So, five years back, I finally came across this recipe that changed my holiday baking game, and from then on forward, these chocolate peanut butter snowballs have become an integral requirement of our Christmas festivities.
I have, without fail, made these small morsels for five Christmases running now, adding my flair to them with a mouthwatering caramel drizzle. Each year, it seems they are getting and going more popular!
The first time I shared them, everybody just went crazy. My nieces and nephews would just keep taking more and more-literally-and even the adults couldn’t resist the sneak of a few more bites. From creamy peanut butter to rich chocolate and caramel drizzled atop, it begs for repeat bites.
So, these snowballs have really become my Christmas treat. They are very delicious and add that classy, festive touch at any holiday gathering. Whether it be at parties or just left out for Santa, these little treats have brought joy into our home for five holiday seasons now.
Introduction to Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs
No-bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs are divine desserts. Rich, rich peanut butter and rich, rich chocolate are the two over-the-top flavors that tie these little treats together in a bow. Rich, almost truffle-like in texture. And what’s more, these luscious morsels don’t require any oven.
These are just right for those who like sweet and salty taste combinations: peanut butter balls-with the creamy interior in a ball of chocolate, that chocolate is a great addition, you can make them with milk chocolate for a traditional flavor or with white chocolate to give them a snowball feel.
These no-bakes are a truffle kind of thing in build, and for that, they’re cool. Melt-in-your-mouth sensations-one can almost ask for an encore. These no-bakes definitely will impress, whether for a holiday party or just a treat over the weekend.
The Essentials of Lush Snowballs
These chocolate peanut butter snowballs take creamy peanut butter as their base, which offers a rich nutty flavor while helping bind all the ingredients together. There’s powdered sugar for adding sweetness to the mixture, hence making them firm and shapeable.
Graham cracker crumbs add such a delightful crunch and subtlety in flavor. It complements the peanut butter just right. Regular and white chocolate chips create a beautiful, marbled coating that really lays on the chocolatey goodness.
It needs but a caramel drizzle to finish. That ooey-goo addition brings the snowballs to another dimension of yum. High-quality ingredients ensure these irresistible treats will not only taste but feel amazing.
Such perfection in componential balance yields snowballs that disappear in no time at any gathering. The treats showcase less is more when simpler ingredients are combined skillfully.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs
In a large bowl, I combine the peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar, mixing with a hand mixer until smooth. This serves as the base for our delicious snowballs.
Chilling for 15 minutes, I do little balls of dough; that quick chill makes it way easier to work with. Then, pop them onto a baking sheet lined with wax paper.
Refrigerate the baking sheet; let the balls firm up for an hour while one sets out with the melted chocolate to dip them in.
When they are set, I dip each ball into the melted chocolate using a fork so that it completely covers it. The chocolate-dipped balls go back to the wax paper to set.
To finish, I drizzle a little melted caramel over the top of each snowball. A final chilling in the refrigerator really perfects these goodies.
These snowballs mix up creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and sweet caramel. The result? One awesome dessert that always wows your guests.
Tips to Nail Your Snowballs
A small cookie scoop is helpful for getting the same size snowball consistently for even baking, making professional-looking treats. As for melting chocolate, a double boiler is best for perfect temperature control. If you don’t have one, then a microwave will work just fine, stirring very frequently for avoiding scorching. Parchment paper prevents sticking and promotes ease of cleanup.
Line baking sheets with parchment paper to refrigerate or freeze extra snowballs on. Store snowballs in an airtight container. Place pieces of wax paper between every layer.
If it’s really thick, it won’t drizzle at all-thin, then, with a little vegetable oil. Go easy with chocolate; it wants to form lumps or seize up if hurried.
Try these tips, and you’ll get perfect chocolate peanut butter snowballs every time. Just remember: practice makes perfect when making snowballs.
Variations and Customizations
Almond bark is such a nice alternative to chocolate when coating the snowballs, giving them a sweet, nutty outer layer. And white chocolate peanut butter brings in that extra hit of peanutty yumminess.
Sprinkles really dress up these treats with some festive flair. Holiday-themed colors to match any season: red and green work for Christmas, pastels for Easter, and orange and black for Halloween. Natural peanut butter would be great, too, in the diet.
Maybe this would render the difference in texture, but just as rich. For gluten options, it can be gluten-free oats that are certified. Mix-ins, like nuts or mini chips, or pretzels are a good switch-up; a surprise center-like, a whole almond or caramel bit-is fun. And these little tweaks make it feel like a different recipe entirely.
See You in the Kitchen
Oh my goodness, these are just amazing chocolate peanut butter snowballs. They are an easy, scrumptious Christmas treat that is sure to be a hit. This recipe makes memories; it brings your family into the kitchen to spend some quality time together.
Kids can help by rolling the balls and drizzling the caramel-just lots of fun. These do not only include holiday delights but also the need for sweet delights and many ‘wows’ from guests throughout the year.
And then there’s this classic duo-chocolate and peanut butter-pushed up a notch towards sophisticated class due to caramel. Both amateur and skilled bakers will be thrilled to make these snowballs.
They are simple enough for beginners but can be taken to fancier occasions, too. Bring on the ingredients and turn on that oven. It’s time to cook up a storm and make these scrumptious treats!
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs with Caramel Drizzle?
Course: Cookies12
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 1/2 cups milk or dark chocolate chips (for coating)
1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional for marbled effect)
1/2 cup caramel sauce (for drizzling)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional, to thin chocolate if needed)
1 1/4 cups chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs (e.g., Oreo, with filling removed)
1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted, for the “cookie” layer)
Steps
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, and powdered sugar.
- Use a hand mixer to blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy.
- Add the graham cracker crumbs to the peanut butter mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the peanut butter filling for about 15 minutes. This will make it easier to shape into balls.
- Create the Fudgy Cookie Layer
- While the peanut butter mixture is chilling, prepare the outer layer.
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix the chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs (e.g., crushed Oreo cookies, filling removed) with the melted butter.
- Stir until the mixture resembles a sticky dough.
- Refrigerate this “cookie dough” for 10–15 minutes so it firms up slightly and is easier to handle.
- Shape the Snowballs
- Remove the peanut butter filling from the fridge. Scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball using your hands. Repeat until all the filling is used. Place the balls on a wax paper-lined baking sheet.
- Take the chilled cookie dough and scoop out about a tablespoon. Flatten it into a small disc with your fingers.
- Place a peanut butter ball in the center of the cookie dough disc and gently wrap the cookie dough around it, sealing the edges completely.
- Roll the entire ball in your hands to create a smooth surface. Repeat for all the remaining peanut butter balls and cookie dough.
- Once all the snowballs are formed, place them back on the baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Coat the Snowballs in Chocolate
- While the snowballs are chilling, melt the milk or dark chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring frequently to avoid burning. If using white chocolate for marbling, melt it separately.
- If the melted chocolate is too thick, stir in 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to thin it for smoother dipping.
- Remove the chilled snowballs from the fridge. Using a fork, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Let any excess chocolate drip off before placing the coated snowballs back onto the wax paper.
- If you’re using white chocolate, drizzle it over the coated snowballs while the milk/dark chocolate is still wet to create a marbled effect.
- Allow the chocolate coating to set completely.
- Add the Caramel Drizzle
- Once the chocolate coating is firm, melt the caramel sauce in the microwave or on the stovetop until it’s smooth and pourable.
- Drizzle the caramel over the top of each snowball for a beautiful, indulgent finish.
- Chill Again to Set
- Place the snowballs back in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate and caramel to fully set.
- Once chilled, transfer the snowballs to a serving plate or airtight container. They’re now ready to enjoy!
