The 5 Simple Ingredients
Makes ~24 balls (1-inch size)
1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter (not “natural”—needs stabilizers to hold shape!)
½ cup (60g) powdered sugar (adds sweetness + structure)
1 cup crushed Butterfinger candy (about 8 “Fun Size” bars or 2 full-size bars—see tip below!)
1 tbsp (14g) unsalted butter, melted (binds without greasiness)
8 oz (225g) chocolate melting wafers (or high-quality chocolate chips—not baking chips)
✅ Optional Garnish (Joye’s Touch!)
Extra crushed Butterfinger (for that iconic sparkle!)
Flaky sea salt (a few grains—elevates the sweet-salty magic)
Toasted chopped pecans or walnuts (your fave—adds Midwest heartiness!)
🔹 Pro Tip: Use a food processor or place bars in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin until fine gravel-sized—too chunky = crumbly balls.
Let’s Make Magic! Simple 4-Step Process
Step 1: Make the Filling
In a medium bowl:
→ Add peanut butter, powdered sugar, 1 cup crushed Butterfinger, and melted butter.
→ Stir with a sturdy spoon or spatula until just combined—it’ll be thick, crumbly, and slightly stiff.
✅ Test: Pinch a bit—it should hold together without crumbling. If too dry, add ½ tsp melted butter. Too sticky? Add 1 tbsp powdered sugar.
Step 2: Form the Balls
→ Scoop ~1 tablespoon per ball (a #60 cookie scoop is perfect).
→ Roll firmly between clean palms into 1-inch balls (smooth = fewer cracks when dipping).
→ Place on a parchment-lined tray, spaced 1 inch apart.
→ Chill 15–20 minutes (essential! Cold = sturdy for dipping).
Step 3: Dip in Chocolate
→ Melt chocolate according to package directions (microwave: 30-sec bursts, stir between; or double boiler).
→ Keep chocolate warm but not hot—too hot = melted centers.
→ Using a fork or dipping tool:
• Dip ball, roll gently to coat
• Lift, tap lightly on bowl edge to shed excess
• Slide onto parchment
✅ Work in batches of 4–5—chocolate sets fast!
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touch
→ Immediately sprinkle with extra crushed Butterfinger (or salt, nuts, etc.).
→ Let set at room temp 15–20 minutes (or speed up in fridge 5 mins).
→ Once chocolate is firm and glossy—they’re ready to love.
Chef’s Tips for Perfect Butterfinger Balls (Joye-Approved!)
🔸 Chill before dipping—non-negotiable! Warm centers = sad, collapsed bites.
🔸 Use a fork + toothpick combo: Fork for dipping, toothpick to nudge off excess and place neatly.
🔸 Crush finely, but not to dust. You want texture, not peanut butter paste.
🔸 Work on a cool day (or AC on). Humidity = sticky chocolate.
🔸 Say “Ready?” before serving. It’s not superstition—it’s ritual. And rituals make sweets sweeter.
Flavor Variations to Try
Dark Chocolate Lover’s
Use 70% dark melting wafers
Bitter depth balances candy sweetness
White Chocolate Dream
Dip in white chocolate + orange zest
Creamy, festive,
so
giftable
Salty-Sweet Crunch
Sprinkle with
Maldon sea salt
after dipping
Your love of bold, complex flavors—nails it
Pecan Crunch
Roll in
toasted chopped pecans
post-dip (before chocolate sets)
Adds your signature nutty warmth—Kentucky meets Arkansas!
Bourbon-Kissed
Add ½ tsp
bourbon
to filling (reduce butter by ½ tsp)
For adult gifting—rich, complex, unforgettable
Storage & Gifting Tips
Room temp (cool, dry place): Up to 1 week in airtight container (layer with parchment).
Fridge: Up to 2 weeks—bring to room temp 10 mins before serving for best texture.
Freezer: Up to 2 months! Freeze on tray → transfer to bag. Thaw in container (prevents condensation).
Gifting Ideas:
• Stack 4 in mini cupcake liners, tuck into cellophane bags
• Layer in a half-pint mason jar with ribbon + tag: “Butterfinger Love—From Joye’s Kitchen”
• Pack in a vintage candy box—instant heirloom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use natural peanut butter?
A: Not recommended—it’s too oily and lacks stabilizers, leading to greasy, crumbly balls. Stick with Jif or Skippy-style.
Q: Why are my balls cracking when I roll them?
A: Likely too dry! Add ½ tsp melted butter or a few drops of warm water. Also, ensure peanut butter isn’t fridge-cold.
Q: Can I use almond butter?
A: Yes—but add 1 extra tbsp powdered sugar and chill longer. Flavor will be milder; pair with dark chocolate.
Q: Chocolate is seizing! Help!
A: Even a drop of water causes this. If it happens, stir in 1 tsp coconut oil or shortening immediately to rescue.
Q: Are they gluten-free?
A: Butterfingers are GF (verify label), but check chocolate wafers. Use Enjoy Life or Ghirardelli GF chips if needed.
Allergy Information
Contains: Peanuts, dairy (butter, chocolate), soy (in most peanut butters & Butterfingers)
Gluten-free option: Yes—Butterfinger is GF; use GF-certified chocolate
Nut-free? No (peanut butter + Butterfinger)
⚠️ Always check labels—especially for cross-contamination.
Nutrition Facts (Per Ball — 24 servings)
| Calories | 125 |
| Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Carbs | 12g |
| Fiber | <1g |
| Sugar | 9g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sodium | 65mg |
Values are estimates. Varies by brands and add-ins. Not medical advice.
Final Thought
These balls don’t need a spotlight.
They sit quietly in their little cupcake liner—golden-crunch flecks peeking through dark chocolate—until the first bite.
Then comes the crunch. The ooze. The “Oh my goodness, how is this so good?!”
That’s the magic of simple things, made with care:
It’s not just candy.
It’s a memory. A gift. A yes on a hard day.
Just like the turtle candies you make with love—
just like the treats you share from your kitchen, Joye.
