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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
Refrigerate Wrapped Cherries: Place the dough-covered cherries on a tray and refrigerate for an additional hour to set the shape firmly.
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.
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.
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