Christmas Magic: Peanut Butter Balls, Peppermint Bark & Candy Recipe

Sweet treats and holiday magic come together in these delectable Christmas peanut butter balls that sparkle with festive cheer.

Creamy, rich, and utterly irresistible, these bite-sized delights promise to steal the spotlight at any gathering.

Each morsel bursts with classic peanut butter flavor and a smooth chocolate coating.

The recipe combines simple ingredients that blend effortlessly into pure indulgence.

You’ll fall in love with how quickly these candies come together in your kitchen.

These mouthwatering morsels offer a perfect balance of sweetness and nostalgia.

Prepare to delight everyone with these crowd-pleasing holiday confections that turn ordinary moments into memorable celebrations.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of chocolate for dipping?

Yes, you can use milk, dark, or white chocolate based on your preference. Just ensure it melts smoothly and coats the candies evenly.

• How long will these homemade candies last?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these candies can last up to 2 weeks. Keep them cool to maintain their texture and flavor.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these candies?

Basic kitchen tools like a microwave, baking sheet, parchment paper, and mixing bowls are all you need. A double boiler can help melt chocolate more evenly, but it’s not mandatory.

Why Christmas Peanut Butter Balls Peppermint Bark and Butterfinger Bars Are Always a Hit

• Whip up delightful candies that require minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients from your pantry.
• Create three different sweets that cater to chocolate and peanut butter lovers, perfect for holiday gatherings and gift-giving.
• Craft delicious candies that cost less than store-bought options and showcase personal creativity with minimal investment.
• Follow simple step-by-step instructions that allow even novice bakers to produce professional-looking confections without complicated techniques.

What Goes Into These Holiday Candy Classics

• Peanut Butter: A creamy spread that provides rich flavor and texture for the candy.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps bind ingredients together.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates sweetness and helps form a smooth mixture.

• Dark Chocolate Chips, Milk Chocolate Chips, White Chocolate Chips: Essential for creating smooth, melted coatings for different candies.
• Dipping Chocolate: Provides a glossy, sweet exterior for the candies.

• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the peanut butter balls.
• Peppermint Extract: Adds a cool, refreshing taste to the peppermint bark.
• Candy Corn: Creates the distinctive Butterfinger candy texture and flavor.
• Crushed Peppermint Candy: Provides a festive decoration and crunchy texture for the peppermint bark.

• Parchment Paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes handling the candies easier.

Tools for Easy Candy Making This Christmas

• Microwave: Quick and easy for melting chocolate and candy corn.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly.
• Baking sheet: Perfect for freezing and setting peanut butter balls.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Spatula: Great for stirring and spreading melted chocolate.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient amounts.
• Knife: Helpful for cutting Butterfinger candy into pieces.

Stepwise Guide to Christmas Candy Creations

Step 1: Whip Up The Creamy Base

Grab your mixing bowl and combine softened butter, smooth peanut butter, and a splash of vanilla extract.

Stir everything together until the mixture becomes silky and well-blended.

Step 2: Create Sweet Soft Dough

Gradually fold in powdered sugar, stirring continuously.

Keep mixing until the texture transforms into a soft, pliable dough that holds its shape perfectly.

Step 3: Shape Delightful Spheres

Roll the mixture into small, uniform balls using your palms.

Place each ball gently on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Pop the tray into the freezer for about half an hour to firm them up.

Step 4: Chocolate Dip Magic

Melt your favorite chocolate in a double boiler or microwave.

Carefully dunk each chilled peanut butter ball, ensuring complete chocolate coverage.

Let excess chocolate drip off before placing back on the parchment paper.

Peppermint Bark

Step 1: Create Chocolate Foundation

Melt chocolate chips until smooth and glossy.

Spread evenly across a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Allow the layer to cool and set completely.

Step 2: Add White Chocolate Layer

Gently melt white chocolate chips and stir in peppermint extract for that festive flavor.

Pour over the dark chocolate base, creating a beautiful two-tone effect.

Step 3: Sprinkle Festive Crunch

Crush peppermint candies into small pieces.

Generously scatter the crushed candy over the white chocolate layer.

Let the bark harden completely before breaking into irregular pieces.

Butterfinger Candy Bars

Step 1: Transform Candy Corn

Microwave candy corn in short intervals, stirring between each, until completely melted and smooth.

Step 2: Blend Creamy Mixture

Stir in peanut butter, mixing thoroughly until the combination becomes thick and consistent.

Step 3: Prepare Candy Slab

Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined surface.

Allow it to set completely before cutting into desired bar shapes.

Step 4: Chocolate Coating Finale

Melt chocolate for the final coating.

Dip each candy piece, ensuring full coverage.

Place on parchment paper to set and harden.

