3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls

If there’s one treat I can never resist, it’s anything with peanut butter. And when that treat takes just three simple ingredients and a few minutes to make? That’s a win in my book! These 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls are one of those classic, no-fuss recipes that every home cook should know.

I remember my grandmother making a batch of these every holiday season — no baking, no candy thermometers, just creamy peanut butter, a bit of cream cheese, and sugar magic. She’d roll them into perfect little spheres, chill them, and store them in a tin that somehow always seemed bottomless. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, an easy dessert, or a sweet homemade gift, these peanut butter balls hit the spot every time.

Why You’ll Love 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls

• Only 3 Ingredients: No fancy ingredients, no baking — just a simple, satisfying treat.
• Quick & Easy: Takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus chilling time. Perfect for busy schedules.
• Creamy, Sweet & Nutty: The combo of peanut butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Customizable: You can roll them in crushed nuts, dip them in chocolate, or dust them with cocoa for endless variations.
• Freezer-Friendly: Store them for weeks — a quick treat whenever cravings hit.
• Kid-Friendly: Fun and safe for kids to help make, especially during holidays or school breaks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity — just three everyday ingredients come together to make something special. Here’s what you’ll need for 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened – Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest flavor and smoothest texture. Make sure it’s at room temperature so it blends easily with the peanut butter.
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter – I recommend a classic brand like Jif or Skippy. Natural peanut butters can separate and make the mixture oily, so stick with traditional creamy varieties for best results.
• 1 cup powdered sugar – Adds sweetness and helps the mixture firm up so it’s easy to shape into balls.

Optional Add-ins for Extra Fun:

• Crushed peanuts or graham cracker crumbs – For texture and a bit of crunch.
• Cocoa powder or shredded coconut – For rolling and decorating.
• Chocolate coating – Melt chocolate chips with a teaspoon of oil to dip the balls for a truffle-style treat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make the creamiest, dreamiest 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls — no baking required!

1. Mix the cream cheese and peanut butter

• In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese and creamy peanut butter.
• Use a hand mixer or sturdy spatula to blend until smooth, creamy, and uniform in color.
• The mixture should be thick but spreadable.

Tip: If your cream cheese is too cold, microwave it for 10–15 seconds to soften it before mixing.

2. Add the powdered sugar

• Gradually add 1 cup powdered sugar, about ¼ cup at a time, stirring after each addition.
• Mix until fully incorporated and the mixture becomes thicker and more dough-like.
• It should be firm enough to hold its shape when rolled.

Tip: If your dough feels too sticky, add an extra tablespoon or two of powdered sugar until it firms up.

3. Shape into balls

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, shape the mixture into bite-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
• Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.

Optional: For a decorative twist, roll each ball in cocoa powder, crushed nuts, or shredded coconut before chilling.

4. Chill until firm

• Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the peanut butter balls are firm to the touch.
• For a firmer texture (especially if dipping in chocolate), freeze them for about 20 minutes.

5. Serve and enjoy!
Once chilled, these 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls are ready to enjoy! Serve them cold straight from the fridge or let them soften slightly at room temperature for a creamier bite.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Ideas:

• Arrange them on a pretty platter for a party or holiday dessert spread.
• Pack a few in mini paper liners for a gift-worthy presentation.
• Stack them in a mason jar with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Add them to your cookie trays — they look great next to fudge, truffles, or no-bake cookies.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Place the peanut butter balls in a single layer on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag.
• Thawing: Let thaw in the refrigerator for an hour or at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.

Make-Ahead Tip:
You can prepare the peanut butter mixture up to 24 hours in advance, then roll and chill when ready to serve.

Helpful Notes

• Cream Cheese Tip: Always start with room-temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth, uniform texture.
• Peanut Butter Choice: Stick with traditional creamy peanut butter, not natural varieties that separate.
• Powdered Sugar Adjustment: If the mixture feels too soft, add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you can easily roll it.
• Chocolate Coating Option: Melt 1 cup of chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil, dip each chilled peanut butter ball, and place on parchment paper. Chill again until the chocolate hardens.
• Flavor Variations:
  • Add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for a sweet, aromatic touch.
  • Mix in mini chocolate chips or crushed pretzels for texture.
  • Roll in cocoa powder for a truffle-like finish.
• Allergy-Friendly Alternatives: Swap peanut butter for almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or cashew butter to make them nut-allergy friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use natural peanut butter?
You can, but the texture will be softer, and you may need to add extra powdered sugar to help it hold shape. Stir well before using to blend in the oil.

2. Can I make these peanut butter balls without cream cheese?
Yes, but the flavor and texture will change. You can use ¼ cup of butter instead — the balls will taste more like traditional buckeyes.

3. How do I make them less sweet?
Try reducing the powdered sugar slightly or using unsweetened peanut butter to balance the sweetness.

4. Can I dip them in chocolate?
Absolutely! Chilled peanut butter balls are perfect for dipping. Use milk, dark, or white chocolate for a delicious coating. Chill again after dipping to set.

5. How do I keep them from sticking when rolling?
If the mixture feels sticky, refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes before shaping. Lightly dust your hands with powdered sugar to make rolling easier.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason these 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls have stood the test of time — they’re easy, delicious, and endlessly versatile. The creamy peanut butter and tangy cream cheese create a perfectly balanced bite that’s rich but not overly sweet. And with no baking required, you can whip up a batch anytime the craving strikes.

I’ve made these for everything from quick after-school snacks to elegant dessert platters, and they always get rave reviews. They’re proof that sometimes, the simplest recipes really are the best.