Description
Delightfully rich and creamy Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs combine smooth peanut butter, melted chocolate, and optional crunchy mix-ins to create bite-sized treats perfect for any occasion. Coated with luscious chocolate and a drizzle of caramel, these no-bake delights are easy to make and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Scale
Snowball Dough
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch fine salt (optional)
- 1/2 cup finely crushed graham crackers (optional)
- 1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafers (optional)
- 1/4 cup powdered milk (optional)
Chocolate Coating
- 12 ounces semi-sweet or milk chocolate melting wafers or chips
- 1 teaspoon vegetable or coconut oil (optional)
Caramel Topping
- 1/4 cup soft caramel candies or caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon heavy cream or milk
Decorations
- Sea salt flakes
- Crushed peanuts
- Sprinkles
- White chocolate drizzle
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a medium mixing bowl, blend peanut butter, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually incorporate sifted powdered sugar until a thick, pliable dough forms, adjusting the quantity to achieve a firm, non-sticky texture.
- Incorporate Optional Mix-ins: If desired, mix in crushed graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or powdered milk for added structure and flavor.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking during chilling and coating.
- Shape Snowballs: Portion dough using a teaspoon or small scoop and roll between palms to form smooth balls approximately 1 inch in diameter. Arrange on the lined tray.
- Chill Centers: Place tray in the refrigerator for at least 25 minutes or freeze for 10 to 15 minutes to firm up centers before coating.
- Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate in 20 to 30 second intervals, stirring after each until smooth. Optionally, blend in vegetable or coconut oil to thin the chocolate.
- Coat Snowballs: Remove centers from refrigeration and submerge each ball in melted chocolate using a fork or dipping tool, allowing excess chocolate to drip off. Place coated snowballs back on the parchment-lined tray.
- Prepare Caramel Drizzle: Melt caramels with heavy cream or milk in a microwave-safe bowl in 10 to 15 second intervals, stirring until fluid and smooth.
- Decorate: Pipe or spoon melted caramel in thin lines over the chocolate-coated snowballs. Immediately garnish with sea salt flakes, crushed peanuts, sprinkles, or white chocolate drizzle before toppings set.
- Final Chill: Return the tray to the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes until chocolate and caramel are fully firm.
- Store: Transfer finished snowballs to an airtight container for storage and enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Adjust powdered sugar amount to achieve desired dough firmness and sweetness.
- Optional mix-ins like crushed crackers add texture and flavor but can be omitted for a smoother bite.
- Use a small cookie scoop or teaspoon for uniform snowballs.
- Adding oil to chocolate helps thin it for easier coating and smoother finish.
- Be sure to chill the centers well before dipping to prevent melting.
- Store snowballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- Decorations are fully customizable to your preference.
