If you love the taste of peanut butter balls/buckeye candy but have zero patience for it this year, I’ve got the recipe for you! This version adds a bit of texture with graham cracker crumbs but it’s that same delicious combo that’s kept peanut butter cups at the top of our crave list. I’m all for the tradition of peanut butter balls but after rolling 50+ per batch, they can become little balls of anger and totally drain your Christmas cheer. Sometimes you need to “dump” this and “slap on” that and put a fork in it. Jazz up the top with some holiday sprinkles and “blam!” you’re ready for the season with minimal effort.
This does have some cooling time for the chocolate to harden but it’s so easy to throw together, I’d start with it in the morning and just let it cool as you do other things. I love that the graham cracker crumbs don’t necessarily flavor it, they just give some texture. Of course, you could intentionally flavor it if you like. They make maple peanut butter so you could use that and cinnamon graham crackers with white candy melts on top and make a whole new dish. Look at that, you got a two for one!! The video shows you how to bring it all together and what the recipe should look like in different stages.
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Peanut Butter Chocolate Squares
Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup ground graham crackers
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 12 bag chocolate chips, melted
- Holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and peanut butter.
- Add graham/sugar mixture to butter mixture and combine.
- Line an 8x8 pan with wax paper on the bottom, then pour the mixture into the pan and flatten until even.
- Melt your chocolate in the microwave in 15 second increments, stirring each time. (Usually 45-60 seconds to get totally melted- do not microwave it that long at once or it will scorch)
- Pour melted chocolate over the peanut butter mixture, cover and put in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Pre-cut your pieces now so when the top hardens, the chocolate doesn't crack.
- Allow to harden the rest of the way, serve.
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14 Comments
My high school made these every day and they were AMAZING. You are bringing it this Christmas with retro favorites!
Also, I am addicted to Mistletoe by Justin Bieber.
Thanks a lot.
What can I say, I was feeling the nostalgia this year and I’m not one for super over the top desserts. Oh and you’re welcome for that horrible, hummable Christmas ditty! 😛
I love your tip about pre-cutting so the chocolate doesn’t crack. Thanks!!
(I found you on the Inspire Me Monday Link Party.)
I won’t tell you how I found out the first time! 😀
I’ve been making these for years for my kids (who are now grown up and still love them) One of the tricks I learned to save your blending arm is to melt the butter and chocolate over low heat, gently stirring occasionally. Then I add the graham cracker crumbs and confectioner’s sugar. Since I’m usually baking and the oven is on when I’m also making these, I came up with a less messy way to melt the chocolate chips. I lower the oven temperature to 170 degrees F., sprinkle the chocolate chips on top of the warm peanut butter mix that has been put in the pan and put the pan in the oven for a few minutes. As soon as the chips are melted, I take them out of the oven and use a spatula to spread the chips on top. Let everything cool then cut the squares before it gets cold to keep the chocolate from cracking. This year I also cut those squares into triangles because these cookies are so rich that people were always looking for a small one. One more thing, I double this recipe and make them in a 9×12 inch pan. More goodies to share! BTW, I’m 74 and am passing this method on to my grandchildren. 🙂 Merry Christmas and happy baking!
Thanks so much for sharing your tips with us!! Cutting them into triangles, you could also put mini M&M’s in the chocolate to make little trees! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
These sound delicious and remind me of a recipe that my aunt always made when we came to visit. I’m so excited to try these. Pinned and thanks for sharing with To Grandma’ House We Go, I’ll be featuring you next week!
How wonderful! Isn’t it fun to find/make recipes that remind us of loved ones? Thanks so much for the feature!
Thanks for not just one but two recipe ideas! I have made these before and I love your tips about pre-cutting part way through as mine always crack and I wondered how to prevent that. Pinned.
You’re very welcome! We have to share those tips and tricks that help us get that beautiful end result. (Though I’m sure people will still eat chocolate and peanut butter with a cracked top! 😀 )
These are so perfect for the holidays! They look so festive! I would love to put them in a box or in a cute bag for guests. What a wonderful treat to bring to Fiesta Friday table! Thank you for sharing!
I don’t know any guest that wouldn’t love to get these babies!
Your awesome post was featured on Full Plate Thursday,464. Thanks so much for sharing your talent with us and hope you have a great New Year! Hope to see you in 2020!
Miz Helen
Thanks, Miz Helen! I’m so thankful to be a part of your wonderful community! Hope you had a Merry Christmas and all the best for a happy new year!