Peanut Butter Balls

Every Christmas, since a very young age, one thing we looked most forward to is when the Christmas baking would occur. The house would fill with the baked smells of Shortbread cookies, Mincemeat tarts, Jam-filled Thumbprint cookies and more. Of course, the Shortbreads were always a family favorite but in later years, when my Mom introduced these little chocolate delights it was hard to choose! Chocolate and peanut butter have always been a great combination (just ask Reese’s!) but the fact that these little treats are small enough to be a one bite treat makes having more than one feel less guilt inducing. Traveling home for the holidays is the best way to enjoy these Peanut Butter delights but since that isn’t always possible, it was time to get the recipe myself. They were so much fun to make and took very little time, which is good because of the way they quickly disappear from our house. A few more batches will need to be created before Christmas Eve!

Peanut Butter ‘Snow’balls

1 cup icing sugar (powdered sugar)

1/2 cup Peanut Butter (creamy)

3 T. butter, softened

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

8 squares semi-sweet chocolate (4 oz.)

Beat sugar, peanut butter and butter.  I used my Kitchenaid Mixer and beat until well mixed together.  Slowly stir in crumbs and continue beating until combined.

Shape into 1 inch balls and place on waxed paper-lined cookie sheet.  Chill for 30 minutes or until firm.

Melt chocolate over hot water (using a double boiler) or in microwave on MEDIUM power for 2 to 3 minutes.  Dip balls* and place on waxed paper-lined cookie sheet; chill.  Once the chocolate has hardened, store covered in refrigerator.  

*Note:  You can use a small spoon to dip the peanut butter balls.  Roll around enough to make sure all sides are covered in the chocolate before putting back on tray.