Cherry Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

Introduction

These Cherry Peanut Butter Balls are a delightful bite-sized treat combining creamy peanut butter, sweet maraschino cherries, and a rich chocolate coating. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a simple yet elegant dessert.

Ingredients

• ½ cup butter, softened (1 stick)
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 cups and 2 Tbsp. powdered sugar, divided
• 24 maraschino cherries
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 Tbsp. shortening

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together the peanut butter and softened butter until smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract, then gradually stir in 2 cups of powdered sugar until fully combined.
2. Step 2: Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 1 hour to firm up.
3. Step 3: Meanwhile, pat the maraschino cherries dry with a paper towel and lightly dust them with the remaining 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar.
4. Step 4: Wrap each cherry with about a rounded teaspoon of the peanut butter dough, rolling it between your hands to form a smooth ball. Place the balls on a tray.
5. Step 5: Refrigerate the wrapped cherries for 1 hour to set.
6. Step 6: Melt the chocolate chips and shortening together in a double boiler until smooth. Holding each cherry by the stem, dip it gently into the melted chocolate to coat completely. Place them on parchment paper-lined trays.
7. Step 7: Refrigerate the chocolate-coated cherries for at least 1 hour or until the coating is firm.

Tips & Variations

• For a crunchier texture, add chopped peanuts to the peanut butter mixture before chilling.
• Use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a richer flavor.
• If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can cream the butter and peanut butter by hand using a sturdy spoon or hand mixer.
• To keep the cherries from slipping, ensure they are well-coated in powdered sugar before wrapping.

Storage

Store the cherry peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before serving. To enjoy, let them sit briefly at room temperature so the chocolate softens slightly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

Natural peanut butter may be less creamy and more oily, which can affect the dough consistency. It’s best to use creamy peanut butter that’s well-mixed for easier handling.

What can I substitute if I don’t have shortening?

You can use coconut oil or additional butter as a substitute for shortening when melting the chocolate, but keep in mind it may alter the texture slightly.

Cherry Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 53 reviews

• Author: Ethan
• Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 peanut butter balls 1x

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Description

Delightfully rich and festive, these Cherry Peanut Butter Balls combine creamy peanut butter, sweet maraschino cherries, and a luscious chocolate coating. Perfect as bite-sized treats for parties or holiday gatherings, they balance nutty, sweet, and fruity flavors with a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Peanut Butter Mixture

• ½ cup butter, softened (1 stick)
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar (plus 2 tbsp reserved for dusting)

Filling

• 24 maraschino cherries, drained

Chocolate Coating

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp shortening

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Instructions

1. Prepare Peanut Butter Dough: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together the softened butter and creamy peanut butter until smooth and well combined. Add the vanilla extract and mix thoroughly. Gradually stir in 2 cups of powdered sugar until the dough is firm yet pliable.
2. Chill Dough: Cover the peanut butter dough and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour to allow it to firm up, making it easier to handle.
3. Prepare Cherries: Pat each maraschino cherry dry carefully with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Lightly dust each cherry with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar to help the dough adhere better.
4. Wrap Cherries: Using a rounded teaspoon of the peanut butter dough, wrap it around each cherry completely, rolling the covered cherry gently into a smooth ball.
5. Refrigerate Wrapped Cherries: Place the dough-covered cherries on a tray and refrigerate for an additional hour to set the shape firmly.
6. Melt Chocolate Coating: In a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl set over simmering water, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips together with the shortening, stirring until smooth and glossy.
7. Dip Cherry Balls: Holding each peanut butter ball by the cherry stem, gently dip it into the melted chocolate to fully coat. Allow excess chocolate to drip off, and place each coated cherry ball on parchment paper-lined trays.
8. Final Chill: Refrigerate the chocolate-coated cherry balls for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate hardens and the treats are firm. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Notes

• Ensure cherries are thoroughly dried to prevent dough from becoming soggy.
• If you do not have a stand mixer, a handheld mixer or vigorous hand mixing will work.
• The shortening in the chocolate coating helps keep the chocolate smooth and prevents it from seizing.
• These treats are best kept refrigerated due to the butter and perishable ingredients.
• Variations: Try using dark chocolate for dipping or adding a pinch of sea salt to the peanut butter mixture for a sweet-salty flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cherry peanut butter balls, peanut butter treats, chocolate coated cherries, no-bake desserts, holiday treats