Cherry Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
Introduction
These Cherry Peanut Butter Balls are a delightful treat combining rich peanut butter, sweet maraschino cherries, and smooth chocolate. Perfect for parties or a special homemade snack, they’re simple to make and sure to impress.
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 gradually stir in 2 cups of powdered sugar until well combined.
- Step 2: Cover the mixture and chill 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 a rounded teaspoon of the peanut butter dough, rolling it gently into a ball to seal the cherry inside.
- Step 4: Place the wrapped cherries on a tray and refrigerate for another 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 into the melted chocolate to coat completely. Lay the coated balls on parchment paper.
- Step 6: Refrigerate the coated balls for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate is firm. Keep them refrigerated until ready to serve.
Tips & Variations
- Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Try dipping in white chocolate for a different flavor.
- Make mini versions using small cherries and a smaller amount of dough for bite-sized treats.
- Ensure cherries are well dried to help the dough stick better.
Storage
Store the peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To re-harden softened chocolate, simply chill again before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries have more moisture and no stems, which makes wrapping and dipping more challenging. Maraschino cherries work best because they’re sweet, firm, and have stems to hold during dipping.
Is there a substitute for shortening in the chocolate coating?
You can use coconut oil as a healthier alternative to shortening. It helps thin the melted chocolate and sets with a nice shine.
PrintCherry Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
These Cherry Peanut Butter Balls are a delightful no-bake treat combining creamy peanut butter, sweet maraschino cherries, and a rich chocolate coating. Perfect for a sweet snack or festive dessert, they offer a smooth, nutty center that complements the fruity cherry and crisp chocolate exterior.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 candy balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Mixture
- ½ cup butter, softened (1 stick)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar (divided)
Filling
- 24 maraschino cherries
Chocolate Coating
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp shortening
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting cherries)
Instructions
- Prepare Peanut Butter Mixture: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together the softened butter and creamy peanut butter until smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract, then gradually stir in 2 cups of powdered sugar until fully combined and dough-like.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the mixture and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow it to firm up, making it easier to handle.
- Prepare Cherries: Pat each maraschino cherry dry thoroughly with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Lightly dust the cherries with the reserved 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar to help the dough stick better.
- Form Balls: Using a rounded teaspoon of the peanut butter dough, wrap each cherry completely and roll gently into a ball shape ensuring the cherry is fully encased.
- Refrigerate Balls: Place the formed balls on a tray and refrigerate for 1 hour to set before dipping.
- Melt Chocolate Coating: Using a double boiler, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips together with the shortening, stirring until smooth and combined.
- Dip Candy Balls: Hold each peanut butter ball by the cherry stem and dip it into the warm melted chocolate to fully coat. Allow excess to drip off, then place each coated ball on a parchment-lined tray.
- Final Chill: Refrigerate the dipped balls for at least 1 hour or until the chocolate coating is firm.
- Storage: Store the finished Cherry Peanut Butter Balls in the refrigerator to keep them firm and fresh.
Notes
- Make sure to dry cherries thoroughly to prevent extra moisture from affecting the dough consistency.
- If you do not have a stand mixer, you can mix the ingredients by hand but it may take longer.
- Use parchment paper on your tray to prevent sticking during chocolate coating drying.
- Store the candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For a firmer chocolate shell, add a little more shortening to the chocolate while melting.
Keywords: cherry peanut butter balls, no-bake candy, peanut butter dessert, chocolate coated treats, holiday candy recipes
