Description
Reese’s Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients:
– 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
– 1 ½ cups crushed Reese’s Pieces
– 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 2 tablespoons coconut oil or shortening
Directions:
1. In a large bowl, beat the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until a firm dough forms.
3. Stir in the crushed Reese’s Pieces until evenly distributed.
4. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 20-30 minutes until firm.
5. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil (or shortening) in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
6. Using a toothpick or fork, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing it back on the parchment paper.
7. Sprinkle a few crushed Reese’s Pieces on top of each ball for decoration, if desired.
8. Chill in the refrigerator until the chocolate is set, about 30 minutes.
9. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy!
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Chill Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Kcal: 120 kcal per piece | Servings: 36 pieces
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect peanut butter balls every time. First, ensure your butter is truly softened to room temperature for easy creaming. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the peanut butter, butter, and vanilla for a full 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. When adding the powdered sugar, incorporate it one cup at a time to prevent a dusty mess. The dough is ready when it holds together firmly and is no longer sticky. For uniform balls, use a small cookie scoop. The freezing step is non-negotiable; a firm center prevents the balls from falling apart during dipping.
Serving Suggestions
These decadent treats are versatile. Arrange them in mini cupcake liners on a platter for a party. For a festive touch, drizzle with white chocolate after the main coating sets. They pair wonderfully with coffee or a cold glass of milk. Consider packaging them in decorative boxes or bags as a thoughtful homemade gift for holidays or special occasions.
How-to Summary
To summarize, create a firm peanut butter dough with powdered sugar, mix in candy pieces, and form balls. Freeze them solid. Melt chocolate with a fat like coconut oil for a smooth, thin coating, dip the balls, decorate, and chill until set. The key stages are: Mix, Freeze, Dip, Set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter? No, avoid natural or oily peanut butters as they will make the dough too soft and greasy. Stick with standard creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy.
Why is my chocolate coating too thick? This happens if you don’t add the coconut oil/shortening. This ingredient is crucial for thinning the chocolate, making dipping easier and creating a delicate shell.
Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely. You can store the undipped peanut butter balls in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw slightly before dipping. Finished balls keep refrigerated for up to two weeks.
What can I use instead of Reese’s Pieces? Crushed graham crackers, pretzels, or other peanut butter candies are great substitutes. You can also omit the mix-ins for a classic peanut butter ball.
My balls are cracking when I dip them. Why? This means they are too cold. Let them sit at room temperature for 3-5 minutes after removing from the freezer so the exterior slightly warms, preventing thermal shock from the warm chocolate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold butter, which won’t cream properly with the peanut butter.
- Skipping the freezing step, leading to messy, collapsed balls during dipping.
- Overheating the chocolate, which can cause it to seize. Always melt in short intervals.
- Not lining the baking sheet with parchment paper, making the set balls difficult to remove.
- Storing the finished treats at room temperature, as they will become too soft.
Conclusion
Making these Reese’s Peanut Butter Balls is a straightforward process that yields incredibly impressive results. By following the detailed guide and heeding the common pitfalls, you can create a professional-quality, crowd-pleasing treat. The combination of rich peanut butter filling, crunchy candy, and smooth chocolate is irresistible. Perfect for gifting or enjoying at home, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite.