Crispy candy bits wrapped in velvety peanut butter and dipped in smooth chocolate create irresistible bite-sized treats requiring zero baking skills. These Butterfinger balls transform simple ingredients through minimal preparation into impressive confections perfect for holiday gifting or satisfying serious sweet cravings. The delightful contrast between creamy interior and chocolate shell with distinctive candy crunch creates something far more exciting than commercial candy bars. I first created these for a holiday cookie exchange and returned home with an empty platter and multiple recipe requests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Creates impressive candy-shop quality treats without special equipment • Takes just 20 minutes of active preparation time • Makes perfect homemade gift that travels beautifully • Provides crowd-pleasing option for potlucks and parties • Satisfies candy bar cravings with recognizable but elevated flavor
My teenage nephew initially questioned whether homemade candy could match his favorite commercial bars. After his first bite revealing the perfect balance between chocolate coating and peanut butter filling with signature Butterfinger crunch, he immediately requested them for his birthday instead of traditional cake. Sometimes recreating familiar flavors in new formats creates even more satisfying experiences than the original inspiration.
Simple Ingredients
• Creamy peanut butter provides smooth base with classic flavor • Crushed Butterfingers create distinctive candy crunch throughout • Powdered sugar sweetens while creating proper consistency • Graham cracker crumbs add structural integrity to filling • Quality chocolate creates perfect shell that snaps when bitten • Butter helps solidify filling for proper texture • Vanilla extract enhances both chocolate and peanut butter flavors • Shortening creates smoother chocolate coating that sets properly • Optional sea salt flakes add sophisticated salty-sweet contrast
Peanut butter selection dramatically impacts your final result. I prefer mainstream brands like Jif or Skippy for this recipe rather than natural varieties that separate. The emulsifiers in commercial brands create more stable texture that holds shape better at room temperature. While natural options offer excellent flavor, their inconsistent texture makes them less suitable for candy-making applications where structural integrity matters. My grandmother always emphasized choosing ingredients based on their function in specific recipes rather than overall preferences, wisdom that proves especially relevant in confectionery work where texture differences significantly impact results.
Preparation Method
Create Filling Base Combine softened butter and peanut butter in mixing bowl, beating until completely smooth with no remaining butter streaks. This thorough incorporation ensures consistent texture throughout each candy ball. Add vanilla extract, continuing to mix until evenly distributed for balanced flavor throughout.
Add Structure Components Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs, mixing thoroughly between additions until completely combined. This measured addition prevents dusty pockets while creating proper consistency. Mixture should hold shape when pressed together while remaining pliable enough for easy molding. If too sticky, add additional powdered sugar gradually until reaching ideal texture.
Incorporate Candy Pieces Fold crushed Butterfinger pieces into peanut butter mixture, distributing evenly throughout without overmixing which would break down distinctive crunch too much. Reserve small portion of crushed candy for optional exterior garnish if desired. Proper incorporation maintains identifiable candy pieces within each bite rather than completely dissolving their texture.
Form Perfect Balls Scoop mixture using small cookie scoop or tablespoon measure for consistent sizing. Roll between palms to create smooth, even balls approximately one-inch diameter. Place formed balls on parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing to prevent touching. If mixture becomes sticky during rolling process, refrigerate briefly to firm texture or dust hands lightly with powdered sugar for easier handling.
Chill For Structure Refrigerate formed balls until thoroughly chilled and firm, typically 30 minutes though freezing briefly (10-15 minutes) accelerates process when time-constrained. This critical chilling solidifies butter and peanut butter components, creating necessary structure for proper chocolate coating adhesion and preventing misshapen results during dipping process.
Prepare Chocolate Coating Meanwhile, melt chocolate and shortening together using either microwave in 30-second intervals or double-boiler method, stirring frequently until completely smooth without overheating. The shortening addition creates thinner coating that flows more easily while setting with proper shine and snap. Allow cooling slightly while maintaining fluid consistency for optimal dipping temperature.
