3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

If you’re looking for an effortless treat that absolutely wows every time, look no further than these 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls. They’re delightfully creamy, perfectly sweet, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor — all rolled up into adorable bite-sized morsels. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll make on repeat, whether you’re serving guests, packing a lunchbox, or just sneaking a quick snack for yourself. Simplicity is the secret here, and with only three pantry staples, every bite brings comfort and joy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just three ingredients, every one truly counts! Each element brings its own charm, from the lush smoothness of cream cheese to the nutty warmth of peanut butter and the sweet touch of powdered sugar. With these essentials, the magic of 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls really comes to life.

• Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): Offers a rich, slightly tangy foundation that makes the balls irresistibly creamy and helps them hold their shape.
• Creamy Peanut Butter (1 cup): Delivers that unmistakable peanut buttery goodness and contributes to the smooth, luscious texture.
• Powdered Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the mixture while also thickening it, so you get that perfect, rollable consistency every time.

How to Make 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls

Step 1: Blend Cream Cheese and Peanut Butter

Start by scooping the softened cream cheese and peanut butter into a medium mixing bowl. Take a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula and blend them together until you have a silky, uniform mixture. Make sure there are no streaks; you’re aiming for pure smoothness here! The creaminess at this stage sets the tone for those melt-in-your-mouth 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls.

Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar

Next comes the powdered sugar, which you’ll want to incorporate gradually for the best results. Add a little at a time, mixing well after each addition. This gives the dough its signature thickness, making it perfect for rolling. If you find the mixture’s a touch too sticky, don’t worry—just sprinkle in a bit more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s right where you want it.

Step 3: Shape and Chill

Now for the fun part! Scoop out about a tablespoon of the dough and roll it gently between your hands to form 1-inch balls. Place these on a parchment- or wax-paper-lined baking sheet. Once you’ve formed all the balls, let them chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This little rest time firms them up and brings all those flavors together into perfect, munchable bites.

How to Serve 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls

Garnishes

Don’t be shy when it comes to dressing up your 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls! A quick roll in mini chocolate chips, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top will elevate their appearance and flavor. Crushed pretzels or chopped peanuts work beautifully too, giving each bite a little extra crunch and a pop of salty contrast.

Side Dishes

These sweet, creamy bites are fantastic on their own, but they also pair well with fresh fruit like apple slices or strawberries for a snack platter. If you’re enjoying them with friends, serve alongside an array of cookies, or even with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee for an afternoon treat. Their soft texture plays well with crisp, crunchy, or even chilled sides.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, arrange your 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls in cupcake liners or stack them high on a pretty cake stand for a show-stopping centerpiece. You could also serve them on skewers as part of a dessert kabob with fresh fruit or marshmallows. For gifting, pop a few into a small box or a cellophane bag, tied with a ribbon—an effortless yet heartfelt homemade treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you (somehow!) end up with extras, these bites are easy to store. Place your 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator; they’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to a week. Layer them with parchment paper if you’re stacking, so they don’t stick together or lose their shape.

Freezing

Need them to last even longer? These little treats freeze beautifully! Simply arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. Stored this way, they’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving for that same creamy texture you love.

Reheating

These peanut butter bites are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need for reheating. If you freeze them, just allow them to come up to fridge temperature naturally. If you prefer a softer texture, leave them out at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving, but don’t microwave—doing so can ruin their creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a fun texture to the finished 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls. The only thing to keep in mind is that they may not be quite as smooth, but the little chunks of peanut make each bite extra satisfying.

Could I swap out the cream cheese for something non-dairy?

Yes, you can use a vegan cream cheese alternative if you’d like to make dairy-free 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls. Just make sure the substitute is full-fat for the richest texture and that it blends well with the peanut butter.

How do I keep the mixture from sticking to my hands while rolling?

If the mixture is sticking, try dusting your hands lightly with powdered sugar or chilling the mixture for 10–15 minutes before shaping. Using a small cookie scoop also helps create uniform balls without too much dough-handling.

Can I add chocolate or other mix-ins?

Definitely! The base recipe is super versatile. Go ahead and stir in mini chocolate chips, toffee bits, or chopped peanuts for a unique twist. You can even dip or drizzle the balls with melted chocolate for an extra-decadent treat.

How long do 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls need to chill before serving?

You’ll want to let them chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps them set up nicely so they’re easy to pick up and pop into your mouth without sticking together. Longer chilling is fine too if you’re making them ahead!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls enough for anyone needing a quick, utterly scrumptious treat. With just a few pantry staples, you’ll have something homemade that everyone adores. Whether you’re sharing with friends or sneaking a few for yourself, these creamy, peanut-buttery bites will always hit the spot. Give them a try and let the delicious simplicity win you over!

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