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Cherry Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 121 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Refrigerate Wrapped Cherries: Place the wrapped cherries on a tray and refrigerate for another hour to firm up the peanut butter coating.
  6. Melt Chocolate Coating: Using a double boiler, gently melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with the shortening, stirring until smooth and glossy.
  7. 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.
  8. Final Chill: Refrigerate the chocolate-coated cherry peanut butter balls for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate is firm.
  9. 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

Find it online: https://tastygenius.com/cherry-peanut-butter-balls-recipe/