These peanut butter balls are a lot like Reese’s peanut butter cups, but in the form of a ball. They’re also so much better. They’re sweet and creamy on the inside with a hard chocolate shell that melts in your mouth. I never thought I’d find a substitute to Reese’s peanut butter cups that are actually better, since we all know how good that addicting candy is. However, I’ve stumbled across the answer for you, and it’s delicious.

These are also really great for making for gift boxes. Whether you need a homemade gift for a special someone on Valentine’s Day, or you’re giving away candy to neighbors for Christmas, these work great. The recipe can easily be doubled for a higher yield.

Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls

  • Prep Time:25 minutes
  • Cook Time:0 minutes
  • Total Time:2 hours 25 minutes
  • Servings:30 balls
  • Medium

    Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 1/4 cup chocolate chips
Photo by Katherine O'Malley
  • Step 1

    In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, butter, vanilla extract, salt, and half the powdered sugar. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to mix well.

    Photo by Katherine O'Malley
  • Step 2

    Add the remaining powdered sugar and mix until well-combined.

    Photo by Katherine O'Malley
  • Step 3

    Use a small cookie scoop (or just your hands) and roll into tight, round balls of about a tablespoon of dough. Refrigerate for about 1 hour, or overnight.

    Photo by Katherine O'Malley
  • Step 4

    In a heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second increments in the microwave, stirring well in between each time. Repeat until completely melted.

    Photo by Katherine O'Malley
  • Step 5

    Remove balls from refrigerator and using your hands, dip half of each peanut butter ball (or the whole ball, up to you) in the melted chocolate. Place on parchment or wax-lined baking sheets.

    Photo by Katherine O'Malley
  • Step 6

    Refrigerate balls until chocolate is set. Keep stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

    Photo by Katherine O'Malley