Peanut Butter M&M Truffles

These Peanut Butter M&M Truffles are small, sweet, and totally addictive. They’re soft and creamy on the inside, with that perfect crunch from M&Ms on the outside. No baking, no fuss—just mix, roll, and chill.

I first made these for a game night, and they disappeared fast. The peanut butter makes them rich and smooth, and the candy coating adds just the right pop of color and texture. They’re fun to make and even more fun to eat.

Perfect for parties, holidays, or a quick sweet fix. I’ll show you how I make them step by step. Trust me—you’re gonna want to make a double batch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Balanced Sweet and Salty Flavor: The creaminess of peanut butter and the mellow sweetness of powdered sugar are offset by the crisp shell and chocolate center of M&M’s. Each bite is rich but not overpowering.
• No-Bake Convenience: You won’t need an oven or stove, which means no heating up the kitchen and minimal cleanup.
• Kid-Friendly and Party-Ready: Bright and colorful from the candy, these are great for birthday parties, potlucks, holiday gift boxes, or after-school treats.
• Freezer-Friendly: These truffles freeze well, making them ideal for make-ahead dessert planning. They thaw quickly and keep their texture.
• Customizable by Season or Flavor: You can switch up the candy shell color for different occasions or try peanut butter alternatives like almond butter if you prefer.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Chill Time Breakdown:

• Mixing the dough base: ~10 minutes
• Rolling and shaping truffles: ~10–15 minutes
• Chilling (before coating): 30 minutes
• Chocolate dipping and final chill: 15 minutes (plus any decoration time)
• Total Time: Around 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes, depending on ambient room temp and chilling conditions

Yield and Serving Size:

• This recipe makes 24 standard-sized truffles (about 1 inch in diameter), but you can stretch to 30 if you prefer smaller portions.
• Serving size is typically 2–3 truffles per person.

Skill Level:

• Beginner to Intermediate. While the recipe is straightforward, melting chocolate and dipping truffles requires a gentle hand. If you’re new to chocolate coating, using a fork or dipping tool will help maintain a clean finish.

Ingredient Temperature Tips:

• Use room temperature peanut butter for easy mixing. Cold peanut butter will resist blending.
• If your confectioners’ sugar is clumpy, sift it before adding — this helps prevent a grainy texture in the filling.
• The dough will be soft, so don’t skip the first chill — this firms the truffles and keeps their shape while dipping.

Required Kitchen Tools (Detailed)

You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe, but having the following tools on hand will make the process smoother:

• Mixing Bowl: Medium to large, for combining peanut butter and sugar.
• Rubber Spatula: Helps with folding the candy into the mixture and scraping down the sides.
• Hand Mixer or Wooden Spoon: A mixer will save time, but this dough is soft enough to mix manually.
• Baking Sheet: For chilling truffles. Line it with parchment to prevent sticking.
• Parchment or Wax Paper: Essential for easy cleanup and for setting the dipped truffles.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl or Double Boiler: For melting chocolate. Use low heat and stir frequently to prevent seizing.
• Fork or Candy Dipping Tool: For dipping truffles evenly and draining excess chocolate.
• Cookie Scoop (Optional): A 1-tablespoon scoop helps make truffles uniform in size, which improves presentation and ensures even chilling.

Ingredients for Peanut Butter M&M Truffles

These truffles require simple pantry staples, but each ingredient plays an important role in achieving the right texture and flavor balance.

• 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter – Use shelf-stable peanut butter like Jif or Skippy for best consistency. Natural peanut butter may separate or be too oily.
• 1/4 teaspoon fine salt – Helps balance the sweetness and enhances the peanut flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Adds depth to the flavor.
• 2 cups (240g) confectioners’ sugar – This gives the truffle base structure and a smooth, meltaway texture.
• 1/2 cup (100g) mini M&M’s (baking size preferred) – These add crunch and pops of color throughout the truffle. Full-size M&M’s can work, but chop them roughly.
• 8 oz (225g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped or in chips – For coating. Choose quality chocolate that melts smoothly.
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional) – Helps thin the chocolate for smoother coating and easier dipping.

