Paula Deen Peanut Butter Balls

Paula Deen peanut butter balls are a thick, no-bake candy with peanut butter, honey and powdered milk that comes together in 40 minutes. This easy no-bake dessert fits potluck tables, holiday cookie trays and game day snack spreads, and it makes 18 to 24 pieces.

Mix the dough until it turns very thick and stiff, because that is what lets you roll walnut-sized balls that hold their shape. A loose mixture sticks to your hands and slumps on the wax paper.

Paula rolls each ball in crushed cornflakes, finely chopped nuts or powdered sugar, so one batch gives you three different coatings. Crushing the cornflakes fine, rather than leaving big flakes, lets them cling to the sticky surface instead of falling off.

Paula Deen Peanut Butter Balls

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Course: DessertCuisine: American, SouthernDifficulty: Easy

Servings

18

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking timeminutes

Calories

210

kcal

Honey and powdered milk turn peanut butter into a thick, fudgy dough that rolls into walnut-sized balls. A quick chill in the fridge firms them up, so the crunchy coating stays put and every bite is chewy and sweet.

Ingredients

• 1 cup peanut butter
  

• 1 cup honey
  

• 2 cups powdered milk
  

• 1 1/2 cups crushed cornflakes
  

• 1 1/2 cups finely chopped walnuts or pecans
  

• 1 cup powdered sugar
  

Directions

• Mix the dough: Mix 1 cup peanut butter, 1 cup honey and 2 cups powdered milk in a large bowl. Keep stirring until you have a very thick mixture that pulls away from the sides.
• Roll the balls: Roll the mixture into small balls about the size of a walnut. You should get 18 to 24 pieces, so keep them all a similar size.
• Coat the balls: Roll the balls in 1 1/2 cups crushed cornflakes, 1 1/2 cups finely chopped walnuts or pecans, or 1 cup powdered sugar. Then press gently so the coating sticks.
• Chill and serve: Place the coated balls on waxed paper and refrigerate for 20 minutes. Once they feel firm to the touch, they are ready to serve.

Tools for this recipe

• Pyrex 3-piece glass mixing bowl set, OXO silicone spatula set, Reynolds unbleached parchment paper. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, crunchy works fine and adds a little extra texture inside each ball. The dough may feel slightly less smooth, so chill it for a few minutes if it gets too sticky to roll.

How long do peanut butter balls keep?

The source recipe doesn't give a shelf life, so go by the usual rule for no-bake candy. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy them within about a week.

Can I make these ahead for a party?

They are a good make-ahead treat because they need to chill anyway. Coat them, refrigerate them in a covered container, and set them out when guests arrive.

How do I crush the cornflakes without a food processor?

Put the cornflakes in a zip-top bag, press out the air, and crush them with a rolling pin. Keep going until the pieces are fine and even, since small crumbs stick better.

What is the most common mistake with this recipe?

Not mixing the dough thick enough is the big one. If it feels too soft to roll, stir in a little more powdered milk until it holds together in a ball.