Name: Reese's Pieces Peanut Butter Balls
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 24
Cuisine: candy
Ingredients: ½ cup softened butter; 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 3- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar; ¼ cup coarsely chopped Reese’s Pieces; 2 packages Ghirardelli chocolate melts

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Creamy peanut butter balls are studded with Reese’s Pieces and then dipped in chocolate! These are the ultimate homemade chocolate and peanut butter treat! Make a big batch of these no-bake treats to share with friends, they will love you for it!

I have been enjoying Buckeye Balls for as long as I can remember. I still have my mom’s original hand-written recipe. It is very stained, has smudge marks, and blotted out words. But that’s no matter. I know that recipe by heart.

The thing about Buckeye’s is they are labor-intensive. Between the rolling and the dipping, you have to be committed!

I have always used a toothpick to dip my buckeye balls into the hot chocolate, but then I am always left wondering, do I close up the toothpick hole? Do I leave it? I don’t really like the look, but by that time, I’m tired of looking at all of them!

The way around that toothpick mark is to make peanut butter balls instead!!

I have seen peanut butter balls made with nuts and I have seen them with Rice Krispies too. But I took my inspiration from Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cups!

How To Make Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Balls

STEP ONE – Beat room temperature butter and creamy peanut butter in the bowl of a stand mixer until creamy and smooth. Beat in vanilla extract.

STEP TWO – Slowly beat in powdered sugar one cup at a time until incorporated (the peanut butter mixture will be thick).

STEP THREE – Fold in coarsely chopped Reese’s Pieces.

STEP FOUR – Scoop a tablespoon of the peanut butter dough and roll it into a ball. Place the peanut butter balls on a parchment or wax paper-lined baking sheet Continue rolling the remaining batter into balls.

STEP FIVE – Refrigerate or even freeze the balls until set.

STEP SIX – Place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or use a double boiler and melt the chocolate. Carefully dip the peanut butter balls in the melted chocolate, turning to coat. Allow the excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. Place the balls back onto the baking sheet. Allow the chocolate to set completely.

Can Peanut Butter Balls Be Frozen?

This is one of those recipes that really lends itself well to freezing! I will often make a big batch early in the season and freeze them right away. Then they are ready when the holidays are here.

You can store these peanut butter balls in a single layer in an airtight container. Place wax paper between layers to prevent the chocolate from chipping or sticking.

If you are not going to freeze these balls, store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Again make sure they are in an airtight container with wax paper in between each layer.

What Chocolate To Use For This Peanut Butter Balls Recipe?

I used Ghirardelli chocolate wafers or candy melts. I personally love using these (this brand in particular). They melt quickly and are so smooth. The melted wafers coat the peanut butter balls evenly and it sets nicely.

You can use chocolate bark, also known as almond bark or candy coating.

You can also use semi-sweet chocolate, milk chocolate, and dark chocolate. If you want to get fancy, drizzle a little melted white chocolate over the top! You can also sprinkle crushed Reese’s Pieces over the top as well.

How Do I Dip Peanut Butter Balls In Chocolate?

Carefully! I wish I had an easy answer for this. I believe you can find candy making tools at your local craft store. But I use a fork. I carefully lower the ball into the chocolate and roll the ball until it is coated. Lift the ball and let the chocolate drip through the tines back into the bowl.

You will have a little exposed spot from where the fork touched the ball. Use the fork to “patch” it back up with chocolate.

You do have to work quickly when dipping your peanut butter balls. The balls are soft and the chocolate is warm! You don’t want your peanut butter balls to melt.

This peanut butter balls recipe is quick and easy and is always a favorite!

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