Peanut Butter Snowballs have become a household favorite for me, especially during the holidays. They’re like little bites of joy: sweet, creamy, with just the right crunch from the graham crackers, all coated in velvety white chocolate. What’s not to love? They remind me of cozy winter afternoons spent baking and sneaking a few bites of peanut butter straight from the jar (you do it too, right?).

These snowballs are ridiculously easy to make and perfect for gifting, sharing, or just devouring straight from the fridge. The combination of peanut butter and white chocolate makes them feel indulgent yet approachable—like a fancy treat that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

A quick trip down memory lane

One of my favorite holiday memories is making these with my best friend, Kelly. We were in college, broke, and wanted to give homemade gifts to our families. Kelly had this hand-me-down recipe card from her grandmother with a similar version of these snowballs. We added sprinkles for flair and made over 50 in one night. Our tiny kitchen was covered in powdered sugar, chocolate smudges, and laughter. To this day, every time I whip these up, I remember those nights of carefree baking and how a simple recipe brought so much joy to the season.

The backstory behind peanut butter snowballs

Peanut Butter Snowballs are a playful twist on classic peanut butter balls or Buckeyes (which are dipped in milk or dark chocolate). These snowballs ditch the darker chocolate for a creamy white chocolate coating, giving them their signature snowy appearance. While the Buckeye tradition comes from Ohio, these white chocolate-dipped beauties have become a popular alternative for holiday celebrations across the U.S. The graham cracker crumbs are a clever addition—they add texture and tone down the sweetness just enough to let the peanut butter shine.

Let’s talk ingredients: sweet simplicity at its finest

This recipe only needs seven simple ingredients, many of which you might already have in your pantry.

Creamy peanut butter: The heart of the recipe. It binds everything together and gives that rich, nutty flavor. I prefer a classic brand (like Jif or Skippy) for its smooth texture, but natural peanut butter works too—just make sure to stir it well to mix the oils.
Butter: Just two tablespoons to add creaminess and help the snowballs hold their shape. Softened butter blends better, so don’t skip this step.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds warmth and depth. If you’re feeling fancy, use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
Powdered sugar: This sweetens and firms up the mixture. If you’re out, you can blend granulated sugar into a powder using a blender or food processor.
Graham cracker crumbs: These add structure and a subtle crunch. No graham crackers? Crushed digestive biscuits or even pretzels make a fun substitute!
White chocolate bark: It’s smooth, melts easily, and creates that perfect coating. You can also use white chocolate chips or a high-quality white chocolate bar in a pinch.
Holiday sprinkles (optional): These make the snowballs festive and fun. I love using red, green, and gold sprinkles for a holiday vibe, but feel free to skip them if minimalism is your style.

Kitchen gear: What you’ll need (and what you can skip)

For this recipe, you don’t need anything fancy, but a few tools will make your life easier:

Mixing bowl: A large one works best to combine all the ingredients.
Hand mixer or stand mixer: Mixing peanut butter and powdered sugar can get sticky, so a mixer is your best friend here. (If you don’t have one, good old elbow grease and a wooden spoon will do.)
Parchment paper: For lining the baking sheet. It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Microwave-safe bowl: Essential for melting the white chocolate. If you don’t have one, a small saucepan and a double boiler will work too.
Fork or toothpicks: For dipping the snowballs into the chocolate. A fork lets the excess chocolate drip off easily.
Piping bag (optional): For drizzling extra chocolate. A plastic baggie with the tip snipped off works just as well.

Step-by-step: Making these irresistible treats

Ready to dive in? Let’s make these snowballs together!

Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Use a mixer or spoon until everything’s smooth and creamy.
Tip: Scrape the sides of the bowl to make sure no peanut butter gets left behind.
Add the dry ingredients: Stir in the powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs until the mixture comes together. It’ll feel like a slightly sticky dough.
Been there, done that: Once, I didn’t mix the powdered sugar enough, and some bites were extra sweet. Lesson learned—stir well!
Form the snowballs: Scoop out 1-tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls with your hands. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
Shortcut: If you’re in a hurry, pop them in the freezer for 10 minutes instead.
Melt the white chocolate: Microwave the white chocolate bark in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s smooth and glossy. This prevents scorching.
Dip and decorate: Using a fork or toothpick, dip each ball into the melted white chocolate. Let the excess drip off before placing it back on the baking sheet. Drizzle extra white chocolate on top and sprinkle with festive decorations if desired.
Chill to set: Place the decorated snowballs back in the fridge for at least 15 minutes until the chocolate hardens.

Fun variations and twists

Want to put your own spin on these snowballs? Here are some ideas:

Vegan-friendly: Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free white chocolate.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free graham crackers to make this recipe safe for gluten-sensitive friends.
Dark chocolate lovers: Switch the white chocolate for milk or dark chocolate for a twist on Buckeyes.
Peanut butter alternatives: Almond butter or sunflower seed butter work beautifully if you’re avoiding peanuts.
Add-ins: Mix in mini chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or even a pinch of sea salt for extra flavor.

Serving and presentation ideas

For a festive look, arrange these snowballs on a holiday-themed platter or a rustic wooden board. A dusting of powdered sugar on the platter gives a snowy vibe. Serve them alongside hot cocoa, coffee, or tea for a cozy winter treat. If you’re gifting these, pop them into a decorative tin or cellophane bags tied with ribbon.

Perfect drink pairings

These snowballs pair wonderfully with creamy, comforting drinks. Hot cocoa with whipped cream is a classic, while spiced chai tea adds a warm, aromatic touch. For adults, a glass of Prosecco or Bailey’s Irish Cream complements the sweetness beautifully.

Storage and reheating tips

Store the snowballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. If you’re stacking them, place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Want to save some for later? They freeze well for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight.

Scaling up or down

Need more or fewer snowballs? This recipe is flexible. If doubling, make sure you have enough parchment-lined baking sheets. For smaller batches, halve the ingredients, but keep an eye on the powdered sugar—it’s easy to over-measure when scaling down.

Potential hiccups (and how to fix them)

Too sticky to roll: Add a bit more powdered sugar or graham cracker crumbs until the texture firms up.
Chocolate clumps when melting: Stir in 1 teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening to smooth it out.
White chocolate cracks when dipping: Let it cool slightly before dipping the chilled balls—extreme temperature differences can cause cracking.

Final thoughts

These Peanut Butter Snowballs are a holiday tradition worth starting. They’re simple, delicious, and endlessly adaptable. I hope you’ll give them a try and make them your own. Gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy creating these little bites of joy.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! It’ll add a fun crunch to the filling.

2. What if I don’t have graham crackers?
Substitute with digestive biscuits, pretzels, or even crushed vanilla wafers.

3. Do I need to refrigerate them?
Yes, chilling helps them set and keeps them fresh. Store them in the fridge or freezer.

4. Can I use milk or dark chocolate instead of white?
Definitely! Dark or milk chocolate makes a delicious variation.

5. How far in advance can I make these?
You can make them up to two weeks ahead if stored in the fridge or freeze them for up to two months.