‘Always gone first’: Just 3 ingredients. I don’t measure anymore because it never fails.

These 3-ingredient chocolate peanut butter balls are my go-to when I want something sweet but don’t have the time (or energy) for a full baking project. I started making them during a particularly hectic work week when I needed a quick, no-bake treat I could stash in the fridge and grab between meetings. They’re inspired by classic Midwestern buckeyes, but simplