Name: Peanut Butter Snowball Treats
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 cup creamy peanut butter; ½ cup softened butter; ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups crisp rice cereal or finely crushed graham crackers; Optional: mini chocolate chips or chopped peanuts

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Indulge in these delightful Peanut Butter Snowball Treats that combine rich, creamy peanut butter with a subtle crunch and a snowy dusting of powdered sugar. These sweet, chewy bites are perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a nostalgic, homestyle snack.

Easy to make and irresistibly tasty, these snowball treats bring a touch of whimsy and warmth to your kitchen, perfect for sharing or savoring on a cozy afternoon.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and fuss-free, coming together in just minutes with no baking required.
Deliciously chewy texture uniquely combining creamy peanut butter and crispy cereal.
Perfectly coated in powdered sugar for a fun, festive snowy appearance.

Ingredients

Creamy Peanut Butter: Provides a smooth, rich, and nutty foundation that binds the mixture together.
Butter, softened: Adds creaminess and richness, helping to create a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Powdered Sugar (plus extra for coating): Sweetens the treat and creates the signature snowy coating on the outside.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
Crisp Rice Cereal: Adds a light crunch and crisp texture to contrast the creamy peanut butter.
Mini Chocolate Chips (optional): Adds bursts of chocolatey sweetness for extra indulgence.
Chopped Peanuts (optional): Provides additional crunch and nutty flavor variation.

Instructions

Mix the Base: In a large bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter and softened butter until smooth and well combined. Adding powdered sugar and vanilla extract next creates a sweet, flavorful mixture that forms the base of your treats.
Add Cereal: Fold in crisp rice cereal or crushed graham crackers carefully. This step gives the treats a delightful crunch and helps ensure the mixture holds together without being too dense.
Form the Snowballs: Using clean hands, roll tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture into smooth balls. Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and prepare for coating.
Coat in Powdered Sugar: Gently roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated, creating the iconic snowy appearance and adding a delicate sweetness with every bite.
Chill: Refrigerate the snowball treats for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up and develop their signature chewy texture, making them easier to handle and enjoy.
Serve: Enjoy these peanut butter snowballs chilled or at room temperature, perfect for an afternoon snack, holiday treat, or dessert platter addition.

You Must Know

Feel free to substitute crisp rice cereal with finely crushed graham crackers for a slightly different texture and flavor.
To customize sweetness, incorporate mini chocolate chips or chopped peanuts into the mixture before shaping.
Always chill the treats well to help them set and maintain their shape during serving.

Storage Tips

Store your Peanut Butter Snowball Treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to keep them fresh. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to one month and thaw before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These treats pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or milk for an inviting snack. They also make festive additions to holiday dessert trays, lunchboxes, or party platters.

Professional Tips

Soften the butter just enough to blend smoothly but avoid melting to keep proper texture.
When rolling the balls, lightly oil your hands to prevent sticking and ensure perfectly round shapes.
For an extra festive touch, lightly dust with additional powdered sugar just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?: Yes, natural peanut butter works well but may alter texture slightly due to oil separation; be sure to stir it thoroughly before mixing.
What if I don’t have crisp rice cereal?: Crushed graham crackers are a fantastic substitute providing similar texture and a hint of honeyed flavor.
How long do these snowball treats last?: They keep fresh up to one week refrigerated and freeze well for up to one month when stored properly.
Can I make these treats vegan?: Use a dairy-free butter substitute and ensure the peanut butter is vegan-friendly for a vegan version of the snowballs.
Is it necessary to refrigerate before serving?: Yes, chilling helps the treats firm up, enhancing texture and flavor for the best eating experience.
Can I add other mix-ins?: Absolutely! Chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or even dried fruit work beautifully to customize the treats.
How do I prevent the snowballs from sticking together?: Keep them chilled and store in a single layer or use parchment paper between layers if stacking is needed.