These Peanut Butter Snowballs are the perfect little holiday treats! Made with a rich, creamy peanut butter center, sweet powdered sugar, and a smooth white vanilla candy coating, these bite-sized goodies are absolutely irresistible. Finished with colorful Christmas sprinkles, they look beautiful on any holiday dessert table. Best of all, they’re completely no-bake and incredibly easy to prepare! Whether you’re making homemade Christmas gifts, filling a festive cookie tray, or preparing treats for a holiday party, these delicious Peanut Butter Snowballs are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 pound vanilla candy coating
- Christmas sprinkles, as needed
Instructions
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, and powdered sugar.
- Mix Until Smooth: Stir everything together until a thick, smooth dough forms. Make sure there are no dry spots remaining in the mixture.
- Shape the Snowballs: Scoop out small portions of the peanut butter mixture and roll them between your palms to form approximately 1-inch balls.
- Chill Until Firm: Place the peanut butter balls on a baking sheet lined with wax paper or parchment paper. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes until firm enough to dip.
- Melt the Candy Coating: Melt the vanilla candy coating according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally until completely smooth and creamy.
- Dip the Peanut Butter Balls: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted vanilla coating, making sure it is completely covered.
- Remove Excess Coating: Lift each ball out of the coating and allow the excess to drip off. Place the coated snowballs back onto the lined baking sheet.
- Add Christmas Sprinkles: Immediately decorate each snowball with festive Christmas sprinkles while the coating is still wet.
- Let the Coating Set: Refrigerate the snowballs for another 15–20 minutes, or until the vanilla coating is completely firm.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the finished Peanut Butter Snowballs on a festive serving platter and enjoy these sweet, creamy, and delicious holiday treats!
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 45–50 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
- Servings: Approximately 20–24 snowballs, depending on size
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Snowballs
- Use Regular Creamy Peanut Butter: Traditional creamy peanut butter provides the best consistency and helps the centers hold their shape.
- Adjust the Mixture: If the peanut butter mixture feels too crumbly, add a little more peanut butter until it becomes smooth and easy to roll.
- Chill Before Dipping: Refrigerating the peanut butter balls helps them stay firm and makes the dipping process much easier.
- Melt the Coating Slowly: Follow the package instructions and avoid overheating the vanilla candy coating to keep it smooth.
- Work in Small Batches: Keep the remaining peanut butter balls refrigerated while dipping to prevent them from becoming too soft.
- Decorate Immediately: Add the Christmas sprinkles while the coating is still wet so they stick properly.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs: Use melted milk or dark chocolate instead of vanilla candy coating for a classic chocolate-peanut butter combination.
- White Chocolate Snowballs: Replace the vanilla candy coating with melted white chocolate for an extra creamy finish.
- Coconut Snowballs: Roll the coated snowballs in shredded coconut for a festive snowy appearance.
- Holiday Sprinkle Snowballs: Use different colored sprinkles to match Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, or other celebrations.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter Snowballs: Add a little finely chopped roasted peanuts for extra crunch.
Storage Instructions
Store Peanut Butter Snowballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
For longer storage, arrange the snowballs in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between the layers. Freeze for up to 1–2 months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator before serving. Keep them chilled until ready to serve for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Peanut Butter Snowballs need to be baked?
No! These are completely no-bake treats. Simply mix the ingredients, roll into balls, chill, dip in melted vanilla candy coating, and decorate.
Can I make Peanut Butter Snowballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! These treats are perfect for preparing ahead. Make them several days before Christmas and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Why is my peanut butter mixture too crumbly?
The mixture may need a little more moisture. Add a small amount of creamy peanut butter and mix again until the dough holds together easily.
Can I use white chocolate instead of vanilla candy coating?
Yes! Melted white chocolate is a delicious alternative. However, vanilla candy coating is generally easier to work with and sets more firmly.
How do I keep the candy coating smooth?
Melt it slowly according to the package directions, stirring frequently. Avoid adding water, as even a small amount can cause the coating to seize.
Can I freeze Peanut Butter Snowballs?
Yes! Store them in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to 1–2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.