Save Festive, colorful candy balls that resemble holiday ornaments perfect for gifting or decorating your dessert table.
I first made these during the holiday season and they were a huge hit among 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 Making these candy balls is a cherished family tradition that brings everyone together 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
Calories: 140, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 17 g, Protein: 2 g per serving
Save These candy balls are easy to customize and always impress at holiday gatherings
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute peanut butter for allergies?
Yes, almond butter or sunflower seed butter can replace peanut butter to accommodate nut-free preferences.
- → What type of nuts work best in this treat?
Finely chopped pecans or walnuts complement the vanilla base well, adding a pleasant crunch and flavor.
- → How should these candy balls be stored?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness and texture.
- → Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute regular vanilla wafers with gluten-free vanilla wafers to suit gluten-sensitive diets.
- → Can I use different coatings besides white chocolate?
Dark or milk chocolate coatings work well as alternatives, allowing for variety in flavor and appearance.