These 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls with Cream Cheese are a quick and easy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With just three simple ingredients—peanut butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar—you can make these creamy, nutty, and delicious bites in no time. They’re a great no-bake dessert option and make for a wonderful snack or party treat.
The combination of creamy peanut butter and rich cream cheese creates a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of powdered sugar. Whether you’re making these for a holiday dessert platter or just a sweet treat to enjoy at home, these peanut butter balls are sure to be a hit.
The best part? You can easily make these peanut butter balls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for whenever you’re craving a sweet treat. They’re simple enough for kids to help make and require no baking, making them a convenient and family-friendly recipe.
These peanut butter balls also make a fantastic gift. Wrap them in a decorative tin or a small box and give them to friends, neighbors, or coworkers for a thoughtful homemade present. They’re a great way to add a personal touch during the holiday season or to celebrate a special occasion.
The ease and versatility of this recipe make it a staple for quick dessert needs. You can customize them by rolling in various toppings or dipping them in melted chocolate. If you’re a fan of peanut butter and cream cheese, you’ll love these little bites of joy.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cook Notes & Tips
- Recipe Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and creamy peanut butter. Mix with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and well combined.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until the mixture is smooth and stiff enough to roll into balls.
Step 2: Form the Balls
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll them into smooth balls. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Rolling the balls is the most hands-on part of the process. To make it easier, use a small cookie scoop to portion out the dough evenly before rolling it between your hands.
Step 3: Chill
- Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill the peanut butter balls for at least 30 minutes, or until firm. Chilling helps the peanut butter balls maintain their shape, making them easier to handle later on.
Step 4: Serve
- Once the peanut butter balls are firm, they’re ready to serve. Enjoy them as a snack or dessert!
- These peanut butter balls are best served chilled, but they can be kept at room temperature for a short period if needed.
Cook Notes & Tips
- Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. This will make it easier to blend smoothly with the peanut butter.
- Rolling the Balls: If the mixture is too sticky to roll, you can refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before forming the balls.
- Storage: Store the peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They also freeze well if you want to save some for later—just thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate-Dipped: Melt chocolate and dip each peanut butter ball into it for an extra indulgent treat. Let the chocolate set on parchment paper before serving. You can use milk, dark, or white chocolate, depending on your preference.
- Coconut Coated: Roll the peanut butter balls in shredded coconut for an added texture and flavor. This variation adds a tropical touch to the recipe, and the coconut pairs wonderfully with the creamy peanut butter.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter: Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for a bit of texture in the peanut butter balls. The small peanut pieces add a satisfying crunch to every bite.
- Sprinkles: Roll the peanut butter balls in colored sprinkles to make them more festive. This is perfect for parties or holidays, and kids especially love the bright colors.
- Oats Addition: Mix in 1/2 cup of quick oats for added texture and a slightly healthier twist. This adds a bit of chewiness to the balls and makes them more filling as a snack.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
A: Yes, but make sure it’s well-stirred and not too oily, as natural peanut butter can sometimes be more liquidy than regular peanut butter. The consistency of natural peanut butter can make the balls harder to form, so you may need to add a bit more powdered sugar to help them hold their shape.
Q: Can I freeze these peanut butter balls?
A: Absolutely! Place the peanut butter balls in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Freezing these treats also makes them easier to handle if you plan to dip them in melted chocolate.
Q: How do I make these peanut butter balls dairy-free?
A: You can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to make these peanut butter balls dairy-free. There are many plant-based cream cheese options available that work well in this recipe.
Q: Can I make these peanut butter balls without powdered sugar?
A: Powdered sugar is important for the texture and sweetness of the peanut butter balls. However, if you want to use an alternative, you could try using a sweetener like honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that the texture will change, and they may be softer.
Q: Are these peanut butter balls gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as you use gluten-free ingredients (ensure that the powdered sugar and cream cheese are gluten-free), these peanut butter balls are naturally gluten-free.
Q: Can I add chocolate chips to the mixture?
A: Definitely! Adding mini chocolate chips to the peanut butter mixture before rolling the balls is a great way to add some chocolate flavor without needing to dip them. It also adds a nice texture to the peanut butter balls.
These 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls with Cream Cheese are an easy, no-bake treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With just three simple ingredients, you can make these creamy, nutty bites that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert, a holiday treat, or just something fun to make, these peanut butter balls are an excellent choice.
Their versatility allows you to add your own twist, whether you want to dip them in chocolate, roll them in coconut, or add a bit of crunch with oats or sprinkles. They’re simple to prepare, and their bite-sized nature makes them a convenient snack to have on hand.
These peanut butter balls are also great for sharing with friends and family or gifting during the holidays. Wrap them up in a festive box or tin and watch as they bring smiles to anyone who tries them. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the simple, delicious goodness that these peanut butter balls have to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, these treats are a no-fail favorite that everyone will love!
