PEANUT BUTTER BALLS

Every Christmas growing up, my mom and I would make the same Christmas goodies– cut-out cookies and peanut butter balls (not to be confused with Schweddy balls). I loved helping my mom make and bake these special cookies at Christmastime. I always look forward to traveling home and making these with my mom.

Now, I realize that some of you call these “Buckeyes” even though my version involves completely covering them in chocolate and true Buckeyes are bare on top, but I grew up calling them peanut butter balls, so peanut butter balls they are.

Ingredients

• 3 c. crisped rice cereal (measure out 3 c. then crush)
• 2 c. smooth peanut butter
• 3/4 c. butter (softened)
• 3 3/4 c. powdered sugar
• 1 pound of melting chocolate, like almond bark, or the like

Instructions

1. Mix together: 2 c. smooth peanut butter and 3/4 c. butter
2. Add: 3 3/4 c. powdered sugar 3 c. crushed crisped rice cereal
3. Chill mixture for 1-2 hours. Use cookie scoop to make uniform balls. Roll into balls. Melt 1 lb. of chocolate. Dip balls into chocolate. Remove with a toothpick. Place on foil or wax paper until cool.
4. Yields 3-4 dozen peanut butter balls, dependent on size. Store in airtight container at room temperature. Best when eaten fresh or within 2-3 days.
5. NOTES: If you're having a hard time getting the balls out of the chocolate with a toothpick, try a fork. Or refrigerate the balls for an hour before dipping. Do not substitute margarine for butter.

Recipe Source:twotwentyone.net