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If you want a sweet snack but don’t want to mess with the oven, these easy peanut butter bites totally hit the spot. Smooth peanut butter and tangy cream cheese get rolled up together then dunked in melted chocolate. It’s salty, it’s sweet, and it’s saved me more than once when I needed something impressive fast for drop-in guests or family get-togethers.
My family asks for these every time we want something special but simple. I’ll never forget bringing a tray to a picnic and by lunch everyone was asking how to make them.
Dreamy Ingredients
- Coconut oil or butter: Makes the melted chocolate just right for dipping. Virgin coconut oil adds a light, tropical taste.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Go for good quality chips for a shinier, smoother coating.
- Peanut butter creamy or crunchy: Loads these with big peanut power. Find one with just salt and peanuts for the real deal.
- Chopped peanuts optional: Sprinkle these on top for more crunch. Toasting will make them extra tasty.
- Cream cheese softened: Full-fat gives you that thick, rich texture in every bite. Let it soften so everything mixes up smooth.
- Vanilla extract optional: Adds that sweet smell. If you want to go fancy, a bit of scraped vanilla bean does wonders.
- Powdered sugar: Gives it sweetness and that classic soft texture. If it looks lumpy, sift it first so it goes in smooth.
Foolproof Steps
- Garnish and Set:
- Throw on your choice of toppings while the chocolate’s still a bit wet. Let everything chill in the fridge so the chocolate hardens up shiny—this takes about an hour.
- Dip and Coat:
- Dunk those frozen balls in the gooey chocolate. Lift them out with a fork, let the drips fall off, and drop them back on the tray. This helps the chocolate wrap all around each piece.
- Melt the Chocolate:
- Toss chips and coconut oil (or butter) in a microwaveable bowl. Zap for twenty seconds, then stir. Keep going ‘til it’s velvety and melted. Or grab a double boiler for gentle melting—no scorching, just smooth chocolate.
- Shape the Balls:
- Roll the chilled mix into small balls—it’s less sticky this way. Lay them out on parchment so they don’t stick. Freeze for at least half an hour—this makes dipping easier.
- Mix the Filling:
- Throw cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla into a bowl. Mash with a fork, then really mix it up with a spatula until there are no lumps. Pop in the fridge for twenty minutes to firm it all up.
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Coconut oil in the chocolate is my not-so-secret trick for that perfect snap. The flavor doesn't drown out the peanut butter. Plus, my kids get a kick out of picking wild toppings—one time, they even covered half with rainbow sprinkles for party fun.
Keep ‘Em Fresh
Stash these bites in a sealed container in the fridge where they’ll stay fresh all week. For longer keeping, freeze ‘em—stack with wax paper between to stop sticking. Let sit out a few minutes before digging in for soft centers.
Easy Swaps
Ditch the dairy? Just trade regular cream cheese for a thick vegan one and use chocolate chips without milk. Try almond butter or even sunflower butter if you want to switch up the flavors too.
Fun Serving Ideas
These look gorgeous tossed on a big tray for a crowd. Sometimes I fill up a tall glass jar for bake sales and they vanish first. Fresh strawberries on the side is a sweet treat combo too.
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Backstory and Food Culture
The mix of chocolate and peanut butter is an American favorite, made famous by candy companies in the last century. Now, we DIY it in a quick, fuss-free dessert that’s fast enough for crazy weeknights or anyone wanting that old-school chocolate-peanut butter fix without baking.
Recipe FAQs
- → Is crunchy peanut butter okay for this?
Go for it! Crunchy peanut butter adds more bite. Just use what you like best.
- → What's the best way to keep these fresh?
Stash them in something airtight in your fridge if you’ll eat them soon, or pop them in the freezer if you want them to last.
- → Can I swap out cream cheese for something else?
If you need another option, try mascarpone or a thick non-dairy style spread instead.
- → Why should I chill the mix before rolling?
If you don’t chill the filling, it’s too gloopy to shape. Let it cool down so you can roll tidy little balls and they won’t fall apart in melted chocolate.
- → I don’t have a microwave—how do I melt the chocolate?
You can sit your bowl over a pan of hot water so the chocolate and coconut oil melt slowly. Works a treat, and you won’t burn it.