Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe

Heavenly Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe for Winter Magic

Sweet holiday memories often start with unexpected kitchen magic, like these delightful peanut butter snowballs that sparkle with nostalgia.

Childhood treats can become grown-up delights when crafted with care and imagination.

Each creamy bite carries whispers of festive cheer and comfort.

Powdery white coatings give these little spheres an enchanting winter wonderland aesthetic.

Quick and simple ingredients combine to create something truly special.

Chocolate lovers and peanut butter fans will find themselves swooning over these elegant confections.

Grab a mixing bowl and let the delicious adventure begin.

Why Peanut Butter Snowballs Are Always a Crowd Favorite

  • Skip the oven completely- this recipe requires zero baking, making it super simple for novice and experienced bakers alike.
  • Engage children in rolling balls and decorating with sprinkles, creating a fun family bonding activity that encourages creativity.
  • Package these snowballs in cute containers for festive presents, offering a homemade touch that shows personal care and effort.

What Goes Into Making Peanut Butter Snowballs

Primary Ingredients:

Peanut Butter Mix Ingredients:- Peanut Butter, Softened Butter: Creamy base that provides rich, smooth texture and nutty flavor. Smooth, natural peanut butter works best.

  • Powdered Sugar, Graham Crackers: Add sweetness and help bind the mixture together. Fine powdered sugar creates smoother texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with subtle sweetness.

Coating Ingredients:- White Chocolate: Creates smooth, sweet exterior shell for snowballs. High-quality chocolate melts more evenly.

  • Sprinkles, Shredded Coconut, Crushed Peanuts: Optional decorative and textural toppings that add visual appeal and crunch.

Preparation Ingredients:- Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes handling and cleanup easier. Silicone baking mat can be a substitute.

Simple Steps to Shape Peanut Butter Snowballs

Step 1: Mixing Magic Ingredients

Grab a spacious mixing bowl

Combine creamy peanut butter

Add softened butter

Include powdered sugar

Toss in crushed graham crackers

Pour vanilla extract

Blend everything until the mixture transforms into a smooth, moldable dough

The consistency should hold together perfectly when squeezed

Step 2: Shaping Snowy Treats

Roll the mixture into small, round balls

Each ball should be about bite-sized

Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet

Pop the sheet into the freezer

Chill for 15-20 minutes until firm and solid

Step 3: Chocolate Transformation

Select a microwave-safe bowl

Break white chocolate into chunks

Melt chocolate in short 30-second bursts

Stir between each heating interval

Continue until chocolate becomes silky and completely smooth

Step 4: Coating with Creamy Goodness

Remove frozen peanut butter balls from freezer

Use a fork or toothpick for dipping

Carefully submerge each ball in melted white chocolate

Allow excess chocolate to drip off

Return coated balls to parchment paper

Step 5: Adding Festive Touches

Sprinkle decorative elements while chocolate remains wet

Options include:
  • Colorful sprinkles
  • Shredded coconut
  • Crushed peanuts

Step 6: Setting and Serving

Let snowballs rest at room temperature

Wait until chocolate hardens completely

Refrigerate for faster setting

Serve chilled or at comfortable room temperature

Enjoy your delectable homemade treats

Tips That Help Peanut Butter Snowballs Turn Out Right

  • Prevent Sticky Hands: Lightly grease your hands with cooking spray or butter before rolling the peanut butter mixture to keep the dough from sticking to your fingers.
  • Maintain Proper Consistency: If the mixture feels too crumbly, add a bit more softened butter; if too wet, mix in extra powdered sugar to achieve the right dough-like texture.
  • Chill for Perfect Shape: Freezing the balls before coating ensures they hold their shape and makes the chocolate dipping process much easier and cleaner.
  • Control Chocolate Coating: Use a fork or dipping tool to smoothly coat each ball, allowing excess chocolate to drip off for a thin, even layer that looks professional.
  • Customize Flavor Variations: Experiment with different coatings like dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or add crushed nuts, sprinkles, or graham cracker crumbs for unique taste and texture.

