Let me tell you, peanut butter balls are one of my all-time favorite treats! They’re like little bites of happiness that you can whip up in no time. Seriously, these no-bake delights are so simple to make; you just throw together peanut butter, oats, honey, and chocolate chips, and voila! You’ve got a delicious snack that satisfies your sweet tooth without any fuss. I remember the first time I made them for a party—everyone went wild over them! They’re perfect for a quick pick-me-up or a fun dessert to share with friends. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked on their rich, nutty flavor and chewy texture!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy, your choice!)
- 1/2 cup honey (for that perfect sweetness)
- 2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned works best)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark for an extra kick)
How to Prepare Peanut Butter Balls
Making peanut butter balls is as easy as 1-2-3! Seriously, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create these tasty bites. Let’s break it down step-by-step so you can get it just right.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by getting a large mixing bowl. Add in the peanut butter and honey. Using a sturdy spatula or a spoon, mix them together until it’s nice and smooth. You want everything to blend well, so don’t rush this part!
- Next, it’s time to add in the rolled oats. Stir them in until they’re fully combined with the peanut butter mixture. You should have a thick, sticky dough at this point. If it feels too dry, you can add a touch more honey to help it come together.
- Now, gently fold in the chocolate chips. This is where the magic happens! Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the mix, so every bite is packed with chocolatey goodness.
- Once everything is mixed, take a small scoop of the mixture and roll it into a ball about the size of a tablespoon. Place each ball onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You should be able to make around 20 balls!
- Finally, pop the baking sheet into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help the peanut butter balls firm up, making them easier to handle and giving them that perfect chewy texture. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Nutritional Information
These peanut butter balls are not just delicious; they also pack a nutritious punch! Each ball contains approximately 100 calories, 5g of fat, 3g of protein, and 10g of carbohydrates. Plus, they’ve got 1g of fiber to keep you satisfied. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy them guilt-free!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a super quick and easy no-bake treat—perfect for those busy days!
- Only a handful of ingredients means less fuss and more flavor.
- These peanut butter balls are packed with protein and fiber, making them a satisfying snack.
- They’re customizable—feel free to add your favorite mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit!
- Great for meal prep; just make a batch and have delicious snacks ready for the week!
- Kids love them, and they’re perfect for parties or gatherings!
Tips for Success
To make the best peanut butter balls, here are some of my favorite tips! First, use natural peanut butter for a healthier option—it adds a lovely, rich flavor. If you’re looking for a vegan alternative, swap the honey for maple syrup—it works beautifully! Don’t hesitate to get creative with mix-ins; try adding chopped nuts or dried fruit for a fun twist. If the mixture feels too sticky, wet your hands a bit while rolling the balls to keep it manageable. And remember, the longer you chill them, the firmer they’ll get, so don’t rush that refrigeration step! Lastly, if you want an extra chocolatey experience, consider rolling the balls in cocoa powder or crushed nuts before serving. Enjoy experimenting!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
Let’s talk about some swaps and choices you can make for your peanut butter balls! First up, I recommend using natural peanut butter if you can—it’s free from added sugars and oils, giving you a more authentic peanut flavor. If you’re vegan or just want to switch things up, try using maple syrup instead of honey; it works great and adds a lovely sweetness. For those with nut allergies, sunbutter or soy nut butter can be excellent substitutes for peanut butter. And don’t forget, you can mix in your favorite ingredients, like seeds or dried fruits, to make these treats truly your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your peanut butter balls fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll last for about a week, so you can enjoy them as a quick snack or dessert anytime! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to two months. Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. No need to reheat; simply enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge!
FAQ Section
Can I make peanut butter balls without honey?
Absolutely! You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option. It’ll keep the sweetness while giving a unique flavor!
How long do I need to refrigerate the peanut butter balls?
I recommend refrigerating them for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up, making them perfect for snacking. If you can wait longer, even better!
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes! Using crunchy peanut butter adds a delightful texture to your peanut butter balls. Just be aware that it might change the consistency slightly, but in a good way!
How many peanut butter balls does this recipe make?
You’ll end up with around 20 balls depending on how big you roll them. Perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself, no judgment here!).
How should I store leftover peanut butter balls?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze them for up to two months!
For more delicious recipes, check out Healthline’s guide on peanut butter nutrition or EatingWell’s energy ball recipe.
Print
Peanut Butter Balls: 20 Melting Moments of Pure Joy
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Peanut butter balls are a simple and delicious no-bake treat made with peanut butter, oats, and chocolate.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix peanut butter and honey until smooth.
- Add rolled oats and mix until well combined.
- Stir in chocolate chips.
- Form the mixture into small balls.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Use natural peanut butter for a healthier option.
- Substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: peanut butter balls, no-bake dessert, healthy snacks
