No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles

|
Chocolate peanut butter truffle with a creamy center and crunchy toppings

Chocolate peanut butter truffles are more than just a dessert — they’re pure comfort in a bite-sized shell. From the moment you take that first silky, creamy bite, you’re met with the nutty richness of peanut butter wrapped in a smooth chocolate hug. The slightly salty core pairs perfectly with the bittersweet richness of the chocolate shell, while the gentle aroma of cocoa and roasted peanuts fills your kitchen as they chill.

These truffles are a go-to treat for holidays, an easy peanut butter truffle recipe for any beginner, and a must-have for those wondering how to make chocolate truffles at home. They’re just as welcome on a festive dessert tray as they are in your personal stash of midnight snacks.

I first made these for a holiday cookie swap, and they disappeared faster than anything else on the table — yes, even faster than the fudge! Whether you’re making them for Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or a cozy night in, these truffles are the kind of treat you’ll keep coming back to.

Try them, share them, or stash them away just for you — I won’t tell. 😉

Here’s Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles

  • No baking required – Just mix, chill, and dip!
  • Simple pantry ingredients – Peanut butter, chocolate, sugar, butter — that’s it!
  • Perfect for gifting – Box them up for birthdays or the holidays.
  • Totally customizable – Decorate with sprinkles, toffee bits, or crushed peanuts.
  • Freezer-friendly – Make ahead and freeze for stress-free sweets.
  • Kid-approved and crowd-pleasing – These never last long at parties!
  • Naturally gluten-free – No flour or complex substitutions needed.
  • Rich, creamy, indulgent – That melt-in-your-mouth center is everything.

Ingredients for Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles

🥜 For the Filling:

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

🍫 For the Chocolate Shell:

  • 10 oz dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (or chocolate chips)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional, for smoother texture)

🎨 Optional Decoration:

  • ¼ cup peanut butter, melted (for drizzling)
  • Crushed toffee bits, mini M&Ms, or chopped peanuts

💡 Dietary Swaps:

  • Use natural peanut butter for a less sweet filling.
  • For a vegan version, use dairy-free chocolate and vegan butter.
Stack of homemade chocolate peanut butter truffles with colorful decorations
A stack of chocolate peanut butter truffles, perfect for gifting or holiday dessert trays

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Make the Peanut Butter Centers

In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and salt. Stir until the mixture is thick, creamy, and smooth.

🥄 Tip: If the mixture is too sticky, add a touch more powdered sugar.

Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Chill in the freezer for 20–25 minutes until firm.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chopped chocolate and coconut oil together in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until completely smooth and glossy.

🍫 Alternative: Melt the chocolate using a double boiler on the stovetop for more control.

Step 3: Coat the Truffles

Remove the peanut butter balls from the freezer.

Using a fork or dipping tool, coat each truffle in the melted chocolate. Gently tap off any excess before placing it back on the parchment.

Step 4: Decorate (Optional but Fun!)

While the chocolate is still wet, drizzle with melted peanut butter or sprinkle on toffee bits, crushed peanuts, or mini M&Ms. Get creative!

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the truffles for about 15–20 minutes until fully set.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks — or freeze for up to 3 months.

Pro Tips & Secrets for Perfect Truffles

  1. Use a cookie scoop to keep truffles uniform in size.
  2. Freeze before dipping to prevent peanut butter from melting into the chocolate.
  3. Add vanilla extract for a deeper flavor.
  4. Use natural peanut butter for a softer, creamier center.
  5. Add crushed pretzels to the filling for a salty crunch.
  6. For a thicker shell, double-dip the truffles after the first coating sets.
  7. Use a fork with bent prongs or a proper dipping tool for clean coating.
  8. Drizzle with white chocolate for a bakery-style finish.
  9. Add a pinch of sea salt flakes on top for contrast and flair.
  10. Want a protein boost? Stir in a spoonful of vanilla protein powder to the filling.

