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This trio of homemade holiday treats has been my secret weapon for impressive gift-giving and dessert tables for years. The combination of peanut butter balls, peppermint bark, and butterfinger candy bars creates the perfect holiday sampler that looks professional while being surprisingly simple to make.
I first made these treats when I was snowed in during a blizzard with nothing but pantry staples. What started as a way to pass time transformed into my most requested holiday tradition. Even my mother-in-law asks for them by name now!
Ingredients
- For Peanut Butter Balls
- Powdered sugar: Creates the perfect sweetness and helps bind the mixture
- Peanut butter: Use creamy for the smoothest texture but crunchy works for added texture
- Butter: Softened at room temperature ensures even mixing
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth to balance the sweetness
- Dipping chocolate: Choose high-quality for the best shine and snap
- For Peppermint Bark
- Dark or light chocolate chips: Forms the base layer; use high-quality for best results
- White chocolate chips: Creates the classic two-tone look
- Peppermint extract: A little goes a long way for authentic flavor
- Crushed peppermint candy: Adds festive color and textural crunch
- For Butterfinger Candy Bars
- Candy corn: Surprisingly transforms into a perfect butterfinger texture when melted
- Peanut butter: Creates that signature butterfinger flavor profile
- Dipping chocolate: Seals in the flavor and creates a professional finish
How To Make Holiday Candy Trio
- Prepare The Peanut Butter Balls:
- Combine the softened butter with vanilla and peanut butter in a large bowl until completely smooth. The mixture should be uniform with no butter streaks remaining. The butter must be truly soft but not melted for proper incorporation.
- Add The Powdered Sugar:
- Gradually incorporate powdered sugar into the peanut butter mixture about half a cup at a time. The mixture will become increasingly stiff as you add more sugar. Keep mixing until you achieve a firm dough that holds together when pressed. It should be pliable but not sticky.
- Shape And Freeze:
- Roll the mixture between your palms into uniform 1-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet with space between each ball. Transfer to the freezer for a full 30 minutes. This step is crucial for the balls to hold their shape during dipping.
- Dip In Chocolate:
- Melt your preferred dipping chocolate in a deep microwave-safe bowl using 30-second intervals and stirring between each until completely smooth. Using a fork or dipping tool lower each frozen peanut butter ball into the chocolate one at a time coating completely. Tap off excess chocolate and place back on parchment paper to set.
- Create Peppermint Bark Base:
- Melt dark or milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl using 30-second intervals stirring between each until completely smooth. Pour onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread into an even layer about 1/4 inch thick. Allow to cool until just set but still slightly tacky about 15 minutes.
- Add White Chocolate Layer:
- Melt white chocolate chips following the same process as before. Once completely smooth stir in the peppermint extract. The extract may cause the chocolate to thicken slightly which is normal. Pour this mixture over the cooled dark chocolate layer and spread evenly.
- Finish And Break:
- While the white chocolate is still wet sprinkle generously with crushed peppermint candy pressing lightly to ensure it adheres. Allow to completely harden at room temperature for several hours or refrigerate for 30 minutes. Once fully set break into irregular pieces using your hands or a knife.
- Transform Candy Corn:
- Place candy corn in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals stirring between each until completely melted and smooth. Be patient as candy corn melts slowly and unevenly at first. Continue until the mixture is completely liquid with no solid pieces remaining.
- Add Peanut Butter To Create Butterfinger Texture:
- Immediately add peanut butter to the hot melted candy corn and stir vigorously until fully incorporated. The mixture will begin to thicken as you stir becoming increasingly difficult to mix. This is exactly what you want. Continue stirring until you have a thick paste.
- Shape And Cool:
- Quickly spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet forming a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. While still warm score into bar shapes with a knife. Allow to cool completely at room temperature until fully hardened about 1 hour.
- Dip Butterfinger Bars:
- Once completely hardened break along scored lines into individual bars. Melt dipping chocolate as before and dip each piece until fully coated. Place on parchment paper to harden. For a professional finish drizzle with additional melted chocolate in a contrasting color.
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The peppermint bark is my absolute favorite of the trio. I discovered its magic when making it for my daughter's class party. The room filled with the scent of peppermint and chocolate and watching twenty children's eyes light up as they tasted it was worth every minute spent making it. Now it's our special mother-daughter tradition each December.
Storage And Gifting
These treats shine when it comes to make-ahead potential. Store each variety separately in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. The peanut butter balls keep best in the refrigerator and can even be frozen for up to 3 months. For gifting consider layering all three treats in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbon. Or create individual treat boxes with dividers to keep each type separated. I often include a handwritten note explaining what each treat is as people are always surprised the butterfingers are homemade!
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Flavor Variations
While the classic recipes are perfect as written they can easily be customized. For the peanut butter balls try substituting almond or cashew butter for a unique twist. The peppermint bark works beautifully with dark chocolate for a more sophisticated flavor profile or try using crushed candy canes instead of peppermint candies. For the butterfinger bars adding a tiny pinch of salt to the mixture enhances the peanut butter flavor dramatically. Around Valentine's Day I sometimes shape the peanut butter mixture into hearts and use pink chocolate melts for the coating.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your peanut butter balls mixture seems too sticky add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time. Conversely if it's too dry add a teaspoon of milk until you reach the perfect consistency. For the peppermint bark if the white chocolate seizes after adding the extract add a teaspoon of vegetable oil and continue stirring. The butterfinger mixture hardens quickly so work fast when spreading it. If it becomes too firm to spread place it back in the microwave for 10 seconds to soften slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of chocolate for dipping?
Yes, you can use any type of chocolate you prefer, such as dark, milk, or white chocolate. Choose based on personal taste or dietary needs.
- → How can I store these treats for freshness?
Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks.
- → Can I make these treats ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the treats a few days in advance and store them in a cool, dry place. They also freeze well for longer storage.
- → How do I prevent the chocolate from hardening too quickly when dipping?
Work in small batches and keep the dipping chocolate warm by placing the bowl over a pot of simmering water or using a chocolate melter.
- → Can I customize the toppings for the peppermint bark?
Yes, feel free to use other toppings like sprinkles, crushed cookies, or nuts as an alternative to peppermint candy.
- → What can I use instead of candy corn for the Butterfinger candies?
You can substitute candy corn with toffee pieces or caramel for a similar texture and sweetness.