Save It Festive, colorful candy balls that resemble holiday ornaments perfect for gifting or decorating your dessert table.
I first made these candy balls for a holiday party and they were a big 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 It My family loves gathering around to help decorate these candy balls each year.
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 It These festive candy balls make a delightful treat or gift that everyone will enjoy.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different type of nut in these candy balls?
Yes, you can substitute pecans or walnuts with almonds or sunflower seeds to suit dietary needs or preferences.
- → How do I make the candy balls firm enough for dipping?
Chilling the rolled balls in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes helps them firm up and hold shape during dipping.
- → What can I use instead of white chocolate for coating?
Dark or milk chocolate works well as an alternative coating to add different flavors and colors.
- → Are there gluten-free options for the base ingredients?
Yes, swapping vanilla wafers for gluten-free versions makes these candy balls suitable for gluten-free diets.
- → How should I store these candy balls after making them?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for up to one week.
- → What is the purpose of the pretzel sticks or licorice strings?
They serve as ornament hooks, giving each candy ball a festive look resembling holiday decorations.