When the holiday season rolls around, everyone loves a quick, no-bake dessert that’s as delightful as it is easy to make. Enter 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Snowballs, the perfect sweet treat for peanut butter lovers. Made with just three pantry staples—cream cheese, peanut butter, and powdered sugar—these snowballs are creamy, rich, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re prepping for a festive gathering or just need a quick snack, these snowballs are guaranteed to impress with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Snowballs
1. Minimal Ingredients: Just three simple ingredients combine to create a decadent dessert.
2. No-Bake Recipe: No oven? No problem. This dessert comes together without any baking.
3. Make-Ahead Friendly: These snowballs can be made in advance and stored for up to 10 days, making them ideal for holiday prep.
4. Customizable: Add toppings or mix-ins to make them uniquely yours.
5. Perfect for Gifting: Their bite-sized, elegant look makes them a wonderful addition to cookie trays or gift boxes.
Ingredients Overview
1. Cream Cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy base that balances the sweetness of the peanut butter. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
2. Peanut Butter: Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth, luscious texture. Natural peanut butter can work, but be sure to mix it well beforehand.
3. Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness while also helping to thicken the dough.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the Dough
• In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and peanut butter. Using a hand mixer or whisk, blend until smooth and well incorporated.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until the dough becomes thick and holds together.
- Chill the Dough
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 2 hours. This step ensures the mixture is firm enough to roll into balls without sticking.
- Roll Into Balls
• Once chilled, use a tablespoon to scoop a level amount of dough. Roll it between your hands to form a smooth ball. Repeat the process until all the dough is used.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar
• Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated. This step gives the snowballs their signature “snowy” appearance.
- Store and Serve
• Place the snowballs in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Snowballs
1. Softening Cream Cheese: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing. This will make blending easier.
2. Chilling Time: Don’t skip the chilling step—it’s essential for making the dough firm and easy to handle.
3. Measuring Peanut Butter: To avoid sticky messes, lightly grease your measuring cup before adding peanut butter.
4. Powdered Sugar Coating: If you prefer a thicker coating, roll the snowballs in powdered sugar twice, ensuring an extra snowy look.
5. Even Rolling: Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform ball sizes.
Customizing Your Snowballs
While the classic 3-ingredient recipe is perfect as-is, there are endless ways to make these snowballs your own:
• Add a Chocolate Drizzle: Melt chocolate and drizzle it over the snowballs for a decadent touch.
• Incorporate Crunch: Mix in crushed pretzels, mini chocolate chips, or chopped peanuts for added texture.
• Flavor Boost: Add a dash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.
• Festive Coating: Roll the snowballs in colorful holiday sprinkles instead of powdered sugar for a fun twist.
• Dip in Chocolate: For a truffle-like treat, dip the snowballs in melted chocolate and let them set before serving.
Perfect Occasions for Peanut Butter Snowballs
• Holiday Parties: These are an easy crowd-pleaser for festive gatherings.
• Cookie Swaps: A unique addition to any cookie exchange lineup.
• Gifting: Pack these snowballs in a decorative box for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Everyday Snacking: Keep a batch in the fridge for quick, sweet cravings.
Why These Snowballs Are a Must-Try
Peanut Butter Snowballs are more than just a dessert—they’re a celebration of simplicity. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can create a treat that’s rich, creamy, and perfectly sweet. They’re versatile enough to dress up for special occasions yet easy enough to whip up on a whim.
So, grab your ingredients and make these Peanut Butter Snowballs today. They’re guaranteed to become a staple in your dessert repertoire, bringing joy to your table one bite at a time.
Enjoy your snowballs, and happy snacking!
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Snowballs
Easy 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Snowballs are creamy, sweet, and perfect for any occasion. With minimal effort, enjoy these no-bake treats in just a few simple steps!
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Chiling time 2 hours hrs
Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
In a large bowl, whisk the soften cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth and well combined. Add powdered sugar and mix until a thick dough is formed. At this point, chill the mixture for about 2 hours.
Once chilled scoop the dough into balls. Using a tablespoon measure, scoop a level tablespoon of the mixture then roll into a ball. Repeat the process until all of the balls are rolled.
Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar.
Cover and store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 10 days.