These 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Snowballs are the perfect treat for peanut butter lovers and anyone looking for a quick, indulgent snack. With just a few ingredients and no baking required, they make an ideal holiday dessert or a simple, everyday sweet bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Peanut butter and cream cheese come together in this easy no-bake treat to create a rich, creamy texture. Coated with powdered sugar, these snowballs offer a deliciously sweet crunch with every bite. They're perfect for the holidays or when you want to treat yourself to something quick and satisfying without a lot of effort. Plus, they require just three ingredients and are ready in less than 3 hours, making them a convenient, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth and well combined.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until a thick dough forms.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the mixture and refrigerate for about 2 hours, or until it becomes firm enough to handle.
- Shape the Snowballs: Once chilled, scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized portions and roll each portion into a ball. Repeat until all the dough is used.
- Coat in Powdered Sugar: Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar, ensuring each snowball is fully coated.
- Store: Place the snowballs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 10 days.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Servings: 15 snowballs
- Calories: 140 kcal per snowball
Variations
- Add Chocolate: For a chocolatey twist, melt some chocolate and dip each snowball in it before coating with powdered sugar.
- Roll in Crushed Nuts: Instead of powdered sugar, you can roll the snowballs in crushed peanuts or almonds for added texture and flavor.
- Use Flavored Cream Cheese: Try flavored cream cheese, like strawberry or cinnamon, to give the snowballs a unique taste.
- Make it Vegan: Swap the cream cheese for a vegan alternative and use powdered sugar without bone char to make this a vegan-friendly treat.
- Add a Pinch of Salt: For a salty-sweet combination, sprinkle a little sea salt over the snowballs after rolling them in powdered sugar.
Storage/Reheating
Store the peanut butter snowballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 10 days. There's no need to reheat these, as they are best enjoyed chilled, straight from the fridge.
FAQs
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for a more textured snowball, but keep in mind that it will change the consistency slightly.
2. How long do these peanut butter snowballs last?
They will last for up to 10 days if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
3. Can I freeze these snowballs?
Yes, you can freeze them. Place the snowballs in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to an airtight container for long-term storage.
4. Can I use powdered sugar substitutes?
Yes, if you're looking for a healthier option, you can use powdered erythritol or another sugar substitute in place of powdered sugar.
5. Do I have to refrigerate the snowballs?
Yes, refrigeration helps the snowballs firm up and keeps them fresh for longer.
6. Can I add chocolate to the peanut butter snowballs?
Yes, you can dip the snowballs in melted chocolate or add cocoa powder to the mixture for a chocolatey flavor.
7. How do I make these snowballs more festive?
You can add colorful sprinkles or holiday-themed decorations to the snowballs to make them more festive for the holiday season.
8. What’s the best way to coat the snowballs in powdered sugar?
Place the powdered sugar in a small bowl and roll the balls gently until they are fully coated. You may want to use a spoon to handle the snowballs to avoid too much mess.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! You can double or even triple the recipe if you're making them for a larger group or want to store some for later.
10. Are these snowballs gluten-free?
Yes, these peanut butter snowballs are naturally gluten-free, as they don't contain any wheat or gluten-containing ingredients.
Conclusion
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Snowballs are a simple yet delicious treat that everyone will love. Whether you're preparing for a holiday gathering or just want a quick, indulgent snack, these no-bake treats deliver on flavor and ease. With minimal ingredients and little prep time, they are a great go-to for busy days or special occasions. Enjoy the creamy, sweet, and satisfying taste of peanut butter snowballs in just a few simple steps!