Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs with Caramel Drizzle Recipe
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs with Caramel Drizzle are a perfect treat for the holidays or any time you crave something sweet! They combine the rich flavors of chocolate and peanut butter in a bite-sized snowball shape, topped off with a sweet caramel drizzle.
Ingredients:
For the Snowballs:
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1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, your choice)
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1/2 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or crushed graham crackers)
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1 1/2 cups powdered milk (for a richer flavor, optional but recommended)
For the Chocolate Coating:
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2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or a mix of milk and dark chocolate chips, depending on your preference)
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for smoothness)
For the Caramel Drizzle:
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1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
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1/4 cup unsalted butter
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2 tablespoons heavy cream
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling
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Mix the Peanut Butter and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and softened butter. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to blend them together until smooth and creamy.
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Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
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Add the Dry Ingredients: Slowly fold in the graham cracker crumbs and powdered milk. The mixture will be thick and dough-like, but it should hold together when you press it between your fingers.
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Shape into Snowballs: Use your hands or a small cookie scoop to roll the mixture into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter. Place the peanut butter balls on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each ball. You should end up with about 20-24 snowballs.
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Chill: Place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This will help the peanut butter balls firm up, making it easier to dip them into chocolate.
Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Coating
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Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and vegetable oil. Microwave the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth and fully melted. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate.
Step 3: Coat the Peanut Butter Balls
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Dip the Snowballs: Once the peanut butter balls are firm, use a fork or a skewer to dip each ball into the melted chocolate. Make sure the snowball is fully coated, and then gently tap the fork against the side of the bowl to let excess chocolate drip off.
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Place on Baking Sheet: Place each chocolate-coated snowball back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat until all of the snowballs are coated.
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Chill Again: Return the chocolate-coated snowballs to the freezer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate has fully set.
Step 4: Make the Caramel Drizzle
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Combine Caramel Ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Stir the mixture constantly until it begins to bubble.
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Cook Until Thickened: Let the caramel cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens. Once thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
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Let It Cool Slightly: Allow the caramel to cool for 5-10 minutes. It should still be pourable but not too hot.
Step 5: Drizzle the Caramel
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Drizzle Over the Snowballs: Once the chocolate coating on the snowballs has set, use a spoon or a piping bag to drizzle the caramel sauce over the tops of each snowball. Be generous with the caramel drizzle for a sweet finishing touch.
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Chill for Final Set: Place the snowballs back in the fridge or freezer for another 10-15 minutes, to allow the caramel to firm up slightly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once everything is set and chilled, your Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs with Caramel Drizzle are ready to serve. These make a great gift or treat for any occasion!
Tips:
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Storage: Keep the snowballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to a month—just be sure to let them thaw slightly before serving.
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Customization: You can swap out the caramel drizzle for a white chocolate drizzle or add crushed nuts, mini chocolate chips, or even sprinkles on top for extra flair.