If you crave a nostalgic sweet treat that’s unbelievably easy to whip up, look no further than this 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of perfectly creamy, chocolate-coated bites that satisfy every craving, whether you’re prepping for a holiday cookie plate or just need a quick weeknight dessert fix. Minimal effort, maximum reward: that’s the magic of this peanut butter classic!

4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about the 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe is how absolutely simple the ingredient list is. Each element is carefully chosen for both taste and structure, so don’t skip or swap lightly—each one brings something special to the mix!

Peanut Butter: Choose creamy peanut butter (skip the natural, oily kind for best results) for an ultra-smooth, rich flavor that forms the backbone of each bite.
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter adds richness and helps transform the filling from crumbly to delightfully smooth.
Powdered Sugar: This sweetens and thickens the mixture, creating that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Chocolate Bark: Melting chocolate bark gives you a snappy, glossy shell that sets perfectly (and makes these beauties irresistible to look at and eat).

How to Make 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Peanut Butter and Butter

In a medium bowl, combine your creamy peanut butter and room-temperature unsalted butter. Don’t rush through this step—the smoother and more integrated the mixture, the creamier your filling will be. I love using a hand mixer here, but a sturdy wooden spoon and some elbow grease are just as effective for smaller batches.

Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar

Slowly add the powdered sugar to the butter-peanut butter mixture. Don’t be alarmed if it looks a bit dry or crumbly at first! Keep mixing, and like magic, everything will come together into a slightly stiff, dough-like consistency that’s easy to roll and shape.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Cover your bowl and slide it into the fridge for at least one hour—you want the dough firm enough to shape without sticking to your hands. If you’re planning ahead, you can leave it in the fridge for a few hours (or even overnight), but one hour does the trick.

Step 4: Shape into Balls

Once the dough is chilled, scoop out small (about 1-inch) portions and roll them between your palms to form smooth, uniform balls. Place these on a parchment-lined sheet, then pop them in the freezer while you prep your chocolate. This keeps them firm for the next step!

Step 5: Melt the Chocolate

While the peanut butter balls are chilling, melt your chocolate bark gently. Use a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over simmering water for foolproof, silky results. Stir occasionally to keep the chocolate smooth and prevent scorching.

Step 6: Dip and Coat

Using a toothpick (or fork), dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, swirling gently to coat. Let the excess drip off, then transfer each ball back to your parchment or wax paper. Repeat until all are covered—don’t they look gorgeous already?

Step 7: Let Them Harden

Give the chocolate a chance to set and harden fully before storing your peanut butter balls. This usually takes about 30 minutes at room temperature, or you can pop the tray back in the fridge for a faster result. Once set, they’re ready to enjoy or store for later snacking!

How to Serve 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

Garnishes

If you want to dress up your 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe, try a flourish of powdered sugar dusted over the top, a drizzle of white or colored chocolate, or a sprinkling of chopped nuts. These tiny extras take your peanut butter balls from simple to show-stopping with almost no extra effort!

Side Dishes

Pair these sweets with something cool and creamy, like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit platter. Their richness also makes them a perfect after-dinner treat alongside coffee or a frothy homemade latte. Don’t be afraid to bring them to a brunch, where they shine next to fruit and pastries, too!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your peanut butter balls into the centerpiece of a dessert tray by arranging them in mini paper candy cups, or stack them in a tall glass jar for a fun, grab-and-go display. They make delightful party favors for holiday gatherings—just pop a few into a cellophane bag and tie with a ribbon for a festive touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe tasting fresh, store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay perfect for up to one week in the refrigerator, so you can enjoy a sweet treat anytime without worrying about them drying out or getting stale.

Freezing

Want to get ahead on your dessert prep? No problem! These peanut butter balls freeze beautifully. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then store in a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to three months—just thaw in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat these treats, but if you love a melty, just-dipped center, try letting them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. (Or, sneak one straight from the fridge for a firmer, fudgy bite!)

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter in the 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will give your balls a little extra texture and some fun peanut bits, though the final result will be slightly more rustic than the classic creamy version. Just avoid natural peanut butter with separated oils.

What type of chocolate is best for dipping?

Chocolate bark is foolproof and sets beautifully, but you can use high-quality melting wafers or even semisweet chocolate chips with a little coconut oil. The key is to melt it gently and dip quickly for the smoothest finish.

Is it possible to make these peanut-free?

Yes! Swap out the peanut butter for a sunflower seed butter or almond butter if allergies are a concern. The method stays exactly the same, but taste and texture will vary a bit depending on your substitute.

How long do the peanut butter balls need to chill before dipping in chocolate?

For neat, round balls that don’t fall apart, chill for at least one hour in the fridge after rolling. If you’re in a hurry, a quick 30-minute stint in the freezer works just as well and saves a little time when making your 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe.

Can I decorate the tops before the chocolate hardens?

Definitely! While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle with sea salt, colored sprinkles, or more crushed peanuts. It’s a simple way to add personality—and who can resist a little extra flair?

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe enough—it’s the kind of dessert that feels fancy but is so easy you’ll want to make it again and again. Whether you’re getting ready for a party, a bake sale, or just want something sweet to nibble on, give this recipe a whirl and watch them disappear faster than you can say “peanut butter.” Happy snacking!

4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5.1 from 7 reviews

Author: Sophia
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 25-30 balls
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these irresistible 4-ingredient Peanut Butter Balls coated in rich chocolate for a decadent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Creamy peanut butter and butter are combined with powdered sugar, shaped into balls, and dunked in melted chocolate, resulting in bite-sized delights that are sure to impress.

Ingredients

Peanut Butter Balls:

1 cup creamy peanut butter (avoid natural peanut butter with oils)
6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
16 oz chocolate bark

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Instructions

Cream the peanut butter and butter together: In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth.
Add the powdered sugar: Slowly mix in the powdered sugar until it forms a dough-like consistency.
Chill the dough: Refrigerate the mixture for at least an hour to make rolling easier.
Shape into balls: Roll the chilled dough into smooth balls and freeze while melting the chocolate.
Melt the chocolate: Using a double boiler, melt the chocolate bark until smooth.
Dip and coat: Dip the peanut butter balls in chocolate and place on wax paper to set.
Let them harden: Allow the chocolate coating to fully harden before storing in an airtight container.

Notes

These peanut butter balls can be served on a decorative platter with powdered sugar, paired with ice cream, or drizzled with melted chocolate for an extra touch.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Mixing, Chilling, Shaping, Melting, Dipping
Cuisine: American