Pin this Festive, colorful candy balls that resemble holiday ornaments perfect for gifting or decorating your dessert table.
This recipe has been a holiday favorite in my family for years bringing joy and sweetness to every celebration.
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)
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 this Making these candy balls always brings my family together, sharing laughter and sweet memories during the holidays.
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 this These holiday ornament candy balls are sure to brighten any celebration with their festive look and delicious flavor.
Recipe FAQs
- → What nuts can I substitute in this treat?
You can replace pecans or walnuts with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option, adjusting to taste and texture.
- → Can I use different coatings besides white chocolate?
Yes, dark or milk chocolate melts work well as alternatives, offering varied flavor profiles and colors.
- → How long should the candy balls chill before dipping?
Chill the formed balls in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to firm up, which helps the coating adhere smoothly.
- → Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Substitute the vanilla wafer cookies with gluten-free versions to accommodate gluten sensitivities without sacrificing texture.
- → How should these candy balls be stored?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they remain fresh for up to one week.