If you’re craving something sweet, creamy, and perfectly peanut buttery, Peanut Butter Balls with Cream Cheese are the ultimate indulgence. These bite-sized delights combine smooth peanut butter, tangy cream cheese, and a touch of sweetness to create a rich, truffle-like treat. Each ball is then dipped in chocolate for the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and creamy. I made these during the holidays once, and they disappeared faster than any cookie tray dessert! They’re quick, require no baking, and can be made ahead of time—perfect for parties, gifting, or just keeping in the fridge for when your sweet tooth strikes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Peanut Butter Balls with Cream Cheese are everything a dessert should be—simple, satisfying, and decadently delicious. They’re a no-bake recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes, using just a handful of pantry staples. The combination of peanut butter and cream cheese gives them a luscious texture that melts in your mouth. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable—you can coat them in dark, milk, or white chocolate, add crushed nuts, or drizzle with melted peanut butter for an extra fancy touch.
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Peanut Butter Balls with Cream Cheese – A No-Bake Treat You’ll Love
- Total Time: 50 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 24 balls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Peanut Butter Balls with Cream Cheese are rich, creamy, no-bake treats made with smooth peanut butter, tangy cream cheese, and sweet chocolate coating. These bite-sized desserts are perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime you crave something sweet and indulgent!
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening (for melting chocolate)
- Sea salt or crushed peanuts for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add vanilla extract and gradually mix in powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until the mixture forms a thick dough-like consistency.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze for 20–30 minutes, or until firm.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and glossy.
- Dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate using a fork or dipping tool, shaking off excess chocolate. Place back on the parchment-lined tray.
- Optional: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt or crushed peanuts on top before the chocolate sets.
- Refrigerate until the chocolate is fully hardened, about 15 minutes.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
- For extra crunch, use chunky peanut butter or mix in crushed peanuts.
- Dark or white chocolate can be used instead of semisweet for different flavor profiles.
- Let the balls sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving for the perfect bite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cream cheese – Softened cream cheese gives the filling its creamy, tangy base and helps the balls hold their shape.
Creamy peanut butter – The star ingredient! Choose a smooth, no-stir peanut butter for the best texture.
Powdered sugar – Sweetens the mixture and helps firm up the dough-like consistency.
Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and enhances the peanut butter flavor.
Butter – Adds richness and helps create a smooth, velvety filling.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Chocolate chips or melting wafers – Used for coating the peanut butter balls; choose milk, dark, or semi-sweet based on your taste.
Coconut oil (optional) – Helps thin the melted chocolate for easier dipping.
Crushed peanuts or sea salt (optional) – Perfect for topping and adding extra crunch or contrast.
Directions
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, and peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until fully combined and the mixture forms a thick dough that can be rolled easily.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the tray. Freeze the balls for about 30 minutes, or until firm enough to dip.
While the balls chill, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using) in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, letting any excess drip off before placing it back on the parchment paper.
If desired, sprinkle with crushed peanuts or sea salt before the chocolate sets. Chill the finished balls in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes, or until firm. Store them in the fridge or freezer and enjoy whenever you need a little treat!
Equipment needed :
reading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 24–30 peanut butter balls. Preparation time is 15 minutes, plus 30 minutes of chilling, for a total of around 45 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store the peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 2 months. If frozen, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Variations and Customizations
Chocolate Drizzle – After dipping, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the top for a bakery-style look.
Crunchy Peanut Butter Balls – Use crunchy peanut butter or mix in chopped peanuts for extra texture.
White Chocolate Coating – Dip in melted white chocolate for a creamy, sweeter version.
Coconut Bliss – Add shredded coconut to the filling for a tropical twist.
Oreo Peanut Butter Balls – Mix in crushed Oreos for added crunch and chocolatey flavor.
Nut-Free Version – Substitute sunflower seed butter or almond butter for peanut butter if needed.
Espresso Kick – Stir a bit of instant espresso powder into the chocolate coating for a mocha flavor.
Peanut Butter Cup Style – Layer melted chocolate in small muffin liners, add the peanut butter mixture, and top with more chocolate.
Keto-Friendly Option – Use sugar-free peanut butter, low-carb sweetener, and dark chocolate sweetened with stevia.
Holiday Sprinkle Version – Top with festive sprinkles for an easy holiday candy treat.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they keep perfectly in the fridge or freezer for days, making them great for advance prep.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
You can, but make sure it’s well-stirred and not too oily; the texture might be softer.
Do I have to chill the mixture before dipping?
Yes, chilling helps the balls stay firm and prevents them from falling apart in the melted chocolate.
What kind of chocolate works best?
High-quality melting wafers or semi-sweet chocolate chips give the smoothest coating.
Can I skip the chocolate coating?
Absolutely—they’re still delicious rolled in cocoa powder, crushed nuts, or shredded coconut.
Can I use a food processor?
Yes, it’s a quick way to blend the ingredients until smooth.
How do I prevent cracks in the chocolate?
Make sure the peanut butter balls aren’t too cold when dipped—slightly chilled is best.
Can I make them vegan?
Yes! Use vegan cream cheese, plant-based butter, and dairy-free chocolate.
Can I freeze them after dipping?
Yes, they freeze well and taste great straight from the freezer.
Can I add protein powder?
Yes, a scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder works well—just reduce the powdered sugar slightly.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Balls with Cream Cheese are a simple, no-bake dessert that packs big flavor in every bite. Creamy, rich, and perfectly balanced, these little treats are a hit for holidays, parties, or anytime you need a quick sweet fix. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a decadent candy-like snack that rivals any store-bought treat. Once you taste them, you’ll understand why this recipe is a timeless favorite—it’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser.
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