Butterfinger Balls Recipe

If you love the idea of ​​a sweet and savory snack that combines the creaminess of peanut butter, the crunch of peanut butter fudge, and the richness of chocolate, you’re in for a treat. Peanut Butter Balls are a delicious no-bake treat that’s easy to make on a weeknight but impressive enough to bring to a dinner party. Plus, they’re bite-sized, which means they’re perfect for snacking or sharing (though I won’t judge you if you keep them to yourself). Let me walk you through this irresistible recipe—because trust me, you’ll want to make these ASAP.

this RECIPE

A memory of chocolate-covered bliss

The first time I made these Butterfinger balls, it was for a neighborhood cookie swap. I wanted something that stood out but wouldn’t take hours of prep because, let’s be honest, December is chaos. As I melted the chocolate and rolled those little peanut butter balls, the aroma of roasted peanuts and sweet vanilla filled the kitchen. When my husband tried one, he paused mid-chew, raised his eyebrows, and said, “These are dangerously good.” Sure enough, they were the first treats to disappear at the party, and now they’re a staple in my holiday dessert rotation. (Warning: they’re addictive.)

The surprising history behind Butterfinger candy

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a quick detour into Butterfinger’s story. This iconic candy bar has been around since the 1920s and got its quirky name through a public contest. (Fun fact: Butterfinger was slang for someone clumsy back then!) Known for its crunchy, flaky texture and peanut-buttery taste, Butterfinger has evolved over the years but remains a fan favorite. Incorporating this nostalgic candy into a dessert like Butterfinger balls is a clever way to pay homage to a classic while creating something new and exciting.

Let’s talk ingredients: why each one matters

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a role in delivering that perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and chocolaty goodness.

• Peanut butter: The smooth texture is key here. It binds the ingredients together while adding that classic nutty flavor. If you’re out of smooth peanut butter, you can use natural peanut butter, but make sure to stir it thoroughly first. (Crunchy peanut butter can work too if you like a little extra texture.)
• Butter: Softened butter makes it easy to blend into the mixture, adding richness. Salted butter works fine if that’s all you have on hand—just skip adding extra salt.
• Vanilla: A small but mighty ingredient that enhances the flavor.
• Confectioners’ sugar: This sweetens and thickens the dough. Make sure to sift it if it’s clumpy for a smoother mix.
• Graham cracker crumbs: These provide structure and a slight crunch. If you’re gluten-free, try crushed gluten-free cookies or oats.
• Butterfinger bars: The star ingredient! Crush them finely for an even texture, or leave some larger chunks if you want surprise bursts of crunch.
• Chocolate bark or chips: Melting chocolate adds the finishing touch. I prefer semi-sweet chocolate chips, but milk or dark chocolate works just as well. If you’re vegan, opt for dairy-free chocolate chips.

What you’ll need in your kitchen

Don’t worry—no fancy equipment required here.

• Electric mixer or stand mixer: Mixing the peanut butter and butter by hand can be tricky, so an electric mixer is your best friend. A stand mixer with a paddle attachment is even better for hands-free mixing.
• Microwave-safe bowl: For melting the chocolate. If you don’t have a microwave, you can use a double boiler on the stove.
• Parchment paper: This keeps the balls from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Cookie scoop or spoon: To get evenly-sized balls (and to save your hands from getting messy).
• Fork or dipping tool: For coating the balls in chocolate without making a huge mess.

Step-by-step: making Butterfinger balls

Let’s roll up our sleeves and get started! This recipe comes together quickly, but a little prep work goes a long way.

