Joanna Gaines Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

If you’re searching for an easy, no-bake dessert that tastes like it came from a fancy bakery, this Joanna Gaines peanut butter balls recipe is your answer.

These creamy, chocolate-covered treats have become a beloved favorite, combining the irresistible flavors of peanut butter and cream cheese with a smooth chocolate coating.

Whether you’re making them for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a sweet indulgence, this copycat Joanna Gaines peanut butter balls recipe delivers bakery-quality results with minimal effort. The best part? You only need a handful of simple ingredients and no oven required!

What Are Joanna Gaines Peanut Butter Balls and How Do They Taste?

Joanna Gaines peanut butter balls are decadent, bite-sized confections featuring a rich peanut butter and cream cheese filling coated in smooth chocolate almond bark. The texture is incredibly creamy-somewhere between a peanut butter fudge and a luxurious truffle.

The cream cheese adds a subtle tanginess that perfectly balances the sweetness of the powdered sugar, while the peanut butter provides that classic nutty flavor everyone loves.

When you bite through the chocolate shell, you’re met with a melt-in-your-mouth center that’s neither too dense nor too soft. These peanut butter balls taste like homemade Reese’s cups elevated to gourmet status, making them absolutely irresistible for any peanut butter lover.

Joanna Gaines Peanut Butter Balls Recipe Ingredients and Kitchen Utensils

Ingredients:

• 6 oz cream cheese (about ¾ cup or ¾ of an 8 oz package), softened to room temperature
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (half of a standard 16 oz jar)
• 2 to 2½ cups powdered sugar (start with 2 cups and add more if needed; sifting optional but recommended)
• 12 oz almond bark (chocolate candy coating), for dipping

Kitchen Utensils:

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Hand mixer or stand mixer (or sturdy spoon)
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Parchment paper or wax paper
5. Baking sheets or plates
6. Fork or chocolate dipping tool
7. Cooling rack (optional, for cleaner dipping)
8. Disposable gloves (optional, for easier rolling)

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Chilling Time: 1 hour (filling) + 1 hour (freezing balls)

Dipping & Setting Time: 30-45 minutes

Total Time: Approximately 3 hours (mostly hands-off)

Servings: 30-35 peanut butter balls

Copycat Joanna Gaines Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and creamy peanut butter. Using a hand mixer, stand mixer, or sturdy wooden spoon, blend the ingredients together until completely smooth and well incorporated. Make sure there are no cream cheese lumps remaining for the perfect peanut butter balls texture.

Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar

Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar to the peanut butter mixture. Mix on low speed initially to prevent a sugar cloud, then increase speed until fully combined. The mixture should transform into a thick, dough-like consistency that’s firm enough to roll but not dry or crumbly. If the mixture feels too sticky or soft, add an additional ¼ to ½ cup of powdered sugar until you achieve the right consistency.

Step 3: Chill the Mixture

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the peanut butter ball mixture for approximately 1 hour. This chilling step is crucial-it firms up the filling, making it much easier to scoop and roll into uniform shapes without the mixture sticking to your hands.

Step 4: Roll Into Balls

Once chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture using a cookie scoop or spoon. Roll each portion between your palms (or gloved hands) to form smooth, round balls. Place each formed ball onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. This recipe for Joanna Gaines peanut butter balls should yield about 30-35 balls depending on size.

Step 5: Freeze the Balls

Transfer the baking sheet with the rolled peanut butter balls to the freezer for about 1 hour. Freezing is essential-it helps the balls maintain their shape when dipped in warm melted chocolate and prevents them from falling apart during the coating process.

Step 6: Melt the Chocolate Coating

When the balls are nearly frozen, melt the 12 oz of almond bark according to package instructions. For microwave melting, place the almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each burst until completely smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler method for more controlled, gentle melting.

Step 7: Dip in Chocolate

Remove the frozen peanut butter balls from the freezer. Working with one ball at a time, place it on a fork or chocolate dipping tool and submerge it completely in the melted almond bark. Lift it out, allowing excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. Gently tap the fork against the bowl’s edge to remove excess coating. For the cleanest results, place a cooling rack over a baking sheet and set the dipped balls on the rack-this allows excess chocolate to drip through, preventing a thick chocolate “foot” from forming on the bottom.

Step 8: Set and Store

Place all dipped Joanna Gaines peanut butter balls on a fresh parchment-lined sheet. Allow them to set at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, or refrigerate for faster hardening (about 15-20 minutes). Once the chocolate coating is completely firm, transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.

Customization and Pairing Ideas for Serving

1. Double Chocolate Coating

For an extra-thick chocolate shell that mimics professional confections, perform a second dip once the first coating has set. This copycat Joanna Gaines peanut butter balls recipe variation creates a more substantial chocolate-to-filling ratio that chocolate lovers will adore.

2. Dark Chocolate Twist

Swap the milk chocolate almond bark for dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips for a more sophisticated, less-sweet version. This works particularly well if you prefer a richer chocolate flavor that balances the sweet peanut butter filling.

3. Crunchy Peanut Butter Version

Replace the creamy peanut butter with crunchy peanut butter to add texture and nutty bits throughout each bite. This creates a more rustic, homemade feel while maintaining the same delicious flavor profile of the original Joanna Gaines recipe for peanut butter balls.

