Name: 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 3 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 16 oz chocolate bark

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a no-bake treat that hits all the right nostalgic notes, this 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe is your new go-to snack. Richly peanutty centers wrapped in silky chocolate, these little morsels are just the right combination of creamy, sweet, and a touch salty—absolutely addictive! You won’t need fancy kitchen gadgets or complicated steps; simplicity is part of the magic here. Whether you’re prepping for a festive gathering or just want something special for yourself, this easy recipe packs big flavor and lots of love into every bite.

4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nothing fancy required—just four pantry staples come together for that irresistible taste and texture in this 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe! Each ingredient plays a crucial role, making these treats way more than the sum of their parts.

Peanut Butter: Creamy style is the secret—skip peanut butters with added oils for a lusciously smooth and cohesive dough.
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter gives moisture and richness, making the filling melt-in-your-mouth good.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling and brings everything together into a soft, rollable dough—don’t substitute with granulated sugar!
Chocolate Bark: Melts beautifully for that snappy chocolate shell; it sets quickly and smoothly for bakery-worthy results.

How to Make 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Peanut Butter and Butter

Start by adding the creamy peanut butter and softened unsalted butter to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Use a sturdy spatula or hand mixer to blend them together until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform. This velvety base ensures that every peanut butter ball is perfectly luscious and full-flavored.

Step 2: Incorporate the Powdered Sugar

Gradually add the powdered sugar to your peanut butter-butter mixture. At first, it might look crumbly and dry, but keep mixing! You’ll notice the dough starts to pull together into a slightly firm, but malleable mass. Resist the urge to add extra liquid; the magic happens as you keep mixing.

Step 3: Chill the Peanut Butter Mixture

Scoop the peanut butter mixture into a small bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a lid. Pop it in the refrigerator for at least two hours. This step is essential for firming up the mixture—it makes rolling and dipping the balls so much easier later on!

Step 4: Roll the Peanut Butter Balls

Once chilled, grab a spoon or small cookie scoop and measure out one-inch sized portions. Using your hands, quickly roll each into a smooth ball. Set them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then transfer the tray to the freezer for a short chill. This helps the peanut butter balls hold their shape when they meet warm, melted chocolate.

Step 5: Melt the Chocolate Bark

Set up a double boiler by placing a heat-safe bowl over a saucepan filled with a couple of inches of water. Bring the water to a gentle boil, then add your chocolate bark to the bowl. Stir regularly as the chocolate melts, making sure it stays glossy and smooth—this is key for enrobing the peanut butter centers perfectly.

Step 6: Dip and Finish the Balls

Working quickly, use a toothpick to pick up each chilled peanut butter ball. Dip it into the melted chocolate, tapping your wrist lightly to let excess chocolate drip off. Place the coated balls onto a sheet of wax paper, then let them sit until the chocolate hardens with a beautiful sheen. Once they’re set, transfer your 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls to an airtight container.

How to Serve 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

Garnishes

Dress up your 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of white or dark chocolate on top. These easy garnishes not only add eye appeal but also amp up flavor with each bite.

Side Dishes

Pair these peanut butter balls with a fresh fruit platter or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert spread. They also shine next to crunchy pretzels or salty nuts on a snack board, balancing sweet and savory perfectly for any crowd.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the peanut butter balls in mini cupcake liners and set them on a pretty tray, or layer them in a festive tin for homemade gifting. You can also skewer them onto lollipop sticks for a fun and portable treat that’s just as delightful for parties as for everyday snacking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, but for that just-made freshness, store them in the fridge. They’ll keep their soft center and crisp chocolate shell for days—if you can resist them that long!

Freezing

These treats freeze like a dream! Arrange the finished peanut butter balls in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll last for up to two months—just thaw briefly before serving for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

While you won’t need to reheat the peanut butter balls themselves, if you want to refresh the chocolate’s shine after freezing, simply set them out at room temperature for 15 minutes. The outer shell will regain its slight snap without getting too soft.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely, you can swap creamy for crunchy peanut butter if you love a little extra texture in your 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe. Just note that the mixture might not be quite as smooth, but the taste will be even more peanutty and delightful.

Is it possible to use chocolate chips instead of chocolate bark?

Chocolate chips can work, but chocolate bark is designed to melt and set more smoothly, giving your 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe that professional-looking finish. If you use chocolate chips, add a teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening to help with the melting and setting process.

My mixture seems too crumbly—what should I do?

That’s totally normal as you start mixing in the powdered sugar. Just keep stirring (or use your hands) and the dough will come together. If it’s still too dry after thorough mixing, add a tablespoon of peanut butter at a time until it holds its shape.

Do I need to refrigerate the peanut butter balls after dipping in chocolate?

For the best texture and longevity, yes! Pop the finished peanut butter balls in the fridge, especially if your kitchen tends to be warm. The chocolate sets faster and stays nice and crisp.

Can I make this recipe gluten free?

Most of the ingredients in this 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe are naturally gluten free, but check your powdered sugar and chocolate labels just in case. With the right brands, you’ll have a gluten free treat everyone can enjoy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something sweet, nostalgic, and unbelievably simple, this 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe will absolutely deliver. With just a handful of basic ingredients and no baking required, it’s a treat everyone can master and personalize. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making batch after batch!

4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 15 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
Yield: Makes about 24 balls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these easy-to-make 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls covered in rich chocolate. A delightful treat for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

Peanut Butter Mixture:

1 cup creamy peanut butter
6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar

Chocolate Coating:

16 oz chocolate bark

Instructions

Mix Peanut Butter Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine peanut butter and softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until well combined.
Chill: Cover the mixture and refrigerate for a few hours.
Shape: Roll chilled mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a cookie sheet. Freeze.
Melt Chocolate: Melt chocolate bark using a double boiler.
Dip: Insert toothpicks into peanut butter balls, dip in chocolate, tap off excess, and place on wax paper to set.
Set: Allow chocolate to harden before storing in a container.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Mixing, Chilling, Dipping
Cuisine: American