Save Festive, colorful candy balls that resemble holiday ornaments perfect for gifting or decorating your dessert table.
I first made these candy balls last holiday season and they were a huge hit with family and friends.
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 These candy balls always bring joy to our family gatherings during the holidays.
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 (per serving)
Calories: 140, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 17 g, Protein: 2 g
Save Enjoy creating these festive treats that add a special touch to your holiday celebrations.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make these candy balls nut-free?
Yes, swap peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter to accommodate nut-free needs.
- → What can I use instead of white chocolate for coating?
Dark or milk chocolate work well as alternative coatings, providing different flavor profiles.
- → How should I store these holiday candy balls?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- → Can I prepare these candy balls in advance?
Yes, prepare and chill them ahead of time, then dip and decorate just before serving for best results.
- → Are gluten-free options possible with this treat?
Use gluten-free vanilla wafers to make the candy balls suitable for gluten-free diets.