How to Store Peanut Butter Snowballs Without Drying Out

  • Store snowballs in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 7 days. Keep in the refrigerator to maintain their shape and prevent melting.
  • Pack snowballs in a freezer-safe container with wax paper separating layers. Freeze for 23 months for longer storage. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Place small squares of parchment paper between each snowball to prevent them from clumping together and losing their beautiful coating.
  • Discard snowballs if they develop an off smell, odd texture, or show signs of moisture or mold. Always check for freshness before serving.

Best Pairings for Peanut Butter Snowballs

  • Indulge in a rich, velvety hot chocolate that complements the sweet and nutty peanut butter snowballs, creating a luxurious winter treat that warms your soul.
  • Mix a bold espresso martini to contrast the sweetness, offering a sophisticated adult beverage that cuts through the creamy white chocolate coating with its sharp coffee notes.
  • Sip a smooth vanilla bean latte that echoes the dessert's vanilla extract, providing a complementary flavor profile that elevates the snowballs' delicate taste.
  • Craft a non-alcoholic salted caramel mocktail that balances the dessert's sweetness with a hint of salt, creating a refreshing and harmonious pairing.

Flavor Variations for Peanut Butter Snowballs

  • Gluten-Free Snowballs: Replace graham crackers with gluten-free rice cereal or almond flour to create a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same delicious texture and flavor.
  • Vegan Chocolate Coating: Swap white chocolate with dairy-free white chocolate chips or coconut milk-based white chocolate for a plant-based alternative that keeps the creamy coating intact.
  • Nutty Alternative Balls: Substitute peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for those with peanut allergies, offering a similar rich and creamy base with different nutty undertones.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free powdered sweetener and dark chocolate instead of white chocolate to reduce overall sugar content while preserving the classic snowball experience.
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Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe

Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe


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4.5 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Sweet Peanut Butter Snowballs deliver creamy comfort wrapped in coconut’s delicate embrace. Delightful winter treats roll smooth chocolate and tropical coconut into bite-sized holiday magic you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) creamy peanut butter
  • ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (180 grams) crushed graham crackers (about 12 sheets)

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar (plus extra for coating, if desired)
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract

Coating and Garnish:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) white chocolate (for dipping)
  • Optional Garnishes: sprinkles, shredded coconut, or crushed peanuts

Instructions

  1. Create a creamy foundation by thoroughly blending peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, crushed graham crackers, and vanilla extract in a spacious mixing bowl until the ingredients form a uniform, pliable dough.
  2. Carefully shape the mixture into compact, uniform spheres approximately one inch in diameter, positioning each ball onto a parchment-lined baking tray.
  3. Rapidly chill the proto-snowballs in the freezer for approximately 15-20 minutes, ensuring they become sufficiently firm and maintain their structural integrity during the coating process.
  4. Utilize a microwave-safe vessel to gradually melt white chocolate, employing precise 30-second intervals and gently stirring between each heating cycle to achieve a smooth, glossy consistency.
  5. Extract the chilled peanut butter spheres and systematically immerse each one into the molten white chocolate, utilizing a fork or delicate toothpick to facilitate complete coverage while allowing excess chocolate to elegantly cascade away.
  6. Immediately embellish the chocolate-enrobed spheres with optional decorative elements like festive sprinkles, delicate shredded coconut, or finely crushed peanuts while the coating remains liquid.
  7. Allow the snowballs to stabilize at ambient temperature or expedite the setting process by transferring them to the refrigerator, ensuring the chocolate achieves a complete, glossy hardness before serving.

Notes

  • Chill the mixture thoroughly before rolling to prevent sticky hands and ensure neat, uniform balls.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for smoother blending and easier mixing of the peanut butter base.
  • Opt for natural peanut butter with minimal added sugar to control overall sweetness and improve texture.
  • Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for celiac-friendly version.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 157
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 70 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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