Save Festive, colorful candy balls that resemble holiday ornaments perfect for gifting or decorating your dessert table.
I first made these candy balls for a family holiday party and they were an instant hit with everyone.
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 cherished holiday tradition in our family.
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.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 140 calories, 7 g total fat, 17 g carbohydrates, 2 g protein
Save These candy balls add a festive touch to any holiday gathering and are sure to impress your guests.
Recipe Help & FAQs
- → Can I substitute peanut butter in this treat?
Yes, almond butter or sunflower seed butter work well as alternatives for different dietary needs.
- → How do I make the candy balls firm enough to dip?
Chill the rolled balls in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before dipping in melted chocolate to ensure they hold their shape.
- → What can I use instead of white chocolate coating?
Dark or milk chocolate coatings are great alternatives for variety or preference.
- → Are these suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, by using gluten-free vanilla wafers, you can make these treats gluten-free.
- → How should I store these candy balls to keep them fresh?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness and texture.