Save Festive, colorful candy balls that resemble holiday ornaments—perfect for gifting or decorating your dessert table.
I enjoy making these candy balls every holiday season as a fun treat to share with friends and family.
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.
Save Making these candy balls has become a cherished tradition that brings my family close during the holiday season.
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
Save These festive candy balls add a joyful touch to any holiday gathering and are sure to delight all ages.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What ingredients create the candy balls’ base?
Vanilla wafer crumbs, powdered sugar, and finely chopped pecans or walnuts form the crunchy, flavorful base.
- → How is the texture of these treats achieved?
Creamy peanut butter, softened butter, and milk bind the dry ingredients into a smooth, firm dough ready for shaping.
- → What coating is used on the candy balls?
White chocolate chips or candy melts are melted and used to coat the chilled balls, creating a glossy finish for decorating.
- → How are the ornament hooks made?
Mini pretzel sticks or licorice strings are gently pressed into the coating before it sets to mimic hooks for hanging.
- → Can ingredients be substituted for dietary needs?
Yes, peanut butter can be replaced with almond or sunflower seed butter for nut-free options, and gluten-free vanilla wafers can be used.
- → How should these treats be stored?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness and texture.