Peanut butter covered in chocolate is one of life’s fine pleasures. And when that peanut butter is mixed with the earthy, smokey, sweet flavor of maple sugar (click here), it’s pretty darn incredible. You will love these chocolate-covered maple peanut butter balls!
This is an updated version of an older Maple Peanut Butter Ball recipe from my website. I streamlined the recipe and changed the the sugar to peanut butter ratio so that the peanut butter dough hold it’s shape better!
These maple peanut butter balls are of course modeled after one of my old favorite holiday treats, the glorious Reese’s Peanut Butter Egg (why are these so good?!). There’s a world-wide debate about which Reese’s product is superior, the classic cup or the egg… and I’m planted firmly in the egg camp. The ratio of peanut butter to chocolate is different and is far superior, if you ask me. These maple peanut butter balls have a similar ratio and are *chef’s kiss* perfect.
Traditional peanut butter balls have powdered sugar in them as the binding/dough stiffening agent. For our maple-sweetened version, we’ll use powdered maple sugar. Never heard of it? That’s because it doesn’t exist and you’ll have to make it yourself, ha! It’s not hard, but you will need a good blender.
Maple sugar is one of the best kept secrets in food. Seriously, ridiculously good. I use it sparingly and only for things that are extra-special. My two favorite uses are these peanut butter balls, and making maple buttercream frosting for cake.
How to Make Powdered Maple Sugar for Maple Peanut Butter Balls
To make these you’ll need to start with maple sugar, which is simply maple syrup that has been boiled down even further until it crystalizes. You can find this online (click here) and in most natural food stores. Or if you’re a glutton for punishment you can even make it yourself. We make our own because yes, we are in fact gluttons for punishment.
Simply run your maple sugar through a high-powered blender and you’ll have powdered maple sugar in about 15 to 30 seconds.
For the purpose of this recipe, it’s easier to measure the maple sugar, then powder it, instead of having you actually measure the powdered maple sugar.
Chocolate-Covered Maple Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup maple sugar (regular, not powdered), plus more for topping if desired
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (with no added sugar, oil or salt)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips, milk or dark or a combination of both
Instructions
- Place the maple sugar in a high-speed blender and blend on high until it has turned into a fine powder, about 15 to 30 seconds.
- In a bowl combine the peanut butter, salt, and powdered maple sugar. Mix until it is well-combined and a soft dough has formed.
- Use a small (about 1 tablespoon) spring-loaded scoop to make balls. Scoop the dough, then use your fingers to pack it into the scoop; this will help smooth it out and compact it together. Place the balls on a parchment-lined pan and refrigerate for 1 hour.Alternatively, if you don't have a scoop, use your hands to knead the dough smooth, then pinch off pieces and roll into balls between your palms.
- Melt the chocolate in a small bowl and dip each peanut butter ball, completely covering it in chocolate. Return to the parchment-lined pan to cool and harden. If desired, sprinkle the top with regular maple sugar for a decoration (while the chocolalte is still wet).
