Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a sweet, nostalgic treat that melts in your mouth and delivers that perfect peanut butter punch, then you’ve gotta try my Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe. This bite-sized wonder is simple to make, fun to dip, and genuinely fan-freaking-tastic for holidays, parties, or just because you deserve a little indulgence. Trust me, once you taste these snowy delights, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • No-Bake Convenience: You’re basically chilling, shaping, and dipping—no oven required, making it perfect for quick dessert cravings.
  • Classic Peanut Butter Flavor: The creamy peanut butter shines beautifully, balanced by the sweet candy coating for that indulgent finish.
  • Kid-Approved and Crowd-Pleasing: My family goes crazy for these, and they’re a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
  • Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: You likely have everything on hand, and the magic happens with just a few pantry staples.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in the Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe plays a crucial role in creating that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistible flavor. Plus, you won’t need any fancy or hard-to-find items—just some simple pantry heroes that come together seamlessly.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with fine white confectioners' sugar, a dollop of creamy light brown peanut butter on a white ceramic plate, a few small cubes of pale yellow softened butter arranged neatly on a white ceramic dish, irregular chunks of smooth white candy coating in a white ceramic bowl, and a small pile of finely chopped fresh peanuts on a white ceramic plate, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Peanut Butter Snowballs, no-bake dessert, holiday treats, easy peanut butter candies, Christmas snowball sweets
  • Confectioners’ sugar: This gives the snowballs their classic sweetness and helps create a powdery texture that cozies up perfectly with peanut butter.
  • Creamy peanut butter: Opt for a good-quality peanut butter without too much oil separation—you’ll want smoothness and flavor without grit.
  • Butter: Softened butter adds richness and helps the balls hold their shape without cracking, so be sure it’s not too cold!
  • White candy coating: This is your snowball’s snowy shell—easy to melt and deliciously sweet. Chopped is best for even melting.
  • Chopped peanuts (optional): Sprinkle them on top for a little crunch and a roasted peanut hit that contrasts nicely with the smooth coating.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe is! Whether you want to swap ingredients, add a little flair, or keep it classic, there’s something here for everyone. Don’t be shy—experimenting is half the fun!

  • Chocolate Coating: I once dipped them in melted semisweet chocolate instead of white candy coating—totally decadent and a favorite twist in my house.
  • Vegan Version: Use non-dairy butter and vegan-friendly chocolate coating, and you’re good to go without missing a beat.
  • Add Sea Salt: Sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on the coating before it sets adds a mouthwatering balance to the sweetness.
  • Mix-Ins: Stir in some mini chocolate chips or crushed pretzels into the peanut butter mixture for extra texture and surprise bites.

How to Make Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe

Step 1: Chill and Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture

Start by combining the confectioners’ sugar, creamy peanut butter, and softened butter in a bowl until everything is well blended. Here’s the secret: pop the mixture in the freezer for about 30 minutes until it firms up a bit. This chilling step makes shaping the balls so much easier and helps keep them from sticking to your hands like crazy!

Step 2: Shape the Snowballs

Once the mixture is firm but still pliable, roll it into 1-inch balls. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly smooth—homemade charm is part of the fun. Place each ball on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet and then freeze them again for another 30 minutes. This step ensures the balls hold their shape when you dip them.

Step 3: Melt the Candy Coating and Dip

While your peanut butter balls are freezing, melt the white candy coating in a microwave-safe bowl. I like to heat it in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, so it melts evenly without burning. Once melted, dip each snowball into the coating, ensuring it’s fully covered. Place them back on the waxed paper to harden—this usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Add Optional Toppings and Enjoy!

If you’re like me and love a little nuttiness, sprinkle finely chopped peanuts on top before the coating sets. It adds just the right crunch and extra flavor that takes these Peanut Butter Snowballs to the next level.

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Pro Tips for Making Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe

  • Chill Twice, Chill Right: Freezing the mixture twice helps keep everything neat when dipping without mess or melting in your hands.
  • Use a Cookie Scoop: I found using a small cookie scoop for shaping balls gives you uniform snowballs and speeds up the process.
  • Microwave with Care: Heating the candy coating slowly and stirring often prevents overheating and keeps it silky smooth for dipping.
  • Wax Paper Savior: Always use waxed paper under your snowballs during freezing and dipping—it prevents sticking and saves so much cleanup time.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe

The image shows small round balls on white parchment paper on two baking trays placed on a white marbled surface. The balls are arranged in rows, with one tray holding light tan balls and the other tray holding balls covered in a smooth white coating. Some of the white-coated balls are topped with crushed nuts. In the center, a black textured bowl contains a thick white creamy coating, with a woman's hand holding a spoon that lifts one ball coated in white cream from the bowl. Nearby, a small transparent bowl holds crushed nuts. A dark blue cloth is partially visible under one baking tray. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Peanut Butter Snowballs, no-bake dessert, holiday treats, easy peanut butter candies, Christmas snowball sweets

Garnishes

When I serve these, I like to keep it simple: a light sprinkle of finely chopped peanuts adds great texture, and a tiny dash of flaky sea salt on top offers a beautiful flavor contrast. For festive occasions, a dusting of edible glitter or colored sugar can make these babies sparkle on the plate.

