1-First Step: In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of creamy peanut butter with 1/4 cup of softened butter. Using either a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon, mix these ingredients together until they’re well combined and smooth. This should take about 1-2 minutes. The warmth from your hands or the mixer will help soften the mixture, making it easier to work with.

2-Second Step: Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar to the peanut butter mixture, about 1/2 cup at a time. This gradual approach prevents the sugar from flying everywhere and ensures it gets fully incorporated. Mix thoroughly after each addition until the sugar is completely blended in. The mixture will become thick and stiff as you add more sugar.

3-Third Step: Check the consistency of your dough. It should be pliable but not sticky, able to hold its shape when rolled into a ball. If the mixture is too dry and crumbly, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk, one teaspoon at a time, mixing well after each addition until you reach the right consistency. If it’s too soft and sticky, you can add a little more powdered sugar or chill it for 15-20 minutes before rolling.

4-Fourth Step: Using clean hands or a small cookie scoop, portion out about 1 tablespoon of dough at a time. Roll each portion between your palms to create smooth, round balls approximately 1 inch in diameter. This size yields the perfect bite-sized treat that isn’t overwhelming to eat in one bite. Place each completed ball on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart so they don’t stick together.

5-Fifth Step: Once all your balls are formed, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial for several reasons: it firms up the balls so they hold their shape during dipping, it makes them less likely to fall apart when coated in chocolate, and it creates a better texture contrast with the hard chocolate shell. While the balls chill, prepare your chocolate coating.

6-Sixth Step: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 12 oz of chocolate candy coating or chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of shortening. The shortening helps thin the chocolate slightly, making it easier to coat the balls smoothly and giving it a nicer shine once set. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval. This prevents the chocolate from scorching, which can ruin both the texture and flavor. Continue until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted.

7-Seventh Step: If you prefer using a double boiler method instead of the microwave, place a heat-proof bowl over a pot of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Add your chocolate and shortening to the bowl, stirring occasionally until melted and smooth. This method gives you more control over the temperature and reduces the risk of overheating the chocolate.

8-Eighth Step: Remove your chilled peanut butter balls from the refrigerator. Working with one ball at a time, drop it into the melted chocolate. Use a fork to carefully lift the ball out of the chocolate, tapping the fork gently against the side of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate. This tapping technique is essential for creating a thin, even coating without pooling chocolate at the bottom.

9-Ninth Step: Carefully slide the coated ball off the fork onto your prepared baking sheet using a toothpick or another fork. If you’re finding this difficult, you can also try using a chocolate dipping tool or a special candy fork with two thin tines. For a different approach, you can insert a toothpick into each chilled ball, dip by holding the toothpick, and then remove the toothpick once the ball is back on the baking sheet, smoothing over the small hole with a bit of chocolate.

10-Tenth Step (Final Step): Once all your chocolate peanut butter balls are coated, you can add optional toppings like sea salt flakes, sprinkles, or crushed peanuts while the chocolate is still wet. Then, let the chocolate set completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to speed up the process. Once set, these peanut butter balls are ready to serve or store! They should yield approximately 30 delicious treats.