Cherry 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
Scale
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
Find it online: https://messykitchenmagic.com/cherry-peanut-butter-balls-recipe/