Side Dishes

These Peanut Butter Snowballs pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea to cut through the richness. If it’s a party platter, I enjoy serving them alongside fresh fruit or light finger sandwiches to balance sweetness with freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve lined these snowballs in mini cupcake liners on a festive tray, making them easy to grab and super cute. Another fun idea: stack them in a glass jar with layers of powdered sugar for a “snow globe” effect that’s absolutely Instagram-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover Peanut Butter Snowballs in an airtight container lined with wax paper between layers, so they don’t stick together. Keep them in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh for about 1 week—perfect for small snacking sessions.

Freezing

Freezing works like a charm with this recipe. Pop the snowballs on a baking sheet first to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to 3 months—I’ve found this is a lifesaver for busy days or unexpected guests.

Reheating

Since these are best served chilled, reheating isn’t really necessary. But if the candy coating feels too firm after freezing, just let the snowballs sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly before serving—that’s the easy way to bring back their perfect texture.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chunky peanut butter for the Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe?

    Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will add a bit more texture and crunch inside the snowballs. Just keep in mind that the mixture might be slightly harder to shape, so chilling a bit longer could help maintain those perfect balls.

  2. What can I substitute for white candy coating?

    You can use white chocolate chips or almond bark as alternatives. Just be sure to melt them gently to avoid seizing. If you’re after a different flavor, semisweet or milk chocolate work nicely too.

  3. Can I make these snowballs gluten-free?

    Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the peanut butter and candy coating you use are certified gluten-free. It’s always best to double-check labels if you’re cooking for anyone with sensitivities.

  4. How long does this recipe take from start to finish?

    While the active prep time is about 15 minutes, keep in mind there’s freezing time between steps, totaling roughly an hour. This is well worth the wait for such melt-in-your-mouth goodness!

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe brings a little joy to any occasion with such simplicity. When I first tried it, I couldn’t believe how easy it was to make something so delicious and impressive. Whether it’s a festive party or a quiet night chasing comfort food cravings, these snowballs deliver every time. I encourage you to give them a go—you might just find yourself making them again and again like I do!

Print
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Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe

Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 50 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1/2 dozen (about 30 pieces) 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Peanut Butter Snowballs are delightful bite-sized treats made from creamy peanut butter, confectioners’ sugar, and butter, coated in a smooth white candy shell. These no-bake, frozen confections are easy to prepare and perfect for holidays or any sweet craving.


Ingredients

Scale

Snowball Mixture

  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 3 tablespoons butter, softened

Coating

  • 1 pound white candy coating, coarsely chopped
  • Finely chopped peanuts, optional


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar, creamy peanut butter, and softened butter until smooth and well blended. This mixture will form the base of your snowballs.
  2. Chill the Mixture: Place the bowl in the freezer for 30 minutes or until the peanut butter mixture becomes firm enough to handle easily.
  3. Shape the Snowballs: Once chilled, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands. Arrange the balls on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper.
  4. Freeze the Balls: Freeze the shaped balls on the lined baking sheet for 30 minutes or until they are firm and cold enough to dip.
  5. Melt the Candy Coating: While the balls are freezing, melt the white candy coating in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts, stirring frequently until completely smooth and fluid.
  6. Dip the Snowballs: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each frozen snowball into the melted candy coating, ensuring it is fully covered, then place it back onto the waxed paper to set.
  7. Add Optional Topping: If desired, sprinkle the coated snowballs with finely chopped peanuts while the coating is still wet to add extra crunch and flavor.
  8. Let Harden: Allow the candy coating to harden completely at room temperature or place them briefly in the refrigerator to speed up the process before serving or storing.

Notes

  • Ensure the butter is softened to blend easily with the peanut butter and confectioners’ sugar.
  • Freezing the mixture and formed balls is key to making dipping easier and preventing them from falling apart.
  • Use waxed paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
  • White candy coating can be substituted with white chocolate chips or almond bark if desired.
  • Store the finished snowballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • For a more intense peanut flavor, add a pinch of salt to the mixture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 snowball
  • Calories: 110
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 40mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

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