This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Looking for a nostalgic, no-fuss dessert that packs a punch of flavor and can be made in a flash? Meet these small batch Peanut Butter Balls. A trip down memory lane, these simple delights are perfect for one or two people and come together with just three ingredients. They’re the epitome of easy yet scrumptious.
If you’re in search of more single serving and small batch peanut butter desserts, you should definitely check out our recipes. Our Peanut Butter Bars are deliciously chewy, the Buckeyes are smooth and decadent, our Peanut Butter Fudge is rich and creamy, and the single serve Peanut Butter Pie is simply heavenly. Each one is a peanut butter lover’s dream come true!
Making peanut butter balls has always been a family favorite in my house, especially when the kids were little. They absolutely loved getting their hands into the mix, blending the ingredients, and most of all, shaping the dough into cute little balls.
Even now, as life has gotten busier, I still find immense joy in whipping up this simple dessert. The best part? There’s no oven involved! In just a few minutes, I can satisfy my sweet tooth, or if I prefer a firmer texture, I’ll chill them briefly in the fridge.
Whenever that craving for something sweet and delightful hits, I know this small batch peanut butter balls recipe has got my back. It’s just the right amount for a solo treat or to share with someone special.
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
- Effortless: Seriously, you don’t need to be a kitchen whiz to whip up this recipe.
- Speedy: Done in mere minutes, this dessert satisfies cravings almost instantly.
- Nostalgic: Brings back sweet memories of childhood and school lunches.
- Small Batch: Perfectly portioned for one or two people, so there’s no waste.
Ingredients
This section provides a quick rundown of the ingredients used in this school peanut butter balls recipe. For complete measurements and step-by-step instructions, please scroll to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
- Peanut Butter: Choose creamy, no-stir peanut butter for optimal texture and consistency. You might also like to use some of your peanut butter to make a small batch of Peanut Butter Cookies.
- Honey: Adds the ideal touch of natural sweetness to balance the nuttiness of the peanut butter. We also use honey to make our Rum Balls and Baked Oatmeal.
- Powdered Milk (Instant Dry Milk Powder): Acts as the perfect binding agent, ensuring your peanut butter balls hold their shape.
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
How To Make Peanut Butter Balls
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make peanut butter balls with powdered milk. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
This peanut butter balls recipe will yield approximately six to eight peanut butter balls depending on how large you roll the balls.
- Combine peanut butter, honey, and dry milk in a mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer is recommended for a smoother blend.
Note: The mixture may appear crumbly initially, but it will come together when shaping.
- Shape the mixture into balls using either your hands or a small cookie scoop. Place the formed balls on a sheet of wax paper.
- Transfer the peanut butter balls to an airtight container and place in the refrigerator for storage.
Expert Tips
- Before you start cooking, make sure to read the entire recipe, including the Ingredient Notes section, and examine the process photos. This detailed guide will help you understand how the recipe unfolds, ensuring your peanut butter bars turn out perfect every time. All the information you need is found within the body of this recipe post, so don’t miss a thing!
- Ensure the peanut butter mixture is firm: If it’s too soft, sprinkle in additional powdered milk, a half-tablespoon at a time, until you reach the right consistency.
- Watch out for warm hands: They can soften your dough. If this happens, chill the mixture in the refrigerator to firm it back up before continuing.
- Chocolate Lovers Alert: Transform your peanut butter balls into “buckeyes” by dipping them in melted chocolate. Just remember to refrigerate them afterward.
- More is Merrier: If you’re serving a larger crowd or just want extra for yourself, simply double the ingredient amounts to make a bigger batch.
Serving Suggestions
- Dessert Platter: Serve alongside fruits like strawberries or banana slices and decadent treats like Oreo Balls.
- Ice Cream Topper: Crumble them over vanilla ice cream.
- Yogurt Mix-In: Break apart and mix into your morning yogurt for a tasty start to the day.
- Mini Parfait: Layer these peanut butter balls with vanilla pudding or chocolate mousse for a decadent mini parfait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep your peanut butter balls fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll last for up to one week.
Absolutely, these peanut butter balls freeze well. While this is a small batch recipe you might finish quickly, it can also be doubled. To freeze, simply place the balls in a sealed container. They’ll keep for up to three months in the freezer.
While classic peanut butter balls are delicious on their own, you can easily jazz them up:
Drizzle with milk or white chocolate for added richness.
Add a splash of color by tinting white chocolate with food-safe coloring for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or Christmas.
Coat the balls in crushed cookies, powdered sugar, or sprinkles for added texture and visual appeal.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
For more information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page. For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.
If you’ve tried these peanut butter balls or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
If you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see!
Small Batch Peanut Butter Balls
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ cups dry powdered milk
Instructions
- Mix the peanut butter, honey and dry milk together in a bowl with a hand mixer.
- Form into balls with your hands or a small cookie scoop and place on waxed paper.
- Cover and refrigerate until you are ready to enjoy.
Video
Notes
- Before you start cooking, make sure to read the entire recipe, including the Ingredient Notes section, and examine the process photos. This detailed guide will help you understand how the recipe unfolds, ensuring your peanut butter bars turn out perfect every time. All the information you need is found within the body of this recipe post, so don’t miss a thing!
- Ensure the peanut butter mixture is firm: If it’s too soft, sprinkle in additional powdered milk, a half-tablespoon at a time, until you reach the right consistency.
- Watch out for warm hands: They can soften your dough. If this happens, chill the mixture in the refrigerator to firm it back up before continuing.
- Chocolate Lovers Alert: Transform your peanut butter balls into “buckeyes” by dipping them in melted chocolate. Just remember to refrigerate them afterward.
- More is Merrier: If you’re serving a larger crowd or just want extra for yourself, simply double the ingredient amounts to make a bigger batch.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Is there any way to eliminate the dairy for those of us who can’t have it?
Some of our readers have used protein powder instead of powdered milk in this peanut butter balls recipe with success.
Terrific recipe.
This recipe is so easy to make and I love the taste and different variety of other ingredients you can use to change up the taste. A quick recipe for the busy mom.
I are these 45 years ago when I got braces. It was my mainstay for sweets. These days I add 1/2 scoop of my putter butter protein powder to the dry milk and instance “supper protein balls”!
Which and how much of an ingredient would you use as a substitute for honey for someone with a compromised immune system due to a transplanted organ?
Although I haven’t tested this recipe with anything other than honey, we have had readers tell us that they have used the same amount (1/4-cup) of brown rice syrup or corn syrup instead of honey with success.
Thank you
What can I use if I don’t have powdered milk
Powdered milk (also called nonfat dry milk) is a key ingredient to making peanut butter balls and is necessary in this recipe.
It has become in short supply since the beginning of the pandemic. Carnation and milkmaid both are brands out on the west coast. Wallmart also carries a generic.