Description
Peanut Butter Meltaways are a delightful no-bake treat combining creamy peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar rolled into bite-sized balls and coated with smooth melted milk chocolate. These meltaways offer a rich, sweet, and nutty flavor, perfect for dessert or snacking. With simple ingredients and easy steps, they’re a great homemade confection ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Mixture
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Coating
- 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips (or dark chocolate for a richer taste)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for melting chocolate)
Instructions
- Mix peanut butter and butter: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and softened butter. Use an electric mixer or a spatula to blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring an even texture without lumps.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture. Mix thoroughly until fully combined and the dough is soft and pliable, suitable for rolling into balls.
- Shape and chill balls: Roll the peanut butter mixture into 1-inch diameter balls. Place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up properly.
- Melt chocolate for coating: While the peanut butter balls chill, melt the chocolate chips with vegetable oil in a heatproof bowl over a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
- Dip balls in chocolate: Once the peanut butter balls are firm, dip each one into the melted chocolate coating completely. Use a fork to lift the balls out, letting excess chocolate drip off, then place them back on the parchment paper.
- Set the chocolate coating: Return the chocolate-coated meltaways to the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes until the chocolate hardens and sets completely.
- Serve and store: Serve the peanut butter meltaways chilled or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, substitute milk chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips.
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for easier mixing.
- If the peanut butter balls are too soft to roll, refrigerate the mixture longer before shaping.
- The addition of vegetable oil helps achieve a smoother chocolate coating and easier dipping.
- Store meltaways in the fridge to maintain their shape and texture.
- Variations can include adding chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before the chocolate sets.