Servings
Font
Back
4.7 from 18 votes

Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls

These peanut butter balls are an old-fashioned treat! Enjoy them as-is, roll them in a variety of toppings, or dip them in chocolate for a sweet holiday treat.

Prep Time
20 mins
Additional Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 20 mins
Servings: 36 balls

Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 2 cups creamy peanut butter
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 4 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Optional toppings:
  • powdered sugar
  • finely shredded coconut
  • nonpareil sprinkles
  • finely chopped nuts
  • Melted chocolate

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed, combine butter, peanut butter and vanilla and mix until thoroughly combined.
  3. Turn the mixer down to low speed and gradually add in the powdered sugar and salt and mix until combined.
  4. Turn mixer up to medium and beat for about 2 minutes.
  5. Use a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon) to measure the dough. Roll each scoop into a small ball and place onto prepared baking sheet. The balls may not be perfectly smooth – this is ok.
  6. Refrigerate dough balls for one hour.
  7. If necessary, roll the chilled balls quickly in your palms to smooth the outsides.
  8. If desired, roll the balls in finely shredded coconut, powdered sugar, nonpareil sprinkles, or finely chopped nuts. Balls can also be dipped in chocolate for chocolate-covered peanut butter balls.

Notes

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to a month. Balls will soften quickly at room temperature, so keep chilled until ready to serve.
  • Helpful resources:
  • Learn how to soften butter quickly.
  • Ran out of powdered sugar? Learn how to make powdered sugar to use in this recipe. 
  • Use your favorite vanilla or homemade vanilla extract.