Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening or coconut oil (optional, for thinning the chocolate)
Instructions:
Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be thick and dough-like.
Form the Balls:
Scoop out small portions of the peanut butter mixture, about 1 tablespoon each.
Roll each portion into a ball using your hands.
Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You should get around 24-30 balls depending on the size.
Chill the Balls:
Once all the balls are formed, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill the balls for about 30 minutes to firm them up.
Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and vegetable shortening or coconut oil, if using.
Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate.
Coat the Peanut Butter Balls:
Using a fork or a toothpick, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, coating it completely.
Allow any excess chocolate to drip off, then place the coated ball back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Repeat this process until all the peanut butter balls are coated with chocolate.
Chill Again:
Once all the balls are coated, return the baking sheet to the refrigerator to let the chocolate set. This usually takes about 1 hour.
Serve:
Once the chocolate has set, your Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Balls are ready to be enjoyed!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Enjoy these delicious homemade treats!