Peanut Butter Snowballs

Introduction

Peanut Butter Snowballs are the ultimate treat for peanut butter lovers, offering a perfect balance of creamy, rich peanut butter and a delightful sweet coating. These bite-sized delights have a melt-in-your-mouth texture, with the smooth peanut butter filling wrapped in a sugary, coconut crust. The combination of flavors is irresistible, and each bite delivers a satisfying sweetness that’s never too overwhelming.

These snowballs hold a special place in my heart, too. I first made them for a holiday celebration, and they quickly became the star of the dessert table. The blend of creamy peanut butter and sweetened coconut gives them that nostalgic, homemade taste that reminds me of family gatherings. When I serve them, the little snowballs disappear almost instantly, leaving everyone asking for more.

Peanut Butter Snowballs are perfect for any occasion where you want something easy, no-bake, and utterly delicious. They’re the kind of treat that makes everyone smile and brings comfort, no matter the time of year. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as an afternoon snack, they’re guaranteed to be a hit every time!

Perfect for:

Holiday parties and cookie exchanges
Edible gifts for friends and family
Quick and easy dessert options
Peanut butter and chocolate lovers
Festive and decorative treat trays

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No-Bake Simplicity: Perfect for when you want a quick treat without turning on the oven.
Rich and Creamy: The smooth peanut butter center pairs beautifully with the crunchy cereal.
Chocolate Coating: Adds an indulgent finishing touch.
Kid-Friendly: Fun to make with kids for a festive activity.
Customizable: Decorate with sprinkles, crushed nuts, or drizzle for variety.

Preparation Time

Total Time: 1 hour
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Servings: About 24 snowballs
Calories per serving: Approximately 150-180 calories

Ingredients

For the Snowballs:

1 cup creamy peanut butter
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 cups crispy rice cereal

For the Coating:

12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips or melting chocolate
1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional, for smoother coating)

Optional Decorations:

Sprinkles
Crushed nuts
White chocolate drizzle

Ingredient Highlights:

Peanut Butter: The creamy base that binds the snowballs and adds richness.
Crispy Rice Cereal: Provides a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the mixture and helps achieve the perfect consistency.
Chocolate Coating: Adds a rich and indulgent layer to the treat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Snowballs:

Combine Peanut Butter and Butter: In a large bowl, beat together peanut butter and softened butter until smooth and creamy.
Add Vanilla and Sugar: Mix in the vanilla extract and gradually add the powdered sugar, stirring until fully incorporated.
Incorporate Cereal: Gently fold in the crispy rice cereal, being careful not to crush it. The mixture should hold together when pressed.
Shape the Snowballs: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll them into smooth balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Chill: Refrigerate the snowballs for 20-30 minutes until firm.

Coat the Snowballs:

Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using) in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
Dip the Snowballs: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each chilled snowball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let the excess chocolate drip off.
Decorate: Place the coated snowballs back on the parchment-lined sheet and add sprinkles or other decorations before the chocolate sets.
Set the Coating: Refrigerate the coated snowballs for another 15-20 minutes until the chocolate is firm.

How to Serve

Chilled: Best served slightly chilled for a firm texture.
On a Dessert Platter: Pair with cookies, truffles, and other holiday treats.
As Gift Bundles: Package in decorative tins or boxes for gifting.
Party Favors: Wrap individually for a festive takeaway.

Additional Tips

Room Temperature Peanut Butter: Ensures smooth mixing and easier shaping.
Avoid Overheating Chocolate: Melt gently to prevent seizing.
Keep Hands Cool: If the mixture gets too sticky while rolling, chill your hands or use gloves.
Use a Fork for Dipping: Allows excess chocolate to drip off easily.
Chill Between Layers: If adding multiple layers of decorations, chill between steps to ensure neat designs.

