Pin Festive, colorful candy balls that resemble holiday ornaments perfect for gifting or decorating your dessert table.
I always enjoy making these candy balls with my family during the holidays because they are fun to decorate and everyone loves them.
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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)
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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.
Pin My family always gathers around the kitchen table to decorate these candy balls, making it a joyful holiday tradition.
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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
Pin 
These candy balls are a perfect festive addition to your holiday celebrations and a hit with guests of all ages.
Recipe Questions
- → What can I use instead of peanut butter?
Almond butter or sunflower seed butter works well for a nut-free alternative, maintaining the creamy texture needed to bind the mixture.
- → How do I prevent the candy balls from falling apart?
Ensure the mixture is thoroughly combined until thick and cohesive, then chill the balls before dipping in chocolate to help them firm up.
- → Can I use different coatings other than white chocolate?
Yes, dark or milk chocolate coatings can be used to vary flavor and appearance while still providing a smooth, firm outer layer.
- → How should I store these candy balls?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to keep their texture and freshness.
- → Are these treats gluten-free?
They can be made gluten-free by substituting regular vanilla wafers with gluten-free versions to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- → What is the purpose of the mini pretzel sticks or licorice pieces?
These create ornament hooks, adding a festive decorative touch and making the candy balls resemble holiday ornaments.
