Description
Ever wondered if you could whip up a dessert that’s both a crowd-pleaser and takes barely any time to make? Say hello to Frozen Peanut Butter Bites! These little gems combine creamy peanut butter with a rich chocolate coating, delivering a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy in every bite.
Ingredients
The magic of Frozen Peanut Butter Bites lies in their simplicity. Here’s what you need and why each ingredient shines:
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Creamy Peanut Butter (18-ounce jar):
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The star of the show, providing a rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture. Use creamy for smooth bites.
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Substitution: Crunchy peanut butter for extra texture, or almond butter for a different nutty vibe. Opt for natural peanut butter if you prefer less sugar.
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Confectioners’ Sugar (2½ cups):
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Sweetens the peanut butter mixture and helps it hold its shape when formed into balls.
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Substitution: Reduce to 2 cups for less sweetness, or use a powdered sugar substitute for a low-sugar option.
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Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon):
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Adds a warm, sweet note that enhances the peanut butter flavor.
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Substitution: Almond extract for a nuttier taste, or skip it if you don’t have any.
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Semi-Sweet Chocolate (8 ounces, chopped):
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Creates a smooth, rich coating that hardens into a satisfying shell. Semi-sweet balances the sweetness of the filling.
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Substitution: Milk chocolate for a sweeter coating, dark chocolate for a richer flavor, or white chocolate for a fun twist.
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Tip: Choose high-quality peanut butter and chocolate for the best flavor—since there are so few ingredients, each one counts!
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Peanut Butter Filling
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In a large bowl, combine the entire 18-ounce jar of creamy peanut butter with 2½ cups confectioners’ sugar.
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Use an electric mixer (or a whisk and some elbow grease) to beat the mixture until smooth and stiff. It should hold together like dough.
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Beat in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
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Tip: If the mixture feels too soft, add a bit more confectioners’ sugar (1 tablespoon at a time) until it’s easy to shape.
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Step 2: Shape the Bites
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Scoop out the peanut butter mixture and roll into 20 (1-inch) balls. Use your hands or a small cookie scoop for even sizes.
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Place the balls on a sheet tray lined with waxed paper or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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Freeze the tray for 1 hour to firm up the balls for easier dipping.
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Tip: Keep the balls uniform in size for consistent dipping and a professional look.
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Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
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Place 8 ounces of chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a small heatproof bowl set over a pot of gently simmering water (double boiler method).
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Stir the chocolate until fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat to cool slightly.
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Tip: Alternatively, melt the chocolate in the microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, to avoid burning.
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Step 4: Dip the Bites
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Using two forks, dip each chilled peanut butter ball halfway into the melted chocolate, letting excess chocolate drip off.
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Place the dipped balls back on the waxed paper-lined tray.
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For decoration, drizzle or swirl a little extra chocolate over the top of each bite using a fork.
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Tip: Work quickly to keep the peanut butter balls cold, and dip in batches if the chocolate starts to thicken.
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Step 5: Chill and Set
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Place the tray in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the chocolate harden and the peanut butter solidify further.
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Once set, the bites are ready to enjoy!
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Tip: For faster setting, pop them in the freezer for 10–15 minutes instead of the fridge.
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