Candy Maker Tips for Perfect Texture and Taste

• Freeze the balls for at least 30 minutes before dipping to help them maintain shape and prevent cracking during chocolate coating.
• Melt chocolate slowly and carefully to avoid burning, using a double boiler or microwave with short intervals and stirring frequently.
• Select premium chocolate chips and real peanut butter for richer flavor and smoother texture in all three candy recipes.
• Add peppermint extract gradually and taste to achieve the perfect minty balance without overwhelming the chocolate.
• Stir candy corn and peanut butter consistently to create a uniform, crisp filling that mimics the classic candy bar crunch.

Ways to Mix Up Your Holiday Candy Batches

• Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Balls: Use gluten-free powdered sugar and almond flour instead of traditional ingredients, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Peppermint Bark: Replace dairy chocolate with dark vegan chocolate chips and use coconut cream for white chocolate layer, creating a plant-based festive treat.
• Keto Butterfinger Alternative: Swap candy corn with sugar-free sweetener, use low-carb chocolate for coating, and incorporate almond butter for a ketogenic-friendly version.
• Nut-Free Holiday Candy: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter in recipes, ensuring safe options for those with nut allergies while maintaining delicious flavors.

Festive Ideas for Presenting Christmas Candies

• Holiday Gift Packages: Create charming homemade gift boxes with mixed candies, wrapped in festive ribbons and cellophane for friends and family.
• Sweet Dessert Platter: Arrange these candies beautifully on a decorative holiday tray with small garnishes like mint leaves or sprinkled cocoa for elegant presentation.
• Festive Party Treats: Display these homemade candies on tiered serving stands during Christmas gatherings, allowing guests to enjoy a variety of delightful sweet bites.
• After-Dinner Indulgence: Serve these candies alongside coffee or hot cocoa as a delectable end to a Christmas meal, providing a perfect sweet finale.

How to Keep Holiday Candy Fresh and Delicious

• Store peanut butter balls, peppermint bark, and Butterfinger candy bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap each treat individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
• Keep in a cool, dry place in a sealed container for 3-5 days, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Remove frozen treats from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore texture and flavor.

Christmas Peanut Butter Balls, Peppermint Bark, and Butterfinger Candy Bars Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Festive holiday candies like Christmas peanut butter balls delight sweet tooths with classic American confections. Creamy chocolate, crunchy peanuts, and peppermint notes combine for irresistible seasonal treats you’ll crave all winter long.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups peanut butter
• 2 cups peanut butter
• 3 cups candy corn

Sweeteners and Binding Agents:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Chocolate and Flavoring:

• 1 bag dark or light chocolate chips
• 1 bag white chocolate chips
• Dipping chocolate of choice
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• Crushed peppermint candy

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Combine softened butter with vanilla and creamy peanut butter in a large mixing bowl, blending until uniform and smooth.
2. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, stirring continuously until the mixture reaches a consistent, moldable texture.
3. Shape the mixture into compact, uniform spheres approximately one inch in diameter, positioning each carefully on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Refrigerate the peanut butter balls for 30 minutes to firm up their structure, ensuring easier chocolate coating.
5. Melt selected chocolate using a double boiler or microwave, ensuring smooth consistency without burning.
6. Delicately submerge each chilled peanut butter ball into melted chocolate, using a fork to ensure complete coverage and gentle removal.
7. Place chocolate-coated balls back on parchment paper, allowing excess chocolate to drip off and surface to set at room temperature.
8. For peppermint bark, melt dark chocolate chips carefully, spreading evenly across a lined baking sheet with smooth, consistent strokes.
9. Allow dark chocolate layer to cool completely at room temperature or briefly in refrigerator until firm to touch.
10. Gently melt white chocolate chips, stirring in peppermint extract for enhanced flavor profile.
11. Pour white chocolate mixture over cooled dark chocolate layer, creating an even, seamless surface.
12. Immediately sprinkle crushed peppermint candies across the top for decorative and textural contrast.
13. Let peppermint bark harden completely, then break into irregular, rustic pieces.
14. For Butterfinger candy, microwave candy corn in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to prevent scorching.
15. Once candy corn reaches smooth liquid state, incorporate peanut butter, mixing until thick and cohesive.
16. Spread the mixture onto parchment paper, creating an even layer approximately 1/4 inch thick.
17. Allow mixture to set at room temperature until firm enough to cut into rectangular segments.
18. Melt chocolate coating, then carefully dip each candy piece, ensuring complete coverage.
19. Place dipped candies on clean parchment paper, allowing chocolate to set completely before serving.

Notes

• Chill peanut butter balls thoroughly before dipping to prevent mixture from falling apart during chocolate coating.
• Use high-quality chocolate for smoother, more professional-looking candy coating.
• For gluten-free version, ensure all chocolate and ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Store homemade candies in airtight container in refrigerator to maintain texture and freshness.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Melting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 23g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 10mg