3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
Introduction
Peanut butter lovers, rejoice! These 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls are a quick, no-bake treat that combines creamy peanut butter, smooth cream cheese, and sweet powdered sugar into irresistible bite-sized delights. Perfect for snack time, parties, or holidays, this simple recipe requires no oven and minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and peanut butter. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Step 2: Gradually add the powdered sugar, stirring well after each addition. Continue mixing until the dough is thick and holds together. If the mixture feels too sticky, add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time.
- Step 3: Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Scoop small portions of dough (about 1 inch in diameter) with a cookie scoop or spoon, then roll into smooth balls using your hands.
- Step 4: Place the balls on the lined baking sheet, spaced slightly apart. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving. For faster chilling, freeze for about 15 minutes.
Tips & Variations
- If dough sticks to your hands, dust palms lightly with powdered sugar for easier rolling.
- Try dipping the balls in melted chocolate and sprinkling with sea salt or crushed nuts for an elevated treat.
- Roll the balls in crushed peanuts, shredded coconut, sprinkles, or cookie crumbs for different flavors and textures.
- Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture, or substitute cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream for a vegan version.
Storage
Store the peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze them single-layered in a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving. Serve chilled for the best texture, but let sit a few minutes at room temperature if frozen.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter adds a nice texture to the balls, though the dough may be slightly harder to roll into smooth shapes.
What can I use as a substitute for cream cheese?
You can use dairy-free cream cheese or chilled coconut cream as alternatives. The flavor will vary slightly, but the texture will remain similar.
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3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 peanut butter balls 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls are a quick and easy no-bake dessert combining creamy peanut butter, smooth cream cheese, and powdered sugar for a rich, indulgent treat. Perfect for parties, snacks, or holiday occasions, they offer a delightful balance of nutty and sweet flavors with endless customization options like chocolate coating or nuts rolling.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Mix the cream cheese and peanut butter: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and peanut butter. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Incorporate the powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the mixture, stirring well after each addition. Continue mixing until the dough is thick and holds together. If too sticky, add more powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time until manageable.
- Shape and chill: Scoop out small portions of the dough using a small cookie scoop or spoon and roll them into approximately 1-inch diameter balls between your hands. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper, leaving space between each ball to prevent sticking. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up; freezing for 15 minutes can be used as a quicker alternative.
- Customize (optional): After chilling, optionally dip the balls into melted chocolate, roll them in crushed nuts, sprinkles, shredded coconut, or cookie crumbs for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Store peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze in a single layer for up to 3 months.
- Serve chilled for the best texture. If frozen, let sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
- If dough is too sticky to roll, chill for 10-15 minutes before shaping.
- This recipe yields about 24 balls; consider doubling for larger batches.
- Softened cream cheese at room temperature will blend more smoothly.
- To keep hands from sticking when rolling, dust palms lightly with powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: peanut butter balls, no bake dessert, easy peanut butter recipe, 3 ingredient dessert, no bake snack, peanut butter treats, party snacks, quick dessert