Variations for Peanut Butter M&M Truffles

• Crunchy Peanut Butter: Swap creamy for crunchy to add more texture to the truffle base.
• Use Colored Candy for Holidays: Try red and green M&M’s for Christmas, pastel for Easter, or orange and black for Halloween.
• Dipped in White Chocolate: Swap the semi-sweet chocolate for white chocolate if you prefer a sweeter outer shell.
• Peanut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter or almond butter as a substitute for a different flavor profile.
• Decorate the Tops: Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle crushed peanuts, mini M&M’s, or festive sprinkles on top.

How to Make Peanut Butter M&M Truffles – Step-by-Step

1. Mix the Peanut Butter Base

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until smooth and combined. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, mixing as you go. The mixture will get thick — switch to a spatula if needed. Fold in the mini M&M’s last, using a firm but gentle motion so they distribute evenly.

2. Shape and Chill

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the peanut butter dough and roll them into balls between your palms. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once all balls are rolled, place the tray in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This helps them hold shape when dipped.

3. Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, gently melt the chocolate with the coconut oil or shortening (if using) in 20–30 second intervals, stirring between each. The chocolate should be smooth and fluid, not thick or clumpy.

4. Dip the Truffles

Using a fork or dipping tool, lift each chilled peanut butter ball and dip it into the melted chocolate. Tap gently on the edge of the bowl to remove excess chocolate, then place the coated truffle back on the parchment-lined sheet. Optionally, add a few mini M&M’s or sprinkles on top before the chocolate sets.

5. Let Set

Once all truffles are coated, place the tray in the refrigerator for about 15–20 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely firm.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Peanut Butter M&M Truffles are festive and versatile — here’s how to serve them beautifully:

• Platter Presentation: Arrange truffles in mini cupcake liners on a dessert tray. Vary the colors with seasonal M&M’s for added visual interest.
• Gift Packaging: Stack in clear treat bags or small boxes with parchment dividers. Perfect for holiday gifting or bake sales.
• Party Table: Serve chilled or at room temperature on a tiered tray for birthdays, showers, or gatherings.
• Add a Garnish: Sprinkle a few crushed M&M’s or drizzle with melted white chocolate for a decorative touch before serving.

Storing Peanut Butter M&M Truffles

Proper storage keeps the truffles fresh and prevents the chocolate shell from sweating or cracking.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days. Layer with parchment to prevent sticking.
• Freezer: Freeze in a zip-top bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
• Room Temperature (Short-Term): Truffles can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours, but refrigeration is best for longer storage.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Chill the Dough Well: Don’t skip chilling — it firms up the texture and prevents the truffles from falling apart when dipping.
• Use Good Chocolate: Choose chocolate that melts smoothly — chocolate chips with stabilizers may require extra oil to thin.
• Work Quickly While Dipping: If the chocolate starts to harden, reheat briefly and stir to restore smoothness.
• Keep Hands Cool: Warm hands can make rolling difficult — wash with cold water and dry before shaping truffles.

Nutrition (Per Truffle)

Component	Amount
Calories	145 kcal
Total Fat	9 g
Saturated Fat	3 g
Carbohydrates	15 g
Sugar	12 g
Protein	2 g
Sodium	45 mg

Note: Nutrition data is approximate and will vary depending on chocolate brand and portion size.

Peanut Butter M&M Truffles FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter?
Not recommended — the oil separation can make the truffle base too soft and greasy. Use shelf-stable peanut butter for best texture.

Do I have to chill the dough before dipping?
Yes, chilling is essential for shaping and ensures the balls don’t fall apart in the warm chocolate.

What

kind of chocolate works best for coating?
Use semi-sweet, dark, or white chocolate baking bars or chips. Quality matters — avoid overly sweet or waxy chocolate.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These truffles are great for prepping in advance. Store chilled and bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter M&M Truffles are a playful, colorful, and deeply satisfying treat that delivers texture and flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting, gifting, or simply craving something sweet, this no-bake recipe offers dependable results and customizable flair. It’s a great addition to any dessert spread — easy enough for beginners, fun enough for seasoned bakers.

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