These creamy peanut butter balls are the kind of treat you’ll find yourself making again and again. With just three simple ingredients and no baking involved, they come together in minutes and deliver the perfect bite-sized balance of sweet, nutty, and tangy flavors.

3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is everything you want in a no-fuss dessert. It’s quick, easy, and doesn’t require turning on the oven. The smooth cream cheese gives these bites a rich texture, the peanut butter brings that familiar, comforting flavor, and powdered sugar ties it all together with a hint of sweetness. They’re great for parties, snack trays, or just something to stash in the fridge when a craving hits.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup powdered sugar

Directions

Start by combining the softened cream cheese and peanut butter in a medium bowl. Use a hand mixer if you have one, or stir vigorously with a sturdy spatula until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.

Next, add the powdered sugar a bit at a time, mixing well after each addition. The mixture should start to thicken as you go. If it still feels too sticky to shape, you can add a little more powdered sugar until it holds together nicely.

Once your mixture is ready, scoop out small portions and roll them into 1-inch balls. You can use a small cookie scoop or your hands for this part. Place each ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper.

Refrigerate the tray for at least 30 minutes so the peanut butter balls can firm up. After that, they’re ready to eat.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 20 to 25 peanut butter balls, depending on how big you roll them.
Prep time is around 10 minutes, and they’ll need to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Variations

You can easily put your own twist on these. Try dipping them in melted chocolate for a more decadent version, or roll them in chopped nuts, shredded coconut, crushed cookies, or colorful sprinkles. If you want a bit of extra flavor, a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt can take them up a notch. You can also experiment with other nut butters like almond or cashew for a slightly different taste and texture.

Storage / Reheating

Store the peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. They’ll stay nice and firm that way. If you want to make a batch in advance, they freeze well too. Just lay them out on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for a few months, and you can let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I leave these out at room temperature?

Because they contain cream cheese, it’s best to keep them refrigerated until serving.

2. Can I dip them in chocolate?

Yes, dipping them in melted chocolate turns them into an even more indulgent treat.

3. Can I use a different sweetener?

Powdered sugar works best for texture, but you could try a powdered sugar substitute if you’re cutting back on sugar.

4. Will natural peanut butter work?

It might, but natural peanut butter is often more oily or runny, which can make the mixture harder to shape.

5. My mixture is too sticky. What should I do?

Just add a bit more powdered sugar until it firms up enough to roll into balls.

6. Can I add anything to the mixture?

Definitely. Try adding vanilla extract, mini chocolate chips, or a pinch of cinnamon.

7. How do I make them look prettier?

Roll them in crushed nuts or drizzle with chocolate to dress them up for parties or gifting.

8. Can I freeze these?

Yes, they freeze really well. Store in a freezer-safe container and thaw as needed.

9. Do I need to chill the mixture before rolling?

It’s not necessary, but if your kitchen is warm, chilling the mixture for a few minutes can make rolling easier.

10. How long do they last in the fridge?

They’ll stay fresh for about five days when stored in an airtight container.

Conclusion

These 3-ingredient peanut butter balls are simple, satisfying, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re making them for a gathering or just to keep a sweet treat on hand, they’re sure to be a hit. Creamy, rich, and full of flavor, they’re proof that the best recipes don’t have to be complicated