Advertisement
If you’re looking for a simple yet decadent treat that’s quick to prepare and absolutely irresistible, these 3-ingredient Peanut Butter Balls are the answer! Combining the rich, creamy flavors of peanut butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar, they’re perfect for parties, gifting, or just satisfying your sweet tooth. Plus, they require no baking and come together in under an hour. Here’s your ultimate guide to making these sweet bites flawlessly every time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe only requires 3 simple ingredients, making it a breeze to whip up:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened 🧀
- The cream cheese adds a luscious, tangy creaminess to the peanut butter balls and helps bind the ingredients together.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter 🥜
- Use a standard creamy peanut butter for the smoothest results. Avoid natural peanut butter, as the oil separation can affect the consistency of the dough.
- 1 cup powdered sugar 🍬
- Powdered sugar sweetens the mixture and thickens the dough, making it easy to shape into perfect little balls.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Soften and Beat the Cream Cheese
- Before starting, make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This ensures it blends smoothly with the peanut butter.
- In a medium mixing bowl, use an electric hand or stand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it’s creamy and free of lumps. This step is crucial for a silky texture.
Step 2: Add the Peanut Butter
- Add the creamy peanut butter to the cream cheese and beat the two together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and fully combined.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure no pockets of cream cheese or peanut butter remain unmixed. The result should be a velvety, cohesive mixture.
Step 3: Incorporate the Powdered Sugar
- Gradually add the powdered sugar to the mixture, about ¼ cup at a time. Mix on low speed to prevent the sugar from puffing out of the bowl.
- As you add more powdered sugar, the mixture will thicken and become dough-like. Once fully combined, the dough should be firm enough to hold its shape when rolled into balls.
Step 4: Roll into Balls
- Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion out the dough and roll it into 1-inch balls between your palms.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking. For uniform sizes, aim to make all the balls roughly the same diameter.
Step 5: Chill the Peanut Butter Balls
- Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and let the peanut butter balls chill for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the balls firm up, making them easier to handle and enhancing their texture.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Once chilled, the peanut butter balls are ready to enjoy! They’re creamy, sweet, and full of peanut butter goodness. Serve them as-is, or elevate them by dipping them in melted chocolate or sprinkling them with crushed nuts or sprinkles.
Tips for Success
- Softening the Cream Cheese: Allow the cream cheese to sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before mixing. If you’re short on time, microwave it in 10-second intervals until softened (but not melted).
- Peanut Butter Consistency: For the best results, use a smooth, no-stir peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy). Natural peanut butter with oil separation may result in a dough that’s too loose.
- Powdered Sugar Adjustment: If the dough feels too sticky to roll, add a little more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Make Them Your Own: Customize these treats by rolling the balls in crushed peanuts, shredded coconut, or graham cracker crumbs before chilling for added texture and flavor.
Variations
- Chocolate-Dipped: Melt semi-sweet or milk chocolate and dip the chilled peanut butter balls for a luxurious finish.
- Holiday Sprinkles: Roll the balls in festive sprinkles to match the occasion—red and green for Christmas, pink for Valentine’s Day, or pastels for Easter.
- Nutty Crunch: Coat the balls in crushed pecans, almonds, or peanuts for a crunchy exterior.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store the peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: For longer storage, place the balls in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Balls
- Easy to Make: With just three ingredients and no baking required, they’re perfect for beginners.
- Customizable: Dress them up with chocolate or coatings to suit your taste.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Loved by kids and adults alike, they’re ideal for parties, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
Nutritional Information (Per Ball, Approximate)
- Calories: 110
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 6g
- Protein: 3g
Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: About 24 peanut butter balls