Festive Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe

Jolly Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe: A Holiday Treat Sensation

Creamy peanut butter snowballs sparkle with holiday cheer and promise sweet winter magic.

Winter gatherings call for delightful treats that everyone adores.

These delectable bites combine rich chocolate and smooth peanut butter in a perfect festive blend.

No baking required makes this recipe a stress-free dessert option.

Each snowball delivers a delightful crunch with a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate coating.

Rolling these treats becomes a fun activity that spreads joy around the kitchen.

You’ll love how simple yet impressive these snowballs look on a dessert platter.

Grab your ingredients and start creating these irresistible holiday treats that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 157 kcal

Servings: 24

Peanut Butter Snowball Ingredient List

For Base Mixture:
  • Peanut Butter: Creamy base that provides rich, nutty flavor and smooth texture; choose natural, unsweetened variety for best results.
  • Butter: Softens mixture and adds richness; ensure it's room temperature for easy blending.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps bind ingredients; sift to prevent lumps.
  • Graham Crackers: Adds delightful crunch and structure; crush finely for smooth consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile; use pure extract for best taste.
For Coating:
  • White Chocolate: Creates smooth, sweet exterior; choose high-quality chocolate for glossy finish.
For Optional Decorations:
  • Sprinkles, Shredded Coconut, Crushed Peanuts: Adds visual appeal and extra texture; choose fresh, vibrant options for best presentation.

What You’ll Need for a No-Bake Snowball

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients smoothly.
  • Baking sheet: Perfect for freezing and setting the peanut butter balls.
  • Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
  • Microwave-safe bowl: Ideal for melting white chocolate without burning.
  • Fork or toothpick: Great for dipping and coating snowballs evenly.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Critical for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Spatula or wooden spoon: Helps mix ingredients thoroughly.

How to Roll Peanut Butter Snowballs Just Right

  • Whip Up the Creamy Base

Grab a mixing bowl and blend peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, crushed graham crackers, and vanilla extract until the mixture transforms into a smooth, moldable dough.

  • Craft Perfect Spheres

Roll the mixture into delightful bite-sized balls, placing them carefully on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop the tray into the freezer for a quick 15-minute chill to firm them up.

  • Melt Chocolate

Warm white chocolate in short microwave bursts, stirring between each interval until it becomes a silky, glossy liquid.

  • Dunk and Coat

Rescue the chilled balls from the freezer and dip each one into the melted white chocolate, letting excess drip away. Return the coated treats to the parchment paper.

  • Add Playful Finishing Touches

While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle on fun decorations like festive sprinkles, coconut shavings, or crushed peanuts for extra pizzazz.

  • Allow to Set and Enjoy

Let the snowballs rest at room temperature or refrigerate until the chocolate becomes firm. Serve and watch faces light up with delight.

Tips for Getting That Classic Coated Finish

  • Freeze the peanut butter balls for 15-20 minutes before dipping in white chocolate to ensure they hold their shape and prevent crumbling during coating.
  • Prepare these snowballs up to a week in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for easy entertaining and stress-free dessert planning.
  • Replace graham crackers with gluten-free graham crackers or crushed gluten-free cookie crumbs to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Experiment with milk chocolate or dark chocolate coating instead of white chocolate for a different flavor profile that complements the rich peanut butter center.
  • For those with nut allergies, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter to create an equally delicious allergy-friendly treat that everyone can enjoy.

Serve Snowballs for Any Occasion

  • Party Platter Paradise: Create a festive dessert display by arranging snowballs on a decorative tray with small holiday-themed picks or mini cupcake liners for elegant presentation.
  • Gifting Galore: Package these delightful treats in clear cellophane bags tied with seasonal ribbons, perfect for homemade holiday gifts or sweet party favors that everyone will adore.
  • Sweet Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside hot cocoa, coffee, or a cold glass of milk to complement the rich peanut butter and creamy white chocolate flavors for a delightful taste experience.
  • Dessert Buffet Brilliance: Include these snowballs as part of a larger dessert spread, mixing them with other bite-sized treats to create a stunning and irresistible sweet selection.

Store Peanut Butter Bites the Smart Way

  • Store snowballs in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate shape.
  • These treats can be frozen for up to 3 weeks, making them perfect for advance party prep or unexpected sweet cravings.
  • Keep snowballs refrigerated to maintain their texture and prevent white chocolate from melting, ensuring they stay firm and delicious.
  • Remove snowballs from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance their creamy peanut butter flavor.

FAQs

  • Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can substitute creamy with crunchy peanut butter. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

  • How long can these snowballs stay fresh?

These snowballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They maintain their taste and texture well during this period.

  • Is it necessary to freeze the balls before coating?

Freezing helps the peanut butter mixture firm up, making it easier to dip in chocolate without falling apart. The 15-20 minute chill time is recommended for best results.

  • Can I make these snowballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the peanut butter balls and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months before coating with white chocolate. This makes them great for advance party prep.

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Festive Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe

Festive Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe


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4.9 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 25 1x

Description

Creamy peanut butter snowballs celebrate winter’s sweet charm with rich, indulgent flavors. Rolled in powdered sugar and chilled, these bite-sized treats offer delightful comfort for winter gatherings and holiday celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 mL) peanut butter, creamy
  • ½ cup (113 g) butter, unsalted, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (180 g) graham crackers, crushed (about 12 sheets)
  • 2 cups (240 g) sugar, powdered (plus extra for coating)
  • 1 tsp (5 mL) extract, vanilla
  • 8 oz (226 g) chocolate, white (for dipping)
  • Garnishes (optional): sprinkles, coconut, shredded, or peanuts, crushed

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Combine peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, graham crackers, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl, blending until a cohesive, malleable dough forms.
  2. Shaping: Craft uniform spheres approximately one inch in diameter, carefully arranging them on a parchment-lined tray and briefly freeze for 15-20 minutes to solidify their structure.
  3. Chocolate Coating: Melt white chocolate in a microwave-safe container, stirring at 30-second intervals until achieving a smooth, glossy texture.
  4. Dipping and Decorating: Retrieve chilled spheres and methodically submerge each into the molten white chocolate, using a fork to ensure complete coverage and allow excess to drip off. Immediately garnish with sprinkles, coconut, or crushed peanuts while the coating remains liquid.
  5. Finishing: Let the snowballs set at room temperature or expedite the process by refrigerating until the chocolate hardens completely, creating a pristine, glossy exterior ready for serving.

Notes

  • Prevent Sticking: Lightly coat hands with cooking spray or butter when rolling peanut butter balls to prevent mixture from clinging to fingers.
  • Maintain Consistent Size: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure uniform snowball dimensions for even coating and professional appearance.
  • Control Chocolate Temperature: Melt white chocolate slowly and stir frequently to avoid burning or seizing, which can ruin the smooth coating texture.
  • Optimize Chilling Strategy: Freeze balls just until firm but not rock-hard, allowing easier dipping and preventing chocolate from cracking during coating process.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 25
  • Calories: 274
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Emily Lawson

Emily Lawson

Content Creator & Culinary Specialist

Expertise

  • Creative Content Writing and Blogging​
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Grilling Recipes​
  • Food Styling and Visual Storytelling​
  • Nutritional Analysis and Healthy Cooking

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods. ​


Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.

Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.

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