Cherry Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
Introduction
These Cherry Peanut Butter Balls are a delightful treat combining creamy peanut butter, sweet maraschino cherries, and rich chocolate. Perfect for a holiday dessert or anytime you want a bite-sized indulgence that’s easy to make and wonderfully flavorful.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, softened (1 stick)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar, divided
- 24 maraschino cherries
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 Tbsp. shortening
Instructions
- Step 1: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together the peanut butter and softened butter until smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract, then stir in 2 cups of the powdered sugar until fully combined.
- Step 2: Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 1 hour to firm up.
- Step 3: Pat the maraschino cherries dry with a paper towel and lightly dust them with the remaining powdered sugar. Wrap each cherry with about a rounded teaspoon of the peanut butter dough, rolling it gently into a ball to fully cover the cherry.
- Step 4: Place the wrapped cherries on a tray and refrigerate for 1 hour to set.
- Step 5: Melt the chocolate chips and shortening together in a double boiler until smooth. Holding each ball by the cherry stem, dip it carefully into the melted chocolate to coat completely. Place the coated balls on a parchment-lined tray.
- Step 6: Refrigerate the dipped balls for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate is firm. Store the finished treats in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Tips & Variations
- For an extra crunch, try adding finely chopped peanuts to the peanut butter mixture before chilling.
- If you don’t have a stand mixer, mix the ingredients by hand using a sturdy spoon or electric hand mixer.
- Use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a richer flavor, or drizzle white chocolate on top for a decorative touch.
- Make sure to dry the cherries thoroughly to help the dough stick better and prevent sogginess.
Storage
Store the Cherry Peanut Butter Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To serve, allow them to sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. They can also be frozen for up to one month—just thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Natural peanut butter can be used, but since it tends to be thinner and oilier, the texture of the dough might change. For best results, use creamy peanut butter with added stabilizers or mix natural peanut butter with a bit more powdered sugar to thicken.
Is it necessary to use shortening when melting the chocolate?
Shortening helps thin the chocolate for a smooth, easy coating that sets well and has a nice shine. If you don’t have shortening, you can use a small amount of coconut oil or dip the cherries directly in melted chocolate without thinning, though the coating might be thicker and less glossy.
PrintCherry Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
Delight in these Cherry Peanut Butter Balls, a luscious no-bake treat combining creamy peanut butter, sweet maraschino cherries, and a smooth chocolate coating. Perfect for holiday celebrations or anytime you crave a rich, bite-sized indulgence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cherry peanut butter balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Mixture
- ½ cup butter, softened (1 stick)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar, divided
Fruit
- 24 maraschino cherries
Chocolate Coating
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 Tbsp shortening
- 2 Tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting cherries)
Instructions
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Dough: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together the softened butter and creamy peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Mix in the vanilla extract, then gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar, stirring until well combined and the mixture forms a pliable dough.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 1 hour to firm up, making it easier to handle when forming the balls.
- Prepare Cherries: Pat the maraschino cherries dry with a paper towel to remove excess syrup. Lightly dust each cherry with powdered sugar (from the 2 tablespoons set aside) to help the dough adhere better.
- Wrap Cherries with Dough: Take a rounded teaspoon of dough and wrap it around each cherry, rolling gently to form a smooth ball that encases the cherry entirely.
- Refrigerate Wrapped Cherries: Place the wrapped cherries on a tray and refrigerate for another hour to firm up the peanut butter coating.
- Melt Chocolate Coating: Using a double boiler, gently melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with the shortening, stirring until smooth and glossy.
- Dip Cherry Balls in Chocolate: Holding each ball by the cherry stem, dip it into the melted chocolate ensuring full coverage. Allow excess chocolate to drip off, then place the dipped balls on a tray lined with parchment paper.
- Final Chill: Refrigerate the chocolate-coated cherry peanut butter balls for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate is firm.
- Storage: Store the finished treats in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and firmness until ready to serve.
Notes
- Ensure cherries are well dried and dusted with powdered sugar before wrapping to prevent excess moisture.
- Use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts to melt chocolate gently, avoiding burning.
- These treats are best stored refrigerated and consumed within one week for optimal freshness.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle crushed peanuts on top before chocolate sets.
Keywords: cherry peanut butter balls, no bake dessert, chocolate covered treats, holiday recipes, peanut butter candy
