This trio of holiday treats – Peanut Butter Balls, Peppermint Bark, and Butterfinger Candy Bars – makes the holiday season extra sweet! Whether you’re looking for something easy to make for holiday parties or a fun addition to your festive dessert table, these treats are a perfect choice. Each one offers a unique texture and flavor that everyone will love.
This trio of Christmas treats – Peanut Butter Balls, Peppermint Bark, and Butterfinger Candy Bars – brings classic holiday flavors and is easy to make. Perfect for sharing, each recipe adds a delicious variety to your dessert table with minimal ingredients and preparation.
INGREDIENTS
- Peanut Butter Balls:
- 2 cups powdered sugar – provides sweetness and structure to the filling.
- 1 cup peanut butter – adds a nutty richness and creamy texture.
- 6 tablespoons butter – softens and smooths the mixture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla – enhances the flavor.
- Dipping chocolate of choice – creates a rich, indulgent coating for each ball.
- Peppermint Bark:
- 1 bag dark or light chocolate chips – serves as the base layer.
- 1 bag white chocolate chips – forms the top layer, adding a creamy contrast.
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract – gives a refreshing holiday flavor.
- Crushed peppermint candy – adds crunch and a festive look.
- Butterfinger Candy Bars:
- 3 cups candy corn – provides a sweet, chewy texture.
- 2 cups peanut butter – balances the sweetness and creates a soft center.
- Dipping chocolate of choice – gives a smooth, chocolatey coating.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Peanut Butter Balls
- 1. Melt the butter and mix it with vanilla and peanut butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until well combined.
3. Roll mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Freeze for about 30 minutes to set.
5. Melt the dipping chocolate of your choice, then dip each peanut butter ball, coating evenly. - Peppermint Bark
- 1. Melt dark or milk chocolate chips and spread on parchment paper. Let cool.
2. Melt the white chocolate chips, stir in peppermint extract, and spread over the cooled dark chocolate layer.
3. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candy on top for decoration.
4. Allow the bark to harden, then break it into pieces for serving. - Butterfinger Candy Bars
- 1. Melt candy corn in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
2. Add peanut butter to the melted candy corn and stir until thick.
3. Spread the mixture on parchment paper and let it cool slightly before cutting into pieces.
4. Melt dipping chocolate and dip each candy piece, placing them back on parchment paper to set.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Store Peanut Butter Balls and Butterfinger Candy Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to keep them fresh.
- Peppermint Bark can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container or in the refrigerator for longer storage.
- Serve these treats on a holiday platter or package them individually in festive bags for gifting.
Helpful Notes
- Customize the chocolate coatings by using dark, milk, or white chocolate for different flavor profiles.
- If you want a softer texture in the Butterfinger bars, slightly reduce the candy corn to peanut butter ratio.
- For an extra holiday touch, add colorful holiday sprinkles to the Peanut Butter Balls before the chocolate sets.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Martha Stewart: Recommends freezing the peanut butter mixture briefly to make dipping easier and achieve a smooth chocolate coating.
- Chef Ina Garten: Suggests using high-quality chocolate for the best flavor and smoother texture, especially in simple recipes like peppermint bark.
- Chef Bobby Flay: Advises experimenting with dark chocolate or salted chocolate coatings for a sophisticated twist on these classic holiday treats.