Variations & Substitutions

  • Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter or cookie butter instead of peanut butter.
  • Keto-Friendly: Swap powdered sugar for powdered erythritol and use sugar-free chocolate.
  • Different Nut Butters: Try almond butter, hazelnut butter, or cashew butter for a twist.
  • Festive Colors: Use colored candy melts or sprinkles for holidays like Christmas or Valentine’s.
No-bake truffles topped with mini M&Ms, peanut butter drizzle, and crushed toffee
Perfect for holidays, these festive truffles combine creamy peanut butter, chocolate, and fun toppings

Best Ways to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles

  • As part of a holiday dessert board.
  • Wrapped in mini cupcake liners for a party tray.
  • Boxed as a homemade gift with a ribbon and label.
  • Frozen for a cool summer treat.
  • Paired with a glass of milk or red wine for dessert.

Nutritional Information (Per truffle – approx.)

  • Calories: 165
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Sugar: 11g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Sodium: 70mg

Note: Nutrition varies depending on coating thickness and decorations.

Storage & Reheating Guide

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 2 weeks.
  • Freezer: Freeze on a tray, then transfer to a container. Keeps up to 3 months.
  • Thawing: Let thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temp for 20 minutes.
  • Reheating? Nope! Just enjoy straight from the fridge or after a brief thaw.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles FAQs

1. How do you make chocolate peanut butter truffles at home?

To make chocolate peanut butter truffles at home, mix peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, and salt into a thick filling. Roll into balls, freeze, then dip in melted chocolate. Chill until set. It’s an easy no-bake dessert that’s perfect for beginners.

2. Can I make peanut butter truffles ahead of time?

Yes! Chocolate peanut butter truffles can be made up to 2 weeks in advance and stored in the fridge. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months, making them perfect for holidays and gift prep.

3. What’s the best chocolate to use for peanut butter truffles?

Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a rich, balanced flavor that pairs well with the sweet peanut butter center. You can also use milk chocolate for a sweeter version or white chocolate for visual contrast.

4. Are chocolate peanut butter truffles gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no flour or gluten-based ingredients. Always double-check chocolate labels to ensure they’re certified gluten-free.

5. How long do homemade truffles last in the fridge or freezer?

Homemade chocolate truffles last up to 2 weeks in the fridge and 3 months in the freezer when stored in an airtight container. Thaw before serving if frozen.

Delicious Inspirations for Next Time

Your Turn in the Kitchen

Now that you know how to make chocolate peanut butter truffles at home, you’ve got a new no-fail treat that’s easy, delicious, and ready for anything. Whether you gift them, serve them, or secretly stash them, one thing’s for sure — you’ll be making these again and again.

Did you try them? Leave a comment or tag us on social! ❤️

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Chocolate peanut butter truffle with a creamy center and crunchy toppings

No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Patricia Jannet
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 24 truffles 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

These chocolate peanut butter truffles are rich, creamy, and coated in smooth chocolate with fun toppings like crushed toffee and mini M&Ms. Perfect for holidays, gifting, or indulgent no-bake treats.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 10 oz dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (or chocolate chips)
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional)
  • ¼ cup peanut butter, melted (for drizzling)
  • Crushed toffee bits, mini M&Ms, or chopped peanuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and salt. Mix until smooth and thick.
  2. Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 20–25 minutes.
  3. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
  4. Using a fork or dipping tool, coat each peanut butter ball in melted chocolate. Tap off excess chocolate and place back on parchment.
  5. Drizzle with melted peanut butter and top with crushed toffee or mini candies if desired.
  6. Refrigerate truffles for 15–20 minutes until set. Store in the fridge or freeze for later.

Notes

  • Use natural peanut butter for a softer center and reduce powdered sugar slightly.
  • Add sea salt flakes on top for a gourmet finish.
  • Truffles can be frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Try almond or cashew butter as a variation.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 truffle
  • Calories: 165
  • Sugar: 11g
  • Sodium: 70mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 2mg

Keep Reading

|
by Patricia Jannet
No bake Popcorn Cake topped with colorful candies and marshmallows
|
by Patricia Jannet
Chocolate Poke Cake with Marshmallow topping dripping with rich chocolate ganache and whipped cream on a dessert plate.
|
by Patricia Jannet
Close-up of creamy no-bake peanut butter cheesecake balls with caramel center and chocolate drizzle
|
by Patricia Jannet

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star