4. Festive Toppings

Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle the tops with crushed peanuts, sea salt flakes, mini chocolate chips, or colorful sprinkles for holiday-themed peanut butter balls. This not only adds visual appeal but also introduces complementary flavors and textures.

5. White Chocolate Drizzle

After the main chocolate coating has hardened, melt white chocolate and drizzle it artistically over the balls using a fork or piping bag. This creates an elegant, bakery-style presentation perfect for gift-giving or special occasions.

6. Coffee Pairing

Serve these Joanna Gaines peanut butter balls alongside freshly brewed coffee, espresso, or a creamy latte. The bitter notes of coffee perfectly complement the sweet, creamy peanut butter filling, creating a dessert-and-beverage combination that rivals any café experience.

7. Dessert Charcuterie Addition

Include these peanut butter balls as part of a dessert board or candy platter alongside other no-bake treats like chocolate-covered pretzels, fudge squares, and fresh berries. They add a homemade, gourmet touch that elevates any dessert spread for parties or gatherings.

Essential Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Balls

1. Proper Cream Cheese Temperature

Always ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before mixing. Cold cream cheese will create lumps that are difficult to blend, resulting in an uneven texture in your peanut butter balls. Let it sit out for at least 30-45 minutes before starting.

2. Don’t Skip the Freezing Step

The freezing process is critical for successful chocolate dipping. If the balls aren’t firm enough, they’ll crumble or lose their shape when dipped in warm chocolate. A full hour in the freezer ensures they hold together perfectly during the coating process.

3. Use a Cookie Scoop for Uniformity

For consistently sized Joanna Gaines peanut butter balls, use a small cookie scoop or melon baller. This ensures even cooking times during any future preparation and creates a professional, uniform appearance that looks bakery-quality.

4. Prevent Chocolate Seizing

When melting almond bark, avoid getting any water in the chocolate as even a single drop can cause it to seize and become grainy. Use completely dry bowls and utensils, and if the chocolate becomes too thick, add a small amount of vegetable shortening (not water) to thin it.

5. Work Quickly When Dipping

The frozen peanut butter balls will begin to soften as you work, so dip them in batches. Keep half in the freezer while coating the other half, then switch. This maintains the firm texture needed for clean, smooth chocolate coverage.

6. Cooling Rack Technique

Placing dipped balls on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet allows excess chocolate to drip cleanly away, preventing the unsightly flat “foot” that forms when balls sit in pooled chocolate. This professional technique creates a beautifully rounded finished product.

7. Quality Ingredients Matter

Since this recipe for Joanna Gaines peanut butter balls has so few ingredients, the quality of each one significantly impacts the final result. Use full-fat cream cheese (not reduced-fat), quality peanut butter without added oils, and good chocolate coating for the best flavor and texture.

Storage and Reheating Guidance

Store your Joanna Gaines peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. No reheating is necessary-simply let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Common Queries and FAQs

When you give this Joanna Gaines Peanut Butter Balls Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.

Q: Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of almond bark for this peanut butter balls recipe?

A: Yes, but you’ll need to add 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil or vegetable shortening to the melted chocolate chips to achieve the right consistency for dipping. Almond bark melts smoother and sets with a better finish, which is why it’s preferred in this copycat Joanna Gaines peanut butter balls recipe.

Q: Why is my peanut butter filling too sticky to roll?

A: Your mixture likely needs more powdered sugar. Add it gradually, ¼ cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is firm enough to hold its shape. Chilling the mixture longer can also help firm it up.

Q: Can I make Joanna Gaines peanut butter balls without cream cheese?

A: While cream cheese is essential to this specific recipe’s unique texture and flavor, you could substitute it with softened butter (¾ cup), though the result will be different-more like traditional buckeye candies rather than the signature creamy texture of Joanna Gaines peanut butter balls.

Q: How do I prevent cracks in the chocolate coating?

A: Ensure your balls are completely frozen before dipping and that your chocolate isn’t too hot. Also, avoid placing them directly from freezer to refrigerator after dipping-let them set at room temperature first to prevent temperature shock that causes cracking.

Q: Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

A: Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and ensure your peanut butter is dairy-free. For the coating, substitute dairy-free chocolate chips or dairy-free almond bark to create peanut butter balls suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Q: What’s the difference between almond bark and chocolate chips?

A: Almond bark is a chocolate-flavored coating that melts smoothly and sets with a glossy finish without tempering. Chocolate chips contain stabilizers that prevent easy melting, making them less ideal for coating unless thinned with oil. Almond bark creates the authentic finish for this Joanna Gaines recipe for peanut butter balls.

Q: Can I add other mix-ins to the peanut butter filling?

A: Absolutely! Popular additions include mini chocolate chips, crushed graham crackers, Rice Krispies cereal for crunch, or even a small amount of maple syrup for extra flavor. Just be cautious not to add too much, as it may affect the consistency needed for rolling.

This Joanna Gaines peanut butter balls recipe proves that impressive desserts don’t require complicated techniques or endless ingredients. With just a few pantry staples and some simple steps, you can create confections that taste like they came from a gourmet chocolate shop.

The combination of creamy peanut butter, tangy cream cheese, and rich chocolate coating makes these peanut butter balls absolutely irresistible-perfect for gifting, entertaining, or satisfying your sweet tooth. Once you master this no-bake treat, it’ll become your go-to recipe for every occasion!

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