Save Festive, colorful candy balls that resemble holiday ornaments perfect for gifting or decorating your dessert table
This recipe quickly became a holiday favorite in my family where everyone loves the festive look and sweet flavors
Ingredients
- Base: 2 cups vanilla wafer cookies finely crushed, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
- Binding and Flavor: 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened, 3 tbsp milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Coating & Decoration: 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips or candy melts, assorted holiday sprinkles colored sugars or edible glitter, mini pretzel sticks or licorice strings (for ornament hooks)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, combine crushed vanilla wafers, powdered sugar, and chopped nuts.
- Step 2:
- Add peanut butter, softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until a thick, cohesive dough forms.
- Step 3:
- Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place on a parchment lined tray.
- Step 4:
- Chill balls in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up.
- Step 5:
- Meanwhile, melt white chocolate chips or candy melts according to package instructions.
- Step 6:
- Dip each chilled ball into melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off.
- Step 7:
- Place dipped balls back onto the tray and immediately decorate with holiday sprinkles or edible glitter.
- Step 8:
- Before the coating sets, gently press a mini pretzel stick or small piece of licorice into each ball to create an ornament hook.
- Step 9:
- Refrigerate until set, about 10 minutes. Serve or package for gifting.
Save Making these candy balls has become a fun family tradition every holiday season bringing joy to both kids and adults
Required Tools
Mixing bowl spoon or spatula measuring cups and spoons baking tray parchment paper microwave safe bowl for melting chocolate
Allergen Information
Contains Peanuts or tree nuts (depending on nut choice), milk, gluten (unless using gluten free wafers). May contain soy (in chocolate). Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories 140 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 17 g Protein 2 g per serving
Save These candy balls make a delightful festive treat that’s simple to prepare and sure to impress your guests
Recipe Guide
- → Can I use a different nut butter?
Yes, almond or sunflower seed butter can be used as alternatives for different flavor profiles or nut allergies.
- → How should I store these candy balls?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness and firmness.
- → Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes, substitute gluten-free vanilla wafers to adapt the recipe for gluten-free needs.
- → What can I use for the ornament hooks?
Mini pretzel sticks or licorice strings work well to create the hook effect on each candy ball.
- → Can I use dark or milk chocolate coatings?
Absolutely, dark or milk chocolate melts can replace white chocolate for a different taste and appearance.