Peanut Butter Balls with Graham Crackers

Classic peanut butter balls made with graham cracker and dipped in chocolate taste just like Reese’s peanut butter cups are an easy, no-bake candy recipe that’s perfect for Christmas and the holidays.

Everyone loves the classic recipe for peanut butter balls (aka Buckeyes) and sometimes I crave peanut butter balls with rice krispies for a little extra crunch.

But when you’re craving Reese’s peanut butter cups, I recommend trying a batch of peanut butter balls with graham cracker crumbs. The taste is spot-on!

I especially enjoy this easy dessert recipe because there are only 6 ingredients and I don’t have to turn on my oven. Talk about a win-win.

Buckeyes are one of my family’s favorite christmas candies. There’s just something about peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate that makes them irresistible.

Dip them in milk chocolate for the most Reese-like experience. A coating of dark chocolate is my personal favorite though and I recommend making them both ways.

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Balls with Graham Crackers

You probably keep all of these ingredients in your kitchen anyway, so this is a great dessert you can whip up at the last minute without even having to make a store run.

Peanut Butter: I love smooth peanut butter for this recipe, though if you prefer a crunch, you can choose crunchy peanut butter as well.

Unsalted Butter: Your butter should be softened, but not melted. Take it out of the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before you start cooking, so it adjusts to the room temperature. This will make it easier to work with while preparing your peanut butter balls.

Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar will add that extra sweetness to take your peanut butter balls with graham crackers from good to great.

Graham Crackers: These are the icing on the cake for this recipe. Crush them well, so they mix well with the rest of the recipe.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: You want to select quality chocolate chips because they will coat your peanut butter, so they have to be delicious.

Vegetable Shortening: Shortening is needed to thin out the melted chocolate chips and create a delicious coating for your peanut butter balls. I’ve also read that coconut oil makes a good substitute.

Peanut Butter Balls with Graham Crackers

You want to start by lining your cookie sheet with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent the peanut butter balls from sticking. You don’t want to leave any of this tasty treat on the cookie sheet.

Next, combine the peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar in a large bowl until they form a creamy consistency. Once that’s done, add your graham crackers until they’re all well combined.

Then you’re going to take your peanut butter and graham cracker mixture and create your ball shape. Place the rolled peanut butter balls on the parchment covered cookie sheet and let them chill for 30 minutes.

(You can place the cookie sheet on the counter if it’s not too warm in your house or you can set them in the refrigerator to chill faster.)

Once your balls are chilled, you will prepare your chocolate coating by mixing chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl.

Heat the chocolate chips for one minute then stir. Continue heating in 20-30 second increments until the chocolate is almost melted.

When it is nearly melted, stir the mixture until it’s completely creamy.

Now comes the fun part. You want to dip your peanut butter and graham cracker balls into the chocolate and place them on a cookie sheet until it firms up. My post for buckeyes has some great tips for dipping in chocolate.

If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container so they can maintain their freshness over a few days.

Buckeye Recipe Tips

Be sure to chill your peanut butter balls before dipping them in chocolate. Taking this extra step allows the balls to hold their shape when coated with the warm chocolate mix. I’ve placed them in the freezer for a while with good results as well.

You have two options when melting your chocolate – you can put it in the microwave for 30 seconds increments until it’s reached the desired consistency, or use a double boiler.

Your chocolate might thicken up as you’re dipping your peanut butter balls. If that happens, melt the chocolate again until you get the right consistency and continue.

When your peanut butter balls with graham crackers are done, feel free to decorate them to your liking. Add sea salt, sprinkles, extra chocolate, nuts, or whatever you think will mix well with this delicious dessert. We sprinkled this batch with a dusting of graham cracker crumbs.

To make these taste like Reese’s peanut butter cups, use milk chocolate chips to dip the peanut butter balls. (And for another peanut butter treat, try these Peanut Butter Rice Krispy Treats!)

Let me know if you make this recipe, leave me a rating and tell me how it went in the comments below.

If you need a chocolate and peanut butter snack for one, Puppy Chow for One satisfies the craving perfectly, because resisting the temptation to gorge the entire massive bowl is a struggle!

Classic peanut butter balls receive a crispy upgrade with a generous addition of crunchy cornflakes. These bite-sized treats combine the beloved flavors of peanut butter and chocolate with an irresistible crunch.

{originally published 10/11/19 – recipe notes and photos updated 4/2/21}