Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls are a cherished tradition in my family during the holiday season. Elevate this classic treat by adding a caramel filling, and watch your family be delighted and amazed!
Ingredients
Creating these delicious Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls with Caramel requires just five simple ingredients:
- Powdered Sugar: Ensure it is fresh and soft for the best texture.
- Peanut Butter: Brands like Jif or Skippy work perfectly.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter, unless your peanut butter is unsalted.
- Chocolate: Regular milk chocolate chips will suffice.
- Caramel: Small caramel bits from Kraft work well, or you can use halved Werther’s Original caramels if needed.
This combination guarantees a delightful treat that will impress your family during the holiday season.
Creating these Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls with Caramel is straightforward, though it does require some time. Follow these steps for a delightful treat:
- Mix Ingredients: Combine the powdered sugar, butter, and peanut butter in a bowl.
- Prepare Dough Balls: Use a teaspoon to scoop even portions of dough. Flatten each portion, place a caramel bit in the center, then close and roll into a smooth, round ball.
- Shape and Chill: Place the rolled balls on a baking sheet. Repeat until all the dough is used. This process takes about 20 minutes and yields approximately 75 peanut butter balls, so consider turning on a show or video for entertainment.
- Freeze: Place the baking sheet with the balls in the freezer for at least 20 minutes.
- Melt Chocolate: When ready to coat, melt a few handfuls of chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl until smooth.
- Coat in Chocolate: Remove the peanut butter balls from the freezer. Drop each ball into the melted chocolate, using a spoon to ensure it’s fully covered. This can be messy and time-consuming. If you prefer less chocolate, drizzle it over the balls instead, which also saves time.
- Final Freeze: Place the chocolate-coated balls back in the freezer for at least 15 minutes to harden.
- Store: Once set, transfer the peanut butter balls to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator or freezer.
Enjoy your homemade Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls with Caramel!
Variations of Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls with Caramel
Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls with Caramel are a delightful twist on the classic treat known as Buckeyes. These delicious spheres of peanut butter, sugar, and butter are frozen and then dipped in chocolate, reminiscent of a homemade Reese’s peanut butter cup. Here are some creative variations to try:
- Caramel Filling: Elevate the traditional recipe by stuffing the peanut butter balls with caramel.
- Chocolate Options: Instead of milk chocolate, experiment with dark chocolate or white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
- Nut Butter Alternatives: Swap out peanut butter for almond butter, sunbutter, or a high-protein nut butter from Nuts ‘N More (use code PIECEOFLULU10 for a discount).
- Additional Toppings: Roll the coated peanut butter balls in chopped fruit, nuts, sprinkles, or seeds to add extra texture and flavor.
Helpful Baking Advice for Peanut Butter Caramel Balls
If you’re trying to perfect your Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls with Caramel, these straightforward suggestions could be very helpful:
- When you’re having trouble scooping the dough with a traditional teaspoon, try using a teaspoon-sized cookie dough scoop. This tool lets you easily press the right amount of dough directly into your hands.
- If your dough begins to soften too much while you’re rolling it, cool it down by placing it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes. This will make it firmer and easier to handle.
- To prevent the dough from sticking to your hands, lightly dip your fingertips in water. This simple trick will help you work with the dough more comfortably.
FAQS
Can peanut butter balls be left out?
Yes, peanut butter balls can be left
How long can traditional peanut butter be stored?
Unopened commercially processed peanut butter can be kept for up to 9 months in the pantry. Once opened, it lasts up to 3 months in the pantry and can extend to 9 months if stored in the refrigerator.
What causes peanut butter to spoil?
Peanut butter typically has a long shelf life due to its low moisture content. However, it can still go bad. The high fat content in peanut butter makes it susceptible to rancidity. If peanut butter spoils, it will develop an unpleasant smell, taste, or appearance.
What is the shelf life of natural peanut butter?
Natural peanut butter, especially varieties without stabilizers, typically lasts several months unopened in the pantry and about a month once opened. If refrigerated, it can remain good for up to a year unopened and 3 to 4 months after opening.
Can peanut butter improve sleep quality?
Peanut butter can aid sleep due to its tryptophan content, which helps promote relaxation and sleep. Additionally, it contains nutrients, vitamins, and heart-healthy fats. Similar benefits are found in other nuts like almonds, walnuts, and cashews, which are rich in melatonin, magnesium, and zinc, all supporting good sleep.