This no-bake treat is one of those recipes that instantly becomes part of holiday ritual. I first made these Christmas truffles on a cold December afternoon when I needed a simple, festive confection to bring to a neighborhood cookie swap. The combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet powdered sugar rolled into little bites, dipped in white chocolate and decorated with colorful sprinkles, felt like childhood wrapped in a bite-sized package. They disappear fast at parties, and the contrast between the smooth interior and crisp chocolate shell is the sort of texture play that keeps people coming back for more.

What makes this version special is its reliability and ease. The dough requires only a single bowl and a few ingredients you likely already have in the pantry. The white melting chocolate sets quickly and provides a shiny shell that looks professional even if this is your first time dipping. I often make a double batch for holiday platters and to hand out as neighbors' gifts, because they travel well and keep their shape at room temperature for a few hours. Every year someone asks for the recipe, and it is now my go-to shortcut for seasonal treats.

Ingredients

• Powdered sugar (1 cup): Use fresh, finely sifted powdered sugar for a smooth interior. I prefer Domino or C&H brands; if your powdered sugar is clumpy, sift it once to avoid grainy texture.
• Peanut butter (1/2 cup): Any creamy or chunky variety works—Jif or Skippy are reliable. Chunky adds pleasant texture but creamy creates a smoother center. Natural peanut butter can be used, but reduce stirring time as oils separate.
• Butter (3 tablespoons, room temperature): Salted or unsalted both work; salted adds a small contrast to the sweetness. Bring to room temperature so it blends seamlessly with the peanut butter.
• White melting chocolate (16 ounces): Look for coating wafers or melting chocolate such as Ghirardelli melting wafers or almond bark; these melt glossy and set firm. If using regular white chocolate bars, add a teaspoon of neutral oil to improve melting.
• Christmas sprinkles and other toppings: Choose nonpareils, jimmies, crushed candy canes, chopped toasted nuts, or colored sanding sugar to finish. Keep an eye on ingredient labels if you need gluten-free or nut-free options for guests.

Instructions

Combine the base: In a medium mixing bowl, add 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 cup peanut butter, and 3 tablespoons softened butter. Use a large rubber spatula or wooden spoon to fold the mixture until a cohesive dough forms. The texture should be firm enough to hold shape but soft enough to scoop; if it feels too dry, add a teaspoon of peanut butter. If too sticky, add 1 tablespoon more powdered sugar at a time. Scoop and shape: Using a small portion scoop or a tablespoon, portion the dough into uniform balls. Roll between your palms to smooth them, aiming for about 1 inch diameter for bite-sized pieces. Place the formed balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet at least 1/2 inch apart to prevent sticking. Chill: Transfer the tray to the refrigerator and chill for 15 to 30 minutes. Chilling firms the centers, which helps them keep their shape when dipped. If your kitchen is warm, extend chilling to 30 minutes to avoid melting during dipping. Melt the chocolate: Break or chop the 16 ounces of white melting chocolate and place in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat at 30-second intervals on medium power, stirring between each interval, until fully melted and smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler over simmering water and stir until silky. If the chocolate is thick, add 1 teaspoon of neutral oil to thin slightly for smoother dipping. Dip and decorate: Using a fork or dipping tool, submerge each chilled ball into the melted white chocolate, tapping gently to remove excess. Place the coated truffles back onto parchment and immediately sprinkle with decorations before the coating sets. Work in small batches to keep the chocolate at a workable temperature. Set and serve: Let the truffles sit at room temperature until the chocolate hardens, about 15 to 30 minutes depending on ambient temperature. For faster setting, place them in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. Store in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Storage Tips

Store the truffles in a single layer in an airtight container separated by parchment if stacking. At room temperature they remain pleasant for a day or two; refrigeration prolongs freshness up to two weeks but can slightly dull the shine of the coating. For long-term storage, freeze on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or tin. Thaw in the refrigerator for several hours before serving to avoid condensation on the chocolate surface.

Ingredient Substitutions

If peanuts are a concern, substitute sunflower seed butter cup for cup; it offers a similar texture and flavor profile. Use vegan butter and dairy-free white chocolate for a dairy-free option; note that vegan coatings sometimes set softer, so refrigerate to fully firm. Swap white melting chocolate for dark or milk chocolate for a richer, less sweet finish; if using dark chocolate, consider adding a pinch of sea salt to the coating to balance sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Arrange the truffles on small doilies or in mini cupcake liners for a pretty presentation. They pair well with a cup of coffee, herbal tea, or a small glass of dessert wine. For parties, create themed trays: red and green sprinkles for classic Christmas, crushed ginger cookies for a spiced contrast, or chopped toasted almonds for added crunch and visual variety.

Cultural Background

While these particular bites are an American holiday adaptation that mixes peanut butter candy traditions with truffle-like coatings, the practice of dipping sweet centers in chocolate spans many cultures. Chocolate coating provides both visual appeal and a protective shell for softer fillings, a technique popularized in European confectionery and now widely adapted with localized ingredients such as nut butters in the United States.

Seasonal Adaptations

In winter, add peppermint extract or top with crushed candy canes. For a summertime twist, substitute toasted coconut and lime zest for a tropical note. For holiday parties, color-coordinate sprinkles to match themes, or add edible glitter for New Year's celebrations. Small changes in garnish can shift the impression of the treats from nostalgic to sophisticated.

Meal Prep Tips

Make the centers up to 3 days ahead and keep refrigerated. If preparing for a large event, freeze centers on a sheet pan, then store in freezer bags; when ready to serve, thaw and dip in melted chocolate. This pacifies last-minute rush and keeps the dipping process quick and efficient. Pack truffles in single-layer boxes for gifting and add a small desiccant packet if shipping to avoid moisture.

These little confections are a reliable, crowd-pleasing addition to holiday gatherings. They strike the right balance between homemade charm and party-ready presentation. Try a batch and make the finishing touches your own — you’ll likely find, as our family did, that they reappear every holiday season.