1. Mix the base
   In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter and softened butter. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to blend them until they’re smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla and mix until combined. (Pro tip: scrape down the sides of the bowl so everything gets evenly mixed.)
2. Add the dry ingredients
   Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar in batches, mixing on low speed. The mixture will start to thicken into a soft dough. Stir in the graham cracker crumbs and crushed Butterfinger pieces. (Tip: If the mixture feels too sticky to handle, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up.)
3. Roll the balls
   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out about 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons of dough for each ball. Roll them gently between your hands until smooth and place them on the sheet. Once all the balls are formed, freeze the tray for 30 minutes to chill.
4. Melt the chocolate
   In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring each time. Stop heating when there are a few chunks left, and stir until it’s smooth. (Overheating the chocolate can make it seize up, so keep an eye on it.)
5. Dip and decorate
   Remove the chilled balls from the freezer. Using a fork, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off before placing it back on the parchment paper. You can cover the entire ball or leave part of the peanut butter mixture exposed for a two-tone look. Let the chocolate set completely at room temperature or in the fridge.
6. Enjoy!
   Once the chocolate is firm, your Butterfinger balls are ready to devour.

How to mix things up with variations

If you’re anything like me, you love tweaking recipes to suit your mood or dietary needs. Here are a few fun twists to try:

• Gluten-free: Swap the graham cracker crumbs for crushed gluten-free cookies or finely ground oats.
• Dairy-free/vegan: Use vegan butter, natural peanut butter, and dairy-free chocolate chips. Double-check that your Butterfinger bars are vegan-friendly or use a similar candy.
• Extra crunch: Roll the finished balls in chopped peanuts or additional crushed Butterfinger pieces before the chocolate sets.
• Nut-free: Swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or cookie butter. The flavor will be different, but equally delicious!

Serving and presentation tips

These Butterfinger balls look elegant on a platter lined with parchment paper or in a decorative tin for gifting. Sprinkle some crushed Butterfinger on top of the chocolate before it sets for a polished, bakery-style touch. Pair them with fresh fruit or a small bowl of whipped cream if you’re serving them at a party.

Beverage pairings

Butterfinger balls are rich and sweet, so a drink that balances them out works best. Here are my go-to options:

• Iced coffee or cold brew: The bitterness of coffee complements the sweetness perfectly.
• Milk: A classic choice—nothing beats a cold glass of milk with a chocolatey treat.
• Hot chocolate: Go all-in on the decadence with a creamy cup of cocoa. Add a dollop of whipped cream for good measure.
• Chai tea: The warm spices of chai pair beautifully with the peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
• Sparkling water: For a light and refreshing contrast, try citrus-flavored sparkling water.

Storing and reheating tips

Butterfinger balls store wonderfully! Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. If you prefer to make them ahead of time, they freeze beautifully for up to three months. Just layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature—no reheating necessary.

Adjusting for different serving sizes

This recipe makes about 24 balls, but it’s easy to scale up or down. If doubling the recipe, make sure your mixer bowl is large enough to handle the dough. For smaller batches, use a hand mixer instead. Just keep an eye on your ratios—too much sugar or graham cracker crumbs can dry out the mixture.

Common issues (and how to avoid them)

• Mixture too sticky to roll: Chill the dough for 10-15 minutes to firm it up.
• Chocolate seizes while melting: Melt at 50% power and stir frequently. If it still seizes, stir in a teaspoon of vegetable oil to smooth it out.
• Balls fall apart during dipping: Make sure they’re thoroughly chilled before dipping into the chocolate.

Give these Butterfinger balls a try!

Whether you’re craving a sweet snack, prepping for a party, or looking for a fun recipe to make with the kids, these Butterfinger balls are a must-try. They’re simple, delicious, and endlessly customizable. So, grab your ingredients, put on your favorite playlist, and get rolling. I promise you’ll be hooked after the first bite!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes! Crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture, but the balls may not roll as smoothly.

2. What if I don’t have graham cracker crumbs?
Crushed vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or even oats make great substitutes.

3. How do I keep the chocolate coating smooth?
Use a fork for dipping and tap it gently on the bowl’s edge to remove excess chocolate.

4. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. They store well in the fridge for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to three months.

5. Are these safe for kids to make?
Yes! With supervision for melting chocolate, kids will love rolling the balls and dipping them in chocolate.

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