If Santa made requests, I have no doubt that peanut butter balls would be at the top of his list of Christmas Eve treats. It's true: The big guy in the red suit prefers these bite-sized balls of PB-Chocolate joy to a sugar cookie any day.I apologize to those of you who tire of my chocolate + peanut butter obsessions.
And I especially give my regrets to any readers with a peanut allergy.
But when you make something that tastes like a Reese's peanut butter cup in your own kitchen, you're so bowled over with holiday happiness you just know you've got to share it with someone. Or everyone.
Peanut butter balls are a classic addition to any holiday cookie platter. They taste just like a peanut butter cup, only ten times better because they're created with that special homemade lovin'.
The first time I made these little balls of PB joy, I was told they're called "Buckeyes" by all of my college friends who hail from Ohio. That works. But so does Peanut Butter Ball. Or Chocolate Peanut Butter Addict Treats. Or you could just call them Pure Holiday Heaven.
Whatever you call them, make sure you make them, eat them, and love them. It's good for the soul. And it will certainly get you on Santa's Nice List.
Peanut Butter Balls
(adapted from this recipe at Allrecipes.com)
Your holiday cookie platter will not be complete without these little gems. They're simple to make and require few ingredients. And who doesn't love a homemade peanut butter cup?
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 jar (15 oz.) of creamy peanut butter
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 3 - 1/2 to 4 cups of powdered sugar
- 12 oz. bag of chocolate chips
- 2 TBSP shortening
Directions:
1) Beat the butter, peanut butter, and vanilla together with an electric mixer until smooth. Beat in powdered sugar until a dry play-dough like consistency is reached. Roll and/or mold the mixture into small balls and place on waxed paper.
2) Melt chocolate and shortening in a double boiler. Place a toothpick in the center of a peanut butter ball and dip in chocolate. Repeat with remaining PB balls.
3) Leave a plate for Santa. It's a holiday requirement.
These are one of my favorite holiday treats...then again...I think that these are great all year round! I never tire of peanut butter and chocolate. I hope you have a wonderful end to your week. Thank you for brightening my day with your sweet words!
ReplyDeleteThese are enough to make ME want to climb down your chimney! So, uh, where exactly do you live?... ;)
ReplyDeleteI've never had these before! Where have they been all my life? I love the pb + chocolate combo. I promise I will never get sick of reading your entries about them. So, please continue doing so! :)
ReplyDeleteMy husband adores Reese'a pb cups. I may have to make these for him. Yummy. :)
ReplyDeleteI love running across these at a party! My mom never made them when I was younger (she's not the biggest peanut butter fan), but I discovered them later on and never looked back!
ReplyDeleteMy sister and I made PB balls last year (only completely coated in chocolate) and they were SO good. I will definitely never tire of your chocolate + peanut butter obsession! :)
ReplyDeleteYou know, it takes a lot for me to sacrifice an entire jar of peanut butter. But this just might be one recipe I will GLADLY sacrifice my peanut butter for. After all, it IS for santa ;)
ReplyDeletethose seem super easy! wow! I might make some for some parties I'm going to when we travel back up North for Christmas :)
ReplyDeleteI used to just love making these when I was a child... but you made them tres gourmet with the choco = )
ReplyDeleteThe perfect flavor combinations all in one heavenly ball of goodness! Buckeyes are dangerous, but well worth the risk! ;-)
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