Dip With Precision Working with small batches from refrigerator, dip chilled peanut butter balls into melted chocolate using fork or specialized dipping tool. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before transferring to parchment-lined sheet. While coating remains wet, sprinkle with additional crushed Butterfinger pieces or sea salt if desired for professional appearance and flavor enhancement. Return immediately to refrigerator after completing small batch to maintain proper temperature control throughout process.
Allow Setting Properly Permit chocolate coating to set completely, either at cool room temperature or accelerated in refrigerator, before packaging or serving. Proper setting creates stable structure and distinctive chocolate snap when bitten. Once set, transfer to serving platter or storage container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking or surface marring.
My first attempt at these balls taught me important lessons about chocolate temperature. Using too-hot chocolate caused partial melting of the peanut butter centers, while too-cool chocolate created uneven, thick coating. Subsequent batches with properly tempered chocolate delivered the perfect thin, snappy coating that makes these treats exceptional. Candy making often teaches practical lessons about temperature control that significantly impact final results.
You Must Know
• Thoroughly chilling balls before dipping prevents melting and misshaping • Adding shortening to chocolate creates smoother dipping consistency • Keeping chocolate warm but not hot ensures proper coating • Working in small batches maintains proper temperature throughout process • Stored properly, these treats maintain quality for several weeks
My mother, typically unimpressed by “fancy desserts” as she calls anything beyond basic cookies, surprised everyone by requesting these specifically for her bridge club gathering. She appreciated how they satisfied sweet cravings with small portions while traveling easily to her event. Sometimes simple preparations create the most universally appealing treats precisely because they balance familiar flavors with convenient format.
Creative Variations
This adaptable base recipe welcomes thoughtful modifications while maintaining its fundamental appeal. Cookie butter version substitutes speculoos spread for peanut butter with crushed shortbread cookies replacing graham crumbs. Chocolate-hazelnut adaptation uses Nutella instead of peanut butter with chocolate cookie crumbs creating more intense chocolate experience. White chocolate coating alternative creates striking visual contrast against interior filling. For holiday presentations, consider tinting white chocolate with oil-based food coloring for seasonal color coordination. Miniature version creates perfect two-bite truffles ideal for elegant dessert platters where multiple small bites are featured.
Gift Presentation
Thoughtful packaging transforms these simple balls into memorable handmade presents requiring minimal additional effort. Line decorative tins with parchment paper, arranging balls in single layer for most attractive presentation. For individual gifting, place 3-4 balls in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbon and personalized tag. Mini cupcake liners in seasonal colors create perfect individual serving vessels within larger gift boxes. Consider pairing with locally roasted coffee beans or quality tea for complete gift experience. For corporate or larger-quantity gifting, sources bulk packaging supplies from craft stores for cost-effective yet attractive presentation.
Storage Secrets
Proper handling ensures these treats maintain their appeal for extended enjoyment. Store at cool room temperature in airtight container with parchment between layers for 3-5 days with excellent quality maintenance. For longer preservation, refrigerate up to two weeks, allowing returning to room temperature before serving for optimal texture and flavor. Freeze individually on baking sheet until solid, then transfer to freezer container with parchment between layers for up to three months. Thaw refrigerated before serving for best texture restoration. Avoid exposure to heat which causes chocolate bloom and filling softening.
Chef Techniques
• Use slightly dampened hands when rolling to prevent sticking without adding excess dry ingredients • Tap fork gently against bowl edge when dipping to remove excess chocolate • Set dipped balls on tines-side-up for most attractive presentation
These Butterfinger balls exemplify how simple preparation of familiar ingredients creates truly special treats without complicated techniques or specialized equipment. While I appreciate elaborate confections requiring advanced skill, these approachable candies demonstrate that homemade treats can deliver professional quality through straightforward methods accessible to even novice cooks. The magic happens through balanced proportions and temperature control rather than complicated techniques or obscure ingredients. After countless batches refined through both successes and learning experiences, this recipe continues proving that some of the most memorable sweets come from reimagining familiar flavors in new formats that enhance both convenience and enjoyment.
