I love making easy snacks and treats, especially when they feature peanut butter! Today, I’m sharing two of my favorite recipes for delicious peanut butter balls. These are perfect for a quick snack or a sweet bite.
Whether you want a classic dessert or a healthy protein boost, I have you covered. These recipes are simple to follow and use everyday ingredients you likely have at home.
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Classic Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
These classic peanut butter balls are a simple, sweet treat. They are easy to make with just a few ingredients.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Peanut Butter Balls
- Creamy Peanut Butter: I suggest using a smooth, processed peanut butter for the best consistency. Natural peanut butter might make the balls too oily.
- Powdered Sugar: Sifting your powdered sugar first makes sure there are no lumps and helps the mixture come together smoothly.
- Chilling Time: Don’t skip chilling! This helps the balls firm up so they hold their shape and taste better.
What You Need for Peanut Butter Balls
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, for coating)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for coating)
⏱️ Time: 15 mins prep, 30 mins chill🍽️ Yields: 24 balls
How to Make Classic Peanut Butter Balls
Step 1: Mix the Base
In a big mixing bowl, I like to combine the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, sifted powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients until you have a smooth and well-combined dough. You want it to be firm enough to roll.
Step 2: Roll into Balls
Take small portions of the mixture, about a tablespoon each, and roll them gently into 1-inch balls. Place these balls onto a baking sheet that is lined with parchment paper.
Step 3: Chill and Finish
Put the baking sheet with the peanut butter balls into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps them get firm. If you want to add a chocolate coating, you can melt chocolate chips with a little coconut oil, then dip the chilled balls. Let them set again.
📝 Final Note
Store these classic peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay good for up to a week, ready for when you need a sweet bite!
Healthy Peanut Butter Pumpkin Protein Balls
These healthy peanut butter pumpkin protein balls are a great snack option. They are packed with good ingredients and taste like fall.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Protein Balls
- Pumpkin Puree: Be sure to use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugars and spices.
- Protein Powder Choice: I recommend a vanilla or unflavored protein powder so it complements the pumpkin and peanut butter without overpowering them.
- Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give these protein balls a nice texture and fiber boost. Quick oats can also work, but the texture will be softer.
What You Need for Pumpkin Protein Balls
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips (optional)
⏱️ Time: 10 mins prep, 20 mins chill🍽️ Yields: 18 balls
How to Make Healthy Protein Balls
Step 1: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, I combine the pumpkin puree, creamy peanut butter, and maple syrup (or honey). Stir these together until the mixture is very smooth and uniform.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
Now, stir in the protein powder, old-fashioned rolled oats, and pumpkin pie spice. If you’d like, you can also fold in the mini chocolate chips at this point. Mix everything until it comes together to form a thick, workable dough.
Step 3: Form and Chill
Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls, about 1-inch in size. Place them on a plate or a baking sheet. Put them in the fridge to chill for about 20 minutes; this will help them firm up and hold their shape better.
📝 Final Note
These pumpkin protein balls are great for meal prepping. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for easy, quick snacks all week long.
