Absolutely! Here’s a BIG, festive, nostalgic take on the classic Christmas Peanut Butter Balls — also known as Buckeyes, but with an extra holiday twist! 🎄🍫❤️
This recipe is the kind of treat that brings families together in the kitchen, with hands messy from rolling, laughter echoing through the house, and chocolate-coated memories being made. Whether you make them solo or with your little holiday helpers, these peanut butter balls are a must on every Christmas dessert tray.
🎅✨ CHRISTMAS PEANUT BUTTER BALLS
🎁 INTRODUCTION
Christmas isn’t complete without those sweet little bites of joy — peanut butter balls dipped in rich chocolate. These fudgy treats strike the perfect balance between creamy, salty-sweet peanut butter and smooth chocolate. They’re easy, no-bake, freezer-friendly, and perfect for cookie exchanges or gifting!
These beauties have stood the test of time, dating back to midwestern family cookbooks and holiday traditions. Sometimes called “Buckeyes” (especially when partially dipped in chocolate to resemble the nut), we’re going full festive here — all the way dipped, and maybe even topped with sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or edible glitter.✨
🧈 INGREDIENTS
For the peanut butter filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural or oily types)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling, if needed)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional for depth of flavor)
- 1/4 tsp salt (if using unsalted peanut butter)
For the chocolate coating:
- 2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (or chocolate melting wafers)
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or shortening (for smoother coating)
Optional toppings:
- Crushed peppermint
- Holiday sprinkles
- Sea salt flakes
- Drizzle of white chocolate
📝 INSTRUCTIONS & METHOD
1️⃣ Make the peanut butter dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and softened butter.
- Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, stirring or mixing with a hand mixer until thick and well combined. The mixture should be firm enough to roll — if it’s too sticky, add a bit more powdered sugar.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes to firm it up.
2️⃣ Roll into balls:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into smooth balls.
- Place the peanut butter balls on the sheet and freeze or refrigerate for 30–45 minutes, until very firm.
3️⃣ Melt the chocolate:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second increments, stirring in between until smooth.
- Or, melt over a double boiler on the stove.
4️⃣ Dip and decorate:
- Using a toothpick or fork, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate.
- Let excess chocolate drip off.
- Place back onto the parchment-lined tray.
- Before the chocolate sets, decorate with sprinkles, peppermint dust, or sea salt.
- Chill until fully set.
📚 HISTORY & FORMATION
These treats became popular across American households in the mid-20th century, particularly in Ohio, where “Buckeyes” became a holiday staple. Originally resembling the nut of the buckeye tree, the name stuck. But creative bakers across generations transformed them into fully coated holiday candies, decorating them for festive flair.
The peanut butter ball has since evolved, taking on forms like peanut butter truffles, protein-packed bites, and even gluten-free or keto versions — but the classic Christmas version remains a nostalgic gem.
💞 LOVERS OF THIS RECIPE
- Grandma baking with the grandkids
- Busy moms looking for no-bake desserts
- Peanut butter lovers who want a chocolate hug
- Santa Claus himself (rumor has it he prefers these over cookies 😉)
- Anyone who loves a quick, freezer-friendly holiday treat
🎄 METHODS WITH LOVERS
- ❤️ Make them with your partner as part of a “12 Treats of Christmas” countdown
- 👧👦 Let kids roll the balls and decorate with sprinkles
- 👩🍳 Host a peanut butter ball dipping party with friends and exchange versions with different coatings
- 🎁 Gift in clear treat bags tied with ribbon — the perfect homemade gift for teachers, neighbors, or coworkers
🎉 CONCLUSION
These Christmas Peanut Butter Balls are more than just candy — they’re a cozy, chocolatey piece of tradition that delivers happiness in every bite. They’re so simple your 10-year-old can make them, yet so delicious they vanish within minutes at every party.
And remember… when you make these, you’re not just baking — you’re creating memories.
So roll, dip, sprinkle, and share. Because these little balls of joy are too good not to give away (even if you sneak a few for yourself).
Would you like a printable version of this recipe or a version with crushed pretzels or Rice Krispies inside?