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White Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs: A Recipe for Pure Indulgence

There’s something magical about a treat that instantly transports you back to a cherished memory. For me, these White Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs are just that. They always grace my holiday platters, a glistening testament to the simple joy of perfectly balanced flavors. I remember the first time I made them, a flurry of festive baking with my grandmother. The aroma of melting white chocolate mingled with creamy peanut butter filled her kitchen, a scent that, to this day, conjures up feelings of warmth, love, and pure, unadulterated bliss. Each year, without fail, these are the first to disappear, their devotees clamoring for more.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (plus chilling time)
Total Time: 1 hour (plus chilling time)
Servings: 50-60
Yield: Approximately 50-60 balls
Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to craft these delightful little spheres of happiness:

1 ½ cups peanut butter
½ cup butter, softened
16 ounces white chocolate chips
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 cups powdered sugar

Equipment Needed

While these treats are wonderfully simple, a few key tools will make the process smoother:

Electric mixer (stand or hand mixer)
Measuring cups and spoons
Large mixing bowl
Damp hands (for rolling)
Baking sheets
Aluminum foil
Double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water
Wire rack
Wax paper

Instructions

Creating these White Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs is a straightforward process, yielding a decadent reward. Follow these steps carefully for the best results:

Begin by preparing your baking sheets. Line them with aluminum foil. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and the softened butter.
Using your electric mixer, beat the peanut butter and butter together until the mixture is wonderfully smooth and creamy. Ensure there are no lumps.
Gradually add the powdered sugar to the peanut butter and butter mixture. Add it ½ cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Continue mixing until the entire amount of powdered sugar is incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
Now, it’s time to form the balls. With damp hands (this prevents sticking), roll the peanut butter mixture into 1-inch balls. Aim for consistency in size so they bake and chill evenly.
Place the formed balls onto the prepared aluminum foil-lined baking sheets.
Transfer the baking sheets with the peanut butter balls to the freezer. Chill them for at least 30 minutes, or until they are firm to the touch. This chilling step is crucial for them to hold their shape when dipped in chocolate.
While the peanut butter balls are firming up in the freezer, prepare the white chocolate coating. Set up your double boiler. Fill the bottom pot with about an inch or two of water and bring it to a simmer. Place the white chocolate chips and the vegetable oil in the top pot or heatproof bowl.
Place the bowl with the white chocolate chips and oil over the simmering water. Melt the white chocolate chips, stirring occasionally, until they are completely smooth and melted. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize.
Once the white chocolate is melted and smooth, carefully remove the bowl from the heat.
Retrieve the firm peanut butter balls from the freezer.
Working with one ball at a time, dip each ball into the melted white chocolate using a fork or a dipping tool. Ensure the ball is completely covered in the white chocolate.
Lift the coated ball out of the white chocolate, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl.
Place the chocolate-covered balls onto a sheet of wax paper.
Once all the balls have been dipped and placed on the wax paper, refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes, or until the white chocolate coating is firm.
Enjoy your delicious homemade White Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs!

Expert Tips & Tricks

To elevate your White Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs from homemade to show-stopping, consider these culinary secrets:

Peanut Butter Choice: For the best texture and flavor, use a creamy, commercial peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy). Natural peanut butters, with their higher oil content and less stable consistency, can sometimes make the rolling process more challenging and affect the final texture.
Butter Temperature: Ensuring your butter is truly softened (not melted) is key to achieving a smooth, cohesive peanut butter base. Leave it out at room temperature for about an hour before you plan to start mixing.
Damp Hands are Your Friend: When rolling the peanut butter mixture, keep a small bowl of water nearby. Dampening your hands before each ball will prevent the sticky mixture from clinging to your fingers, allowing for much cleaner and easier rolling.
The Magic of Oil in Chocolate: The addition of vegetable oil to the white chocolate chips is not just for flavor; it’s crucial for achieving a smooth, fluid melting consistency. It helps to thin the chocolate just enough for easy dipping without compromising the final snap of the coating.
Double Boiler Technique: If you don’t have a double boiler, a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of gently simmering water works perfectly. Ensure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water, as direct heat can scorch the white chocolate. Stir frequently for even melting.
Freezer Power: Don’t skip the freezer steps! They are vital. Freezing the balls before dipping ensures they are firm enough to withstand the chocolate coating without deforming. The second chill after dipping is equally important for setting the white chocolate and achieving that satisfying firmness.
Drippy Coating Fix: If your white chocolate starts to get too thick during the dipping process, don’t hesitate to gently reheat it over the double boiler for a minute or two, stirring constantly.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These White Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs are a delight served chilled. Their rich, decadent nature makes them a perfect small treat after a meal or as part of a dessert buffet.

Serving: Arrange them artfully on a platter, perhaps nestled amongst other holiday cookies or candies. They are also wonderful presented in small candy liners.
Storage: Store these snowballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 weeks. The chilling process helps maintain their structure and prevents the coating from becoming soft. If you plan to store them for longer, they can also be frozen. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutritional Information

Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown for one White Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowball, assuming a yield of 50 servings:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	154.5 kcal
Calories from Fat
Total Fat	9.3 g	14%
Saturated Fat	4 g	19%
Cholesterol	6.3 mg	2%
Sodium	57.9 mg	2%
Total Carbohydrate	16.6 g	5%
Dietary Fiber	0.5 g	1%
Sugars	15.6 g	62%
Protein	2.6 g	5%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Variations & Substitutions

While the classic White Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowball is undeniably divine, feel free to experiment with these variations:

Dark or Milk Chocolate: For a different flavor profile, substitute the white chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips. The melting and dipping process remains the same.
Sea Salt Finish: For a touch of sophistication and a delightful sweet-and-salty contrast, sprinkle a few flakes of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate coating immediately after dipping, before it sets.
Nut Butter Alternatives: While peanut butter is traditional, you could experiment with other nut butters like almond or cashew butter. Be aware that different nut butters may have slightly different consistencies and require minor adjustments to the powdered sugar.
Mini Snowballs: For bite-sized treats, simply roll smaller balls (about ½ inch in diameter). Adjust dipping and chilling times accordingly.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why are my peanut butter balls sticky and hard to roll?
A: Ensure your hands are damp before rolling. If the mixture is still too sticky, you might need to add a tiny bit more powdered sugar to the base mixture until it’s more manageable.

Q: My white chocolate seized up when melting. What did I do wrong?
A: White chocolate is sensitive to heat and moisture. It likely overheated or came into contact with water. Ensure your double boiler setup is correct and avoid direct contact with steam. If it seizes, you might be able to save it by stirring in a tiny bit more vegetable oil or shortening, but often it’s best to start with fresh chocolate.

Q: Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
A: While technically possible, natural peanut butter can be oilier and less stable, making the rolling process trickier. Commercial peanut butter generally yields a better texture for this particular recipe.

Q: How do I get a perfectly smooth chocolate coating?
A: Melt the white chocolate chips slowly and gently over low heat, stirring constantly. The addition of vegetable oil is crucial for achieving a smooth, pourable consistency. Ensure your dipping tools are clean and dry.

Q: Can these be made ahead of time for a party?
A: Absolutely! These White Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs are ideal for making ahead. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for holidays or gatherings.

These White Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. They embody the spirit of simple, heartfelt baking that brings joy to both the maker and the eater. I encourage you to try them, to fill your home with their comforting aroma, and to share them with those you love. Whether adorning your Christmas cookie trays or simply enjoyed as an afternoon pick-me-up, these snowballs are sure to become a cherished favorite. Pair them with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee for the ultimate indulgence.

White Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe