Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe

If you’re craving a sweet, nutty treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, I’ve got just the thing for you: an irresistible Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe. These little delights are perfect for holidays, parties, or whenever you need a quick pick-me-up. I absolutely love how creamy peanut butter combines with that crisp candy coating, creating a bite-sized burst of flavor that melts in your mouth. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your snowballs turn out perfect.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients play together beautifully to create a creamy, sweet, and crunchy treat. The key is using creamy peanut butter for that smooth texture, and the candy coating gives the snowballs their signature snap. If you’re shopping, look for quality peanut butter without too many additives, and the best white candy coating you can find for easy melting and dipping.

• Confectioners’ sugar: This is what sweetens and helps bind the mixture, so don’t substitute with granulated sugar here.
• Creamy peanut butter: Smooth texture is crucial for shaping the balls easily.
• Butter: Softened butter adds richness and helps the mixture hold together.
• White candy coating: Melts quickly and hardens with a satisfying crunch—perfect for dipping.
• Finely chopped peanuts (optional): Adds a nutty crunch if you want an extra layer of texture.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Over the years, I’ve tweaked it in little ways to suit everything from dietary needs to taste preferences. Feel free to experiment—you’ll enjoy finding your perfect combo!

• Chocolate Coating: I sometimes swap out the white candy coating for milk or dark chocolate to give a richer flavor that my kids love.
• Nut Allergies: If peanut butter isn’t your thing, almond or sunflower seed butter works pretty well, but the texture might vary slightly.
• Add-Ins: For a fun twist, try mixing mini chocolate chips into the peanut butter mixture before chilling. My family adores this surprise in every bite.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon or sea salt on top after dipping adds a sophisticated balance to the sweetness.

How to Make Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Base Ingredients and Chill

Start by combining the confectioners’ sugar, creamy peanut butter, and softened butter in a bowl. I always use my hands here because it helps me feel when the texture is just right—it should be firm enough to shape but still soft. Then pop the mixture in the freezer for about 30 minutes. This chilling is a game changer because it firms up the dough and makes rolling the snowballs so much easier without sticky messes.

Step 2: Shape and Freeze the Snowballs

Once the mixture is chilled, use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to form perfect 1-inch balls. Place them on waxed paper or parchment-lined baking sheets. Then, here’s a trick I learned: freeze the balls for another 30 minutes until they’re firm. This step prevents them from falling apart when dipping in the candy coating.

Step 3: Melt the Candy Coating and Dip

While the snowballs freeze, melt your white candy coating in a microwave-safe bowl using short bursts of 20 seconds, stirring in between. Patience here saves you from overheating and ruining your candy coating. Once melted and smooth, dip each snowball, gently shaking off the excess, then place them back on waxed paper. If you want, sprinkle chopped peanuts on top right after dipping to add crunch. Then let them harden—this usually takes about 15–20 minutes at room temperature, or you can speed it up in the fridge.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe

Garnishes

When serving, I like to sprinkle a little flaky sea salt or finely chopped peanuts on top for visual appeal and an extra flavor punch. Sometimes I add a tiny drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the top—they look gorgeous and taste heavenly.

Side Dishes

Peanut Butter Snowballs are sweet enough on their own, but I often pair them with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea to balance the richness. For parties, these go really well alongside fresh fruit or light, tart desserts like lemon bars.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I arrange the snowballs on a platter dusted with powdered sugar to resemble a fresh snow scene—so festive! Alternatively, wrapping them individually in festive cellophane bags with a ribbon turns them into perfect homemade gifts. I’ve even used mini cupcake liners to keep each snug and neat for potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, layering parchment paper between to prevent sticking. You’ll find that they keep well for about a week without losing their texture or flavor.

Freezing

Freezing works like a charm with these snowballs. After they’re dipped and hardened, I pop them in a freezer-safe container separated by wax paper. When you want a sweet snack, just thaw in the fridge for a couple hours—the candy coating stays crisp and the peanut butter center softens beautifully.

Reheating

Since these are best served chilled or at room temperature, I typically don’t reheat them. If you want to soften the center a bit, let them sit at room temp for 15 minutes before enjoying. This keeps the candy shell intact and the texture just right.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe is such a wonderful little treat that never fails to impress guests or satisfy a late-night sweet tooth. I remember making these with my kids during holiday breaks—it became a fun tradition we all looked forward to. The ease of preparation combined with that perfect balance of creamy and crunchy makes it a winner every time. Give it a whirl, and I promise you’ll be adding this recipe to your favorites folder!

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