Chocolate Peanut Balls
These Chocolate Peanut Balls are a delicious no-bake treat that combines crunchy cookies, roasted peanuts, and a rich chocolate coating. They are easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. The combination of the smooth chocolate and the nutty crunch of peanuts makes them an irresistible snack or dessert for any occasion. Plus, they come together quickly, with minimal effort required. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something sweet, these chocolate peanut balls are a fun and tasty choice!
Preparation Time
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
500g cookies (digestive biscuits or any similar cookies)
120g peanuts (roughly chopped)
70g sugar
60g cocoa powder
250ml milk
150g butter
40-50g peanuts (for topping)
180g chocolate (dark and milk, mixed)
30ml sunflower oil (2 tablespoons)
Directions
1. Prepare the Base:
Crush the cookies into fine crumbs. You can do this by placing the cookies in a food processor or by putting them in a plastic bag and using a rolling pin to crush them.
Roughly chop 120g of peanuts and set them aside for later.
2. Make the Chocolate Mixture:
In a saucepan, combine the sugar, cocoa powder, and milk. Stir well to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
Add the butter to the mixture and stir until fully melted and smooth.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
3. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed cookie crumbs and the chopped peanuts.
Pour the cooled chocolate mixture over the cookie crumbs and peanuts, stirring well until everything is evenly coated.
4. Chill the Mixture:
Cover the mixture with cling film or plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
5. Shape the Balls:
After chilling, take the mixture out of the fridge and shape it into small balls using your hands. You can make them as big or small as you prefer.
Place the shaped balls on a lined baking tray.
6. Prepare the Topping:
Roughly chop 40-50g of peanuts for the topping and set them aside.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate and sunflower oil. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
7. Decorate the Balls:
Dip each ball into the melted chocolate, or drizzle the chocolate over the balls. Use a spoon or fork to coat them evenly.
Sprinkle the chopped peanuts on top of the chocolate-coated balls for a nice crunch and garnish.
8. Final Chill:
Place the decorated balls in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to allow the chocolate to set and harden.
9. Serve:
Once the chocolate has set, remove the balls from the fridge and serve. Enjoy these delicious chocolate peanut balls as a sweet treat for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a cup of coffee or tea: These chocolate peanut balls pair perfectly with a hot beverage, making them a great option for afternoon tea or a snack.
Gift them as treats: These balls make an excellent homemade gift for friends and family, especially during holidays or birthdays.
Serve on a dessert platter: Add them to a dessert platter alongside other treats like cookies or mini cupcakes for a variety of sweets.
Cooking Tips
Make the balls uniform in size: For even coating and presentation, try to make the balls about the same size.
Use high-quality chocolate: The chocolate coating is a key element of these balls, so using good-quality dark or milk chocolate will make a difference in the flavor.
Substitute with different nuts: You can use other nuts like almonds, cashews, or hazelnuts in place of peanuts for a different flavor.
Variations to Try
Add dried fruit: Add small pieces of dried fruit like raisins, cranberries, or apricots to the mixture for added texture and sweetness.
Use flavored chocolate: Try using white chocolate or dark chocolate with a hint of sea salt for a different taste experience.
Coat with other toppings: Instead of peanuts, try rolling the balls in shredded coconut, cocoa powder, or even crushed pretzels for an extra crunch.
Nutritional Benefits
These chocolate peanut balls provide a good balance of healthy fats from peanuts and chocolate, as well as carbohydrates from the cookies. Peanuts are a great source of protein and essential nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, and niacin. While this treat is indulgent, it can also offer some nutritional benefits when enjoyed in moderation.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Peanut Balls are an easy-to-make, delicious treat that combines the richness of chocolate with the crunch of peanuts and cookies. They’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the need for baking, and their versatility makes them a hit for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a special event or simply enjoying them as a snack, these treats are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
