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe treats on a festive platter lined with evergreen sprigs or place each one in a mini cupcake liner for an elegant touch. You could even stack them into a pyramid to mimic a snowball pile, making your dessert table the star of the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Peanut Butter Snowballs (which is a happy problem), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to one week, making them perfect for snacking throughout the holiday season.
Freezing
These snowballs freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a tray to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe treats will keep well for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
Since these are no-bake treats with a candy coating, reheating isn’t necessary. However, if you prefer them slightly softer, you can leave them at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for a more tender bite.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a lovely texture to your Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe, giving each bite a little extra crunch that some people really enjoy.
What if I can’t find vanilla candy coating?
If vanilla candy coating isn’t available, white chocolate chips or melting wafers are excellent substitutes. Just melt them gently to avoid burning and proceed as directed.
How do I prevent the coating from cracking?
Ensure that your snowballs are thoroughly chilled before dipping, and dip quickly but completely. If the coating is too hot, allow it to cool slightly before dipping to avoid cracks caused by temperature shock.
Can I add other flavors or mix-ins?
Definitely! Mixing in mini chocolate chips or a pinch of sea salt to the dough can elevate the flavor profile. Just be cautious not to add too much, as it can affect the dough’s ability to hold together.
Are Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe good for gifting?
Yes, they make fantastic homemade gifts. Pack them in decorative tins or boxes lined with parchment paper for a charming and thoughtful present that friends and family will love.
Final Thoughts
Making the Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe is pure joy from start to finish, and sharing these delightful sweet bites is even better. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, this recipe brings a warm, festive feeling to any occasion. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into making these charming little snowballs of peanut buttery goodness—you won’t regret it!
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Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightful Peanut Butter Snowballs are festive, bite-sized treats perfect for the holiday season. Made with creamy peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar, these sweet balls are coated in smooth vanilla candy coating and topped with colorful Christmas sprinkles for a fun and festive finish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Coating
- 1 pound vanilla candy coating
- Christmas sprinkles, for decoration
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, creamy peanut butter, and softened butter. Mix thoroughly until a smooth dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape and chill: Roll the peanut butter dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Place the tray in the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes to allow the balls to firm up.
- Coat with candy coating: While the balls chill, melt the vanilla candy coating according to the package instructions until it is smooth and fluid. Once the balls are chilled, dip each one completely into the melted coating, allowing excess coating to drip off before setting them back onto the wax paper-lined baking sheet.
- Add sprinkles and chill again: Immediately after coating, decorate each snowball with Christmas sprinkles for a festive look. Return the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill for an additional 15-20 minutes until the coating is set.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened for easier mixing and smoother dough.
- Use wax paper to prevent sticking while chilling and coating.
- For easier handling, use a fork or dipping tool to coat the balls in candy coating.
- Store finished snowballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- These treats can also be made with natural peanut butter for a slightly different flavor and texture.