Recipe Variations

Almond Butter Snowballs: Substitute almond butter for a different nutty flavor.
Nut-Free Version: Use sunflower seed butter for those with allergies.
White Chocolate Coating: Swap semi-sweet chocolate with white chocolate for a festive snow-like appearance.
Peanut Butter Pretzel Balls: Add crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet twist.
Dark Chocolate Lovers: Use dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
Add Coconut: Roll the snowballs in shredded coconut before dipping in chocolate.
Candy Center: Press a small candy or nut into the center of each ball for a surprise filling.
Vegan Option: Use dairy-free chocolate and plant-based butter.
Extra Crunch: Add chopped peanuts or crispy cereal on top of the chocolate coating.
Mini Snowballs: Make smaller bite-sized treats for easier snacking.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Store snowballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Special Equipment

Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting chocolate with ease.
Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking during the chilling process.
Fork or Dipping Tool: Helps coat the snowballs neatly.
Cookie Scoop: Ensures evenly sized snowballs.
Decorative Tins or Boxes: For gifting snowballs attractively.

FAQ Section

Can I use chunky peanut butter?
Yes, you can use chunky peanut butter in the recipe. However, keep in mind that the texture of the snowballs will be less smooth and may have a bit more crunch. If you prefer a smoother finish, creamy peanut butter is the better choice, but the chunky variety still adds a fun texture!
What can I use instead of crispy rice cereal?
If you don’t have crispy rice cereal, there are several great alternatives. Crushed graham crackers or cornflakes are excellent substitutes, giving a slightly different texture but still maintaining that crunch. You could also experiment with other cereals or even crushed pretzels for a salty twist.
How do I prevent chocolate from cracking?
To prevent the chocolate from cracking when coating the snowballs, ensure they’re not too cold before dipping. If the snowballs are too cold, the chocolate may harden too quickly and crack. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before dipping into the melted chocolate, allowing for a smoother, more even coating.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe scales up easily for larger batches.
What if the mixture is too sticky to roll?
If the mixture is too sticky to roll, simply chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. This will help firm it up and make it easier to shape. If it’s still sticky after chilling, lightly grease your hands with a little butter or cooking spray before rolling.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they’re perfect for prepping a day or two in advance.
What other coatings can I use?
There are many creative coatings you can use for your snowballs. Aside from melted chocolate, try rolling them in powdered sugar for a soft, snowy finish, cocoa powder for a richer flavor, or crushed cookies for an extra crunchy texture. You can also try a mix of finely chopped nuts or shredded coconut for added variety.
Are these gluten-free?
These snowballs can be made gluten-free by ensuring that the crispy rice cereal and chocolate are both certified gluten-free. Some brands of cereal may contain traces of gluten, so it’s always best to check the label if you need the recipe to be completely gluten-free. Additionally, make sure any added ingredients like powdered sugar are free from gluten contamination.
Can I use honey instead of powdered sugar?
It’s not recommended to use honey as a substitute for powdered sugar, as it will make the mixture too soft and difficult to shape into balls. Powdered sugar helps bind the ingredients together and gives the snowballs their firm texture. If you’re looking for a natural sweetener, you might try using maple syrup or agave syrup, but you may need to adjust the consistency with additional dry ingredients.
How do I add a festive touch?
Use holiday-themed sprinkles or edible glitter for decoration.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Snowballs are a delightful treat that combines the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter with the sweet, comforting crunch of powdered sugar. These bite-sized snacks are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the need for baking, making them an ideal choice for both beginner and seasoned bakers alike.

What sets these snowballs apart is their simplicity and versatility. The creamy peanut butter provides a satisfying base, while the powdered sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness, and the optional additions—like crushed nuts, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of sea salt—let you customize each batch to your personal taste.

Whether you’re making them for a holiday celebration, a party snack, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy with friends and family, Peanut Butter Snowballs are guaranteed to be a hit. I can’t wait for you to try these delightful little bites of happiness! Be sure to share your creations and tag me on social media—I’d love to see your snowy masterpieces! Enjoy each melt-in-your-mouth moment!