Save to Pinterest Festive, colorful candy balls that resemble holiday ornaments perfect for gifting or decorating your dessert table.
This recipe has become a favorite during the holidays for its fun presentation and delicious taste cherished by 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)
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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 to Pinterest Making these candy balls has been a joyful holiday tradition that brings my family together to create and share sweet treats.
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 to Pinterest This recipe is a quick and delightful way to add festive cheer to your holiday celebrations with sweet, colorful treats.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What nuts can I use in these candy balls?
You can use pecans, walnuts, or substitute peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for nut-free options.
- → How do I create the ornament hooks?
Press mini pretzel sticks or licorice strings into each coated ball before the chocolate sets to resemble ornament hooks.
- → Can I use different coatings?
Yes, dark or milk chocolate coatings can be used instead of white chocolate for variety.
- → How should these candy balls be stored?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- → Are these candy balls gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, substitute vanilla wafers with gluten-free alternatives.
- → How long does preparation take?
Preparation requires about 25 minutes, including mixing, chilling, coating, and decorating.
