BUTTERFINGER BALLS

• Easy Does It: Despite their impressive presentation, these Butterfinger Balls come together quickly and easily. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, they're perfect for a fun activity with friends, family, or even for whipping up a last-minute dessert.
• Sweet & Salty Symphony: The creamy peanut butter filling, studded with crunchy Butterfinger bits, creates a delightful textural and flavor contrast. The rich chocolate coating adds another layer of indulgence, making these treats truly irresistible.
• Customize Your Cravings: Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Substitute chopped nuts, pretzels, or rice krispies for the Butterfinger bits, or drizzle the finished balls with white chocolate or peanut butter for an extra pop of flavor.

Ingredients:

• For the Decadent Peanut Butter Filling:
• 1⅓ cup creamy peanut butter (Jif brand recommended)
• ½ cup softened salted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 ½ cups Butterfinger Bits (plus more for topping, optional)
• For the Chocolatey Coating:
• 3 cups chocolate melting wafers (or chocolate chips with ½ teaspoon coconut oil per cup)

1. Creamy Peanut Butter Bliss: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Cream the mixture together for 30 seconds until smooth and well combined.
2. Sweetening the Deal: Sift the powdered sugar into the peanut butter mixture and beat on low speed until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and slightly sticky.
3. Butterfinger Bits Bonanza: Gently fold in the 1 ½ cups of Butterfinger Bits into the peanut butter mixture. Make sure the bits are evenly distributed throughout.
4. Chilling Out: Cover the peanut butter mixture and refrigerate it for 30 minutes. This allows the mixture to firm up, making it easier to roll into balls.
5. Shaping Up: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a medium cookie scoop, portion out the chilled peanut butter mixture and roll them into balls. Place the rolled balls back onto the prepared baking sheet.
6. Freezing for Perfection: Transfer the baking sheet with the peanut butter balls to the freezer and chill for an additional 20-30 minutes. This step helps the balls maintain their shape when dipped in chocolate.
7. Melty Chocolate Magic: While the peanut butter balls chill, melt the chocolate melting wafers in a wide glass bowl. Use 30-second intervals at medium power, stirring in between each interval, until the chocolate is smooth and melted. Tip: If using chocolate chips, add ½ teaspoon of coconut oil per cup of chocolate chips to ensure a smooth dipping consistency.
8. Chocolate Dipping Fun: Using a fork or dipping tool, carefully dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, coating it almost entirely. Note: You don't need to completely cover the tops of the balls. Tap gently to remove excess chocolate and place the dipped ball back onto the prepared baking sheet.
9. Butterfinger Bling (Optional): While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle some additional Butterfinger Bits over the tops of the dipped balls for an extra touch of crunch and visual appeal.
10. Setting the Stage for Sweet Satisfaction: Allow the chocolate-dipped peanut butter balls to sit at room temperature until the chocolate hardens completely. This can take about 30 minutes.
11. Sweet Indulgence Awaits!: Store your leftover Butterfinger Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Alternatively, you can freeze them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Enjoy these delightful treats whenever your sweet tooth comes calling!