Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
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My no-bake chocolate peanut butter balls are made with 4 simple ingredients and come together in less than 5 minutes. If you love all things chocolate and peanut butter, you’re going to fall head over heels for this recipe!
Chocolate and peanut butter are one of those combinations that never let me down, and it’s easily the most-used duo in my kitchen. I’ve made everything from chocolate peanut butter cake to peanut butter cheesecake. Still, these chocolate peanut butter balls are the treat I come back to most, especially around the holidays.
I didn’t reinvent the wheel, though. I took my 3-ingredient peanut butter balls and dipped each in chocolate. After a few rounds of testing to find the perfect amount of chocolate, I landed on this version: creamy centers, smooth, rich chocolate, and all made with a handful of pantry staples. The best part? They taste indulgent, but unlike most versions that use powdered sugar, these are lighter- though you’d never know it. Not even my picky partner who can sniff a healthy ingredient from a mile away (seriously- that or cilantro).
Table of Contents
Recipe highlights
- Just 4 ingredients. All you need is peanut butter, coconut flour, maple syrup, and chocolate chips.
- Easy to customize. Swap the chocolate, use different nut butters, or stir in some mix-ins. The options are endless, and I’ll be sure to share plenty of inspiration later on.
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these chocolate-covered balls. The specific measurements are in the recipe card below.
- Peanut butter. Smooth, creamy peanut butter is best. If you don’t want to use peanut butter, almond butter, or any nut or seed butter works just fine.
- Coconut flour. My favorite flour for no-bake recipes since it absorbs moisture nicely and gives the balls a little protein boost. Not a fan of coconut? You can swap the coconut flour for equal portions of blanched almond flour or oat flour. However, you’ll want to add a little extra of these as they’re not as absorbent as coconut flour.
- Maple syrup. My sticky sweetener of choice for adding sweetness and binding ingredients. I also tested honey and agave. Both work, but be wary that the honey can be a little overpowering (which my partner loved, because he loves the honey/peanut butter combo).
- Chocolate chips. I used classic semi-sweet chocolate chips, but you can use any chocolate chips you prefer.
How to make chocolate peanut butter balls
Step 1- Mix. In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except the chocolate chips.
Step 2- Shape the balls. Using your hands, shape the peanut butter mixture into small 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3- Freeze for 10 minutes. While the peanut butter balls are firming up, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or using a double boiler.
Step 4- Coat. Remove the balls from the freezer and, using two forks, cover each ball in the melted chocolate. Continue dipping the balls until each one is covered in chocolate.
The best way to melt chocolate
I like to microwave the chocolate in 30-second increments until it’s smooth and glossy. However, I know not all of you want to use one, so here is how I do it stovetop using the double boiler method:
Place a small saucepan of water over medium heat. Once it begins to boil, reduce to a simmer and place a shallow bowl over it. Add the chocolate chips and let the steam from the hot water melt the chocolate. Once the base chocolate chips start to soften, gently stir until everything is smooth. Gently remove from the heat and dip.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Use wet hands. To avoid making a mess, I like to use slightly wet hands to shape the balls. You could also skip the handwork altogether and use a small scoop instead.
- Keep the dough chilled. As you work with the dough, it’ll warm up and soften. When this happens, I like to return the dough to the fridge to firm up for 10-20 minutes, though you could also add a little extra coconut flour to thicken it up.
- Thick dough? This can sometimes happen depending on the brand of coconut flour (I use 2-3 brands, and each is different). If your peanut butter filling is too thick, add a spoonful of water or milk to thin it out. Start with one tablespoon then add more as needed.
Dietary and flavor variations
I’ve been making these chocolate-covered peanut butter balls for years and have changed them up depending on who I’m making them for (a nut-allergic nephew or when my partner was following the keto diet) or for something fun. Here’s what worked:
- Cut the carbs. Swap the maple syrup for keto maple syrup and use sugar-free chocolate chips to make a low-carb version of this treat.
- Make them nut-free. When I want to surprise a friend with a nut allergy, I’ll make these balls with sunflower seed butter instead.
- Elevate the flavor. Add a pinch of sea salt or a splash of vanilla extract to switch up the flavor.
- Add some texture. While I prefer these peanut butter balls as is, you can certainly fold in some chopped nuts, Rice Krispies, or coconut flakes if you’d like!
- Coat them. For a little extra fancy touch, I like to dust the balls in cocoa powder, shredded coconut, or finely chopped pistachios.
Frequently asked questions
Technically, no. If you’re planning to enjoy your chocolate balls within a few days, they can be stored in a sealed container at room temperature. I’d only be cautious if you’re in an excessively warm environment.
Your chocolate peanut butter balls may be soft if there’s not enough flour to absorb the moisture from the peanut butter and sweetener. Try refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes, and if it’s still very soft, add more coconut flour.
✅ Nutrition reviewed
Nutrition information has been reviewed by registered dietitian Felicia Newell, MScAHN, RD, CPT.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
Video
Ingredients
- 2 cups peanut butter smooth
- 3/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- Line a large plate or tray with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine all your ingredients, except for chocolate chips, and mix until fully combined. If the batter is too thick and crumbly, add some liquid (water or milk) slowly until a thick, formable batter remains.
- Using your hands, form small balls and place on the lined plate or tray. Freeze for 10 minutes.
- While the balls are firming up, melt your chocolate chips. Remove the balls from the freezer and using two forks, dip each ball in the melted chocolate until completely covered. Repeat until all the balls are covered in chocolate.
- Refrigerate for 20 minutes, or until the chocolate coating has firmed up.
Notes
- TO STORE. Place leftover chocolate peanut balls in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you intend on enjoying them within a few days, they will keep well at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- TO FREEZE. Wrap the balls in parchment paper and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months.
Nutrition
More no-bake dessert recipes
Recipe originally published August 2018, updated and republished October 2025
How noticeable is the coconut flavour or does the peanut butter flavour disguise it?
no words but love, it
Thank you! Glad you liked this one. We always have these ready to go at home 🙂
Love everything you publish! Thank you
Hi, if I add protein powder to get more protein, should I cut back on flour? Thank you.
Absolutely gorgeous. I made mine with crunchy peanut butter. What a treat! Hard not to eat to many!
These sound amazing!! I need to go buy some coconut flour so I can make them!
I actually never made protein ball before. It shoud be really tasty.
Can you use AP flour in the chocolate peanut butter balls instead of coconut?
As long as you heat treat them first 🙂
How do you heat treat? My first time making this
I accidentally put a very fine shredded coconut in it instead of the coconut flour.
What a yummy mistake it was so good my husband couldn’t quit eating them . I’ll try the coconut flour next time and see if we like it as well.
This recipe originated in Ohio and they are called “Buckeyes”. Ohio is known as the Buckeye State because buckeye trees were common in the area when the territory was settled in the late 18th century. I’ve been eating them since I was a kid. I love them!
Tried it and back for Christmas. Great as is and this time adding small bits of chopped pecans.
I really like it, taste really good.
I am heavily pregnant with gestational diabetes and I stumbled upon your recipes – you are making me SO HAPPY!! THANK YOU! I have discovered the keto diet – a new way of diet for me and my hubby and growing baby – sugar replacements, portion sizes, carb counting. I never did it before – it’s kind of been a blessing in disguise. Thank you! You’re amazing!
You are so welcome- Wishing you the very best of health and what an exciting time!!!
These are easy and so delicious!! I am trying to satisfy a husband who has a sugar addiction using healthier ingredients . I used maple syrup for sweetener . I also melted the chocolate chips with about 1/2 teas butter and coconut oil. I also sprinkled some Maldon sea salt flakes.
Hello,
Can you tell me if these leaves a aftertaste? Can you tell it is Keto?
Thank you!
Not at all 🙂
Will almond flour work in place of coconut?
Yes, it will but you’ll need to add a little more
I made this for a dinner party dessert and everyone went crazy over them.Some of the comments said about them were………… That they were so rich of flavor.
I’m in love with these no bake peanut butter recipes but why don’t you list how much of the ingredients to use??
Darcus, there is a full recipe card with everything included in it
I love old fashioned peanut butter balls with peanut butter, butter and powder sugar dunk in melted chocolate. I made several batches this year. Wow!! My sweet tooth has changed. They are way to sweet.
I’m on a quest to find a powder sugar replacement. The ultimate goal is not sugar, right? Because regular sugars are like a liquid crack in our system. Artificial sweeteners are chemically processed. I see where maple syrup is a great alternative, but still the flavor will be different. I will try make my recipe with butter, which I melt, and add a few tablespoons of raw sugar to melt it and let you all know the outcome.
One of your followers asked “how can [these] be sugar free if your using a sweetener.” You said “because is not sugar.” If a person want’s to get technical, which I feel this should be, the writer is correct it’s not sugar free, your still using a chemically processed sweetener with some of the alternative choices (stevia, keto maple syrup…) If you process it it’s a byproduct which is not the original ingredient. No matter how you look at it, it’s not healthy. Your response put me on the defense, but you still have some fantastic recipes that I can adapted to my way of baking/cooking and for that I appreciate you. I wish you all the very best in 2021~
These were so good! I used choc zero caramel syrup for the sweetener, so it didn’t need any coconut flour to thicken it up.
Hi.. My husband is making these for me. He had to use more coconut flour than it called for in order to be able to form the balls. We didn’t have a sticky sugar free syrup. We used stevia. I’m looking forward to them.
I cannot wait to make these!! I wondered what you would think about subbing vanilla protein powder for half of the flour, or even just adding it in? 🙂 Love, love, love your recipes!
I haven’t tried- Feel free to experiment and see!
Do you think you could use a mini muffin pan and make them into PB cups instead? Might be easier than dipping the balls into the chocolate.
Great idea- Sure!
how about crunchy almond butter?? I love trader joes
I don’t see why not!
You could try a crunchy peanut butter for crunch
I just made these and they’re so fulfilling and delicious! Omg! The dark chocolate and the peanut butter is a win! So easy to make! Simple and awesome! Will be making more! Keto version!
🙂 Thank you, Shouna! 🙂
I’d like to try these but with crunch. Do you think adding some pork rind crumbles would change the recipe too much?
I haven’t tried it myself but feel free to experiment and see 🙂
Can I use sugar free maple syrup and then add in liquid stevia to make them sweeter?
I’m in a small town and everything out of the norm, like monk fruit syrup or choczero syrup isn’t sold by the grocery stores here. I hate waiting days for the mail when I find a recipe with items I want to make today!
Hi there, I haven’t tried- You can try it out, but it will be more crumbly that soft.
How can it be sugar free if you are using a sweetener?
Because it isn’t sugar. Enjoy.
These Peanut Butter Balls taste delicious, but were too dry. I followed the recipe exactly. I even added water to the dough. I’m going to make them adulyadej with 1/2 cup coconut flour instead of 3/4 cup to see if that makes a difference. Thank you again!
Ahh that sometimes happens with different brands of coconut flour- Definitely decrease next time! 🙂
It looks like you use chocozero maple syrup. I am wondering how the taste of maple is in this. I love reese’s cups but now that I am on keto I cant have reeses. so I wanted to try this recipe but for some reason I just can’t see the taste of pancake syrup tasting anywhere near a reese’s cup. I clicked your link on the sweetener you used and it came up as the chocozero maple pecan syrup. Is that correct? I have powered and granular swerve but nothing in a sticky sweetener. Can you help me please?
Hi Jill, I used the maple syrup, which has a light maple flavor. A sticky sweetener is recommended.
Help! I’m making the recipe for Valentine’s Day and my “batter” is not thickening enough to form in to balls. Any suggestions?
Hi Kelsey! Add more coconut flour, it should help thicken!
I’ve made these 3 times now and boy are they ever good!
I’m just wondering how you calculated only 54 calories each? I made 46 balls with this recipe and using pc organics unsweetened smooth peanut butter brought each ball to approximately 90 calories each!! What kind of magic peanut butter are you using? 😉
Hi Michelle! This uses the recipe plugin’s calorie calculator, based on their ingredients. I always recommend my readers to double check if thye are strict calorie counters or counting macros 🙂 Enjoy
Can you use liquid stevia for the Sweetener
That won’t provide a creamy center.
can you sub almond flour or no?
You could try, double the amount though!
I just made these!! Yummmmm! I was wondering if powdered erythritol would work the same as a sticky sweetner?
When I was a kid, over half a century ago, lol…my mom made peanut butter balls using the peanut butter, powdered milk and honey…I like the idea of using coconut, because I am now super sensitive/mildly allergic to dairy. I am so grateful for your website and Facebook group. Thanks for sharing things with us, I am most grateful!
🙂 You are too sweet!