Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups smooth peanut butter
- 3/4 cup salted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Beat Butter: Add the softened salted butter to a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer to beat the butter until it becomes soft and fluffy, which helps create a smooth texture for the peanut butter balls.
- Add Peanut Butter: Incorporate the smooth peanut butter into the butter, then beat the mixture until fully combined and smooth, ensuring an even blend.
- Mix Vanilla Extract: Pour in the vanilla extract and blend again briefly to evenly distribute the flavor through the mixture.
- First Addition of Sugar: Add 2 cups of powdered sugar to the bowl and mix on medium speed until completely incorporated into the peanut butter mixture.
- Add Remaining Sugar Gradually: Continue adding the remaining powdered sugar in 1/2 cup increments, mixing well each time until the batter is smooth, stiff, and no longer sticky. Add extra powdered sugar if necessary to achieve the right consistency.
- Chill the Mixture: Form the batter into a cohesive ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator for 1 to 3 hours to firm up and become easier to handle.
- Shape the Peanut Butter Balls: Line a cookie sheet with parchment or waxed paper. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion golf ball-sized amounts of the chilled mixture, then roll between your hands to form smooth balls. Place them on the prepared sheet.
- Repeat and Dust Hands: Continue this process with all the batter, dusting your hands with powdered sugar as needed to prevent sticking while rolling the balls.
- Final Chill and Storage: Chill the formed peanut butter balls in the refrigerator until firm. Transfer them to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
Notes
- If the mixture feels too sticky during shaping, dust your hands with additional powdered sugar to make rolling easier.
- For firmer peanut butter balls, chill for the full 3 hours or overnight before shaping.
- Using salted butter adds a subtle savory balance to the sweetness; adjust sugar quantity if you prefer a sweeter treat.
- Store peanut butter balls in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- This recipe yields about 48 small peanut butter balls, perfect for parties or gifting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
