This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
These gluten-free peanut butter balls are a no-bake dessert you can make in minutes, with a creamy peanut butter center dipped in smooth dark chocolate. They make quick Christmas treats, holiday treats, and easy gifting treats, especially when you want something simple that still feels festive! Crushed Simple Mills Sweet Thins replace gluten-free oats, keeping the recipe fully certified gluten-free while adding just the right texture.
Quick Look: Peanut Butter Balls
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
- 🍳 Chill Time: 1 hour
- 🕒 Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- 👥 Servings: 24
- 📊 Calories: ~176 kcal per serving (based on nutrition panel)
- 🔥 Cook Method: No cooking required
- 👩🍳 Flavor Profile: Smooth, truffle-like center, and a crisp chocolate shell
- ⭐ Difficulty: Easy, perfect for holiday cookie exchanges
SUMMARIZE & SAVE THIS CONTENT ON
Why You'll Love This Recipe
These chocolate-dipped peanut butter balls have a smooth, truffle-like center, a crisp chocolate shell, and come together with only pantry staples. They're freezer-friendly snacks, a reliable make-ahead treat, and a kid-friendly recipe you can prepare ahead for holiday no-bake treats or last-minute gatherings! If you love peanut butter desserts, try my paleo Buckeye balls, dairy-free peanut butter pie, or my famous gluten free peanut butter cookies, next!
I've tested this recipe several times with both dairy and dairy-free ingredients. Miyoko's vegan butter blends smoothly with the peanut butter, and Enjoy Life chocolate melts evenly without clumping, which helps the coating set with a glossy finish. Since this recipe doesn't rely on oats, you don't have to navigate the gluten-free oats conversation - something my readers with celiac disease often appreciate!
Ingredients You'll Need
- Simple Mills Sweet Thins: These gluten-free crackers crush into a fine crumb that binds the mixture without relying on oats.
- Creamy peanut butter: Helps create a smooth, cohesive base; natural peanut butter works well when fully stirred.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the mixture and stabilizes the texture.
- Butter: Adds structure and richness; Miyoko's is an excellent dairy-free option.
- Dark chocolate chips: I like the Enjoy Life brand! It provides a smooth melt and rich flavor.
- Coconut oil: Thins the chocolate for a clean, even dip and helps the shell set firmly.
Make my Christmas puppy chow next, another no-bake, shareable holiday treat that’s fun for all ages!
How to Make Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Balls
Step 1: Combine crushed Sweet Thins, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and butter in a large bowl. Mix until smooth.
Step 2: Roll into 1-1.5 inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for at least 30 minutes to firm.
Step 3: Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second increments or over a double boiler until fully smooth.
Step 4: Dip each ball using a toothpick or two spoons, coating completely. Chill for 30-40 minutes until the chocolate shell sets. Add a chocolate drizzle if you'd like a decorative finish.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Store your peanut butter balls in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze well for three months and thaw quickly, making them perfect for stocking ahead of the holiday season or preparing a protein-packed snack you can grab any time.
Recipe FAQs
If the mixture feels too warm or loose, chill it for 10-15 minutes before rolling. You can also add a bit more crushed Sweet Thins to help firm the texture.
Yes, just stir it thoroughly so the oils are fully incorporated. If the mixture softens, a brief chill will help.
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free Sweet Thins and a gluten-free chocolate brand like Enjoy Life (like I use in this gluten-free Christmas crack!
These gluten-free peanut butter balls are a simple, festive treat that fit beautifully into busy holiday schedules and everyday snacking! For another quick dessert, try my chocolate peanut butter rice Krispie treats next.
More Easy Gluten-Free Treats
The Best No Bake Peanut Butter Balls
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup Simple Mills Sweet Thins, crushed or pulsed in the food processor until sand-like consistency and very fine.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 9 oz dark chocolate chips, I like Enjoy Life brand
- 2 tsp coconut oil
Instructions
- Combine the crushed sweet thins, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and butter in a large bowl. Stir until smooth and fully combined.
- Roll into 24 1-1.5 inch balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for at least 30 minutes to harden.
- Meanwhile, melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil in a medium-sized bowl in the microwave in 30 second increments, or melt over a double boiler on the stove until smooth.
- Using a toothpick or two spoons, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate to coat completely, then transfer to a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment. Freeze or refrigerate for at least 30-40 minutes or until the chocolate is hardened and set. Drizzle a little extra chocolate over each ball to create a drizzle design halfway through chilling, if desired.
- Store in the fridge for optimal results. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a dairy free option, use vegan butter (I like Miyoko's brand) and dairy free chocolate. Enjoy Life brand is dairy free!
- Store your peanut butter balls in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze well for three months and thaw quickly, making them perfect for stocking ahead of the holiday season or preparing a protein-packed snack you can grab any time.
Nutrition
All nutrition facts are an estimate and automatically calculated. While I fact check them using My Fitness Pal, please note that they may not always be 100% accurate and depend on ingredients used. Weigh your total and divide by the number of servings for the most accurate grams per serving size.
