Chocolate Peanut Candies
Creamy, crunchy peanut candies coated in rich chocolate, perfect for peanut butter lovers and parties, offering a delicious combination of sweetness, nuttiness, and crispy textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Over a double boiler, melt the chocolate and vegetable shortening.
- Cool slightly.
- Thoroughly blend the peanut butter and softened butter.
- Add the chopped peanuts, confectioners sugar, and crispy rice cereal to the peanut butter mixture.
- Chill the mixture for about 15 minutes.
- Roll the chilled mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Dip each ball into the melted chocolate using a fork.
- Tap the fork on the side of the bowl to allow excess chocolate to drip off.
- Place the coated balls on a cookie sheet or flat tray and chill.
- Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother chocolate coating, ensure the chocolate is not too hot when dipping the balls. If you prefer a creamier filling, substitute half of the peanut butter with almond butter. You can also use white chocolate for a different flavor profile. If you want to add texture, consider mixing in crushed pretzels or adding a pinch of sea salt to the chocolate. These candies are inspired by classic American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These chocolate peanut candies are perfect for parties or as a sweet treat alongside coffee or champagne. They can also be plated with other desserts like Mother'S Chocolate Pound Cake or Grandmother'S Christmas Cookies for a delightful dessert spread. For a fun twist, try serving them with a side of fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage & Reheating
Store the chocolate peanut candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. To enjoy again, simply let them thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. Avoid reheating as the chocolate may lose its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Peanut Candies contains roughly 310 calories, with 3g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is a good source of iron (16% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate for semi-sweet chocolate, but keep in mind that it will result in a sweeter flavor. Adjust the amount of confectioners sugar slightly to balance the sweetness, if necessary.
What if I don't have vegetable shortening?
If you don't have vegetable shortening, you can replace it with an equal amount of coconut oil or additional butter. This will affect the flavor slightly, but it will still create a nice chocolate coating.
Can I add other nuts or ingredients to the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other nuts like almonds or walnuts, or add ingredients like shredded coconut or mini marshmallows for added flavor and texture. Just make sure to maintain the overall consistency of the mixture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).