Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Bites
Rich, creamy, and coated in smooth chocolate, these Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Bites are a beloved no-bake classic that never goes out of style. With their melt-in-your-mouth centers and glossy chocolate shell, they strike the perfect balance between sweet and salty. Whether you know them as peanut butter balls or Buckeyes, they’re one of those treats that feel as nostalgic as they are delicious.
They’re incredibly easy to make — no oven, no mixer, just a few pantry ingredients and a bit of chilling time. They’re a staple during the holidays but also make a quick crowd-pleaser for parties, gifts, or when you just need a bite of chocolate-peanut butter bliss.
Each bite combines velvety peanut butter filling with a thin snap of chocolate on the outside — a match made in dessert heaven.
What You Need for Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Bites
- Creamy peanut butter – The heart of the recipe, giving the filling its rich, nutty flavor.
- Unsalted butter – Softened for blending smoothly into the peanut butter.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the sweetness and adds depth.
- Powdered sugar – Sweetens and firms up the dough.
- Semisweet chocolate chips – The perfect coating, rich but not overly sweet.
- Coconut oil or shortening – Helps the chocolate melt smoothly and set with a beautiful sheen.
Step-by-Step Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Bites
STEP 1 – Make the Peanut Butter Base
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined. The mixture should look glossy and uniform, with no streaks of butter remaining.
STEP 2 – Add the Powdered Sugar
Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, about half a cup at a time, until the dough becomes thick and moldable. It should be soft but firm enough to roll without sticking to your fingers. Adjust slightly with more sugar or peanut butter if needed to get that perfect truffle-like texture.
STEP 3 – Shape into Balls
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll them between your palms into smooth balls. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. You should get about two dozen bite-sized treats.
STEP 4 – Chill the Dough
Place the tray in the refrigerator or freezer for about 30 minutes, until the balls are firm to the touch. This step is key — chilled centers hold their shape during dipping and help the chocolate set faster.
STEP 5 – Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil (or shortening). Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is completely melted and silky smooth. Be patient here — melting slowly keeps it shiny and lump-free.
STEP 6 – Dip and Set
Using a fork or skewer, dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Gently tap off any excess chocolate and return it to the parchment-lined tray. For the Buckeye-style version, leave a small circle of peanut butter exposed on top instead of dipping fully.
STEP 7 – Chill Again
Refrigerate the coated bites for another 10–15 minutes, or until the chocolate shell hardens. Once firm, they’re ready to serve or store.
Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter?
You can, but it’s trickier. Natural peanut butter tends to separate and has more oil, which can make the mixture too soft. If you use it, be sure to stir it very well and possibly add a bit more powdered sugar for structure. Classic creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) gives the most reliable results.
How Can I Make These Vegan or Dairy-Free?
Swap the butter for plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and use dairy-free chocolate chips. The texture and flavor will still be indulgent — just slightly different in richness.
Can I Flavor the Filling?
Definitely. Add a tablespoon of maple syrup, a pinch of sea salt, or even a spoonful of crushed graham crackers for extra depth. A little cinnamon or espresso powder stirred into the chocolate coating can also elevate the flavor beautifully.
Helpful Tips
- Chill before dipping: Soft centers can fall apart in the warm chocolate.
- Use a fork, not tongs: It helps drain the extra chocolate cleanly.
- Work in batches: Keep some balls chilled while you dip others to prevent melting.
Serving Ideas for Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Bites
Serve them on a dessert platter with other small sweets like truffles, fudge, or shortbread. They’re also great gifts — pack them in mini paper cups inside a tin for an elegant homemade treat. Pair them with coffee or a glass of milk for a simple but perfect indulgence.
Storage & Freezing
Store the bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. They also freeze beautifully — place in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
These Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Bites are proof that sometimes the simplest desserts are the best. A few ingredients, a little time, and you’ve got a treat that brings pure joy — one bite at a time.
Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Bites
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon neutral solid fat such as refined coconut oil or vegetable shortening
- 1 cup smooth-style peanut spread
- 1 teaspoon high-quality vanilla essence
- 1½ cups fine confectioners’ sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter brought to room temperature
- 1½ cups bittersweet chocolate morsels
Instructions
- In a spacious mixing bowl, blend the peanut butter with the softened butter and vanilla until the mixture reaches a creamy consistency.
- Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar in portions, roughly ½ cup at a time, stirring continuously until a pliable dough takes form. The mixture should be easy to handle without sticking to your fingers.
- Scoop out roughly one tablespoon at a time and shape the mixture into compact spheres. Set each onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Transfer the tray to the refrigerator or freezer and allow the bites to firm up for approximately 30 minutes.
- Place the chocolate chips and coconut oil into a heatproof bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture becomes fully melted and smooth.
- Using a fork, skewer, or dipping tool, immerse each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring an even coating. Gently shake off the excess chocolate before returning the coated bite to the parchment-lined tray.
- Refrigerate once more for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chocolate shell solidifies completely.
- Serve immediately or keep stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 14 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.