When holiday baking feels overwhelming, these Christmas peanut butter balls are the perfect solution. They’re rich, creamy, and coated in smooth chocolate with just the right amount of holiday sparkle on top. The best part? They’re no-bake, which makes them one of the easiest Christmas no-bake treats to make during the busy holiday season.
They’re quick, easy, and definitely fall into the category of fun Christmas desserts that everyone will love.
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Ingredients for Christmas Peanut Butter Balls
Here’s everything you’ll need to make a batch of these no-bake treats:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk, your choice)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- Red jimmies (or your favorite holiday sprinkles)
How to Make Christmas Peanut Butter Balls
These little holiday treats come together in just a few steps:
1. Mix the filling: In a medium bowl, beat together the peanut butter and softened cream cheese until smooth. Add in the powdered sugar a little at a time until fully combined. The mixture will be thick, like cookie dough.
2. Roll into balls: Using a cookie scoop, melon baller, or spoon, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If you’d like, pop them into the fridge for about 30 minutes to make dipping easier, but this step is optional.
3. Melt the chocolate: Add the chocolate chips and coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until smooth and glossy.
4. Dip the balls: Use a fork or dipping tool to dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, letting any excess drip off. Place back on the parchment paper.
5. Decorate: While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the tops with red jimmies for a festive touch.
Chill and enjoy: Refrigerate until the chocolate is set, then transfer to a container for storage. Keep them chilled until ready to serve so the chocolate stays firm.
Pro Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Balls
- Soften your cream cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature so it blends smoothly with the peanut butter.
- Optional chill before dipping: If your filling feels soft, chill the rolled balls for about 30 minutes before dipping. It makes them easier to coat in chocolate.
- Customize the sprinkles: I used red jimmies, but you can mix in green or gold sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or even edible glitter for extra sparkle.
- Add coconut oil slowly: A little bit of coconut oil makes the chocolate smooth and glossy, but too much can keep it from hardening properly. If that happens, the coating will stay soft unless kept chilled. Start with just a small amount and add more only if needed.
- Store in the fridge: Keep your peanut butter balls chilled until serving so the chocolate stays firm. They also freeze beautifully if you want to make them ahead.
FAQs about Christmas Peanut Butter Balls
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes! If you like a little extra texture, crunchy peanut butter works just fine in this recipe.
What if I don’t have coconut oil?
You can melt the chocolate chips on their own, or use a little vegetable shortening instead. The coating might not be quite as shiny, but it will still taste delicious.
How long do these last?
They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge before serving.
Do I need special equipment?
Nope—just a mixing bowl, spoon, and baking sheet. A melon baller, cookie scoop, or small spoon helps with even portions, but it’s not required.
These Christmas peanut butter balls are simple to make and festive enough to share. With their creamy peanut butter filling, smooth chocolate coating, and a sprinkle of holiday color, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends.
If you’re looking for easy Christmas desserts that don’t take hours in the kitchen, this recipe is one you’ll want to save!
Christmas Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups chocolate chips semisweet, dark or milk
- 1 Tbsp coconut oil to help smooth the chocolate
- Red jimmies or other Christmas-themed sprinkles
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, beat together the peanut butter and softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add in the powdered sugar a little at a time until fully combined. The mixture will be thick, like cookie dough.
- Using a cookie scoop, melon baller, or spoon, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If you’d like, pop them into the fridge for about 30 minutes to make dipping easier, but you don't have to.
- Add the chocolate chips and coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until smooth and glossy.
- Use a fork or dipping tool to dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, letting any excess drip off. Place back on the parchment paper.
- While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the tops with red jimmies or other Christmas sprinkles
- Refrigerate until the chocolate is set, then transfer to a container for storage. Keep them chilled until ready to serve so the chocolate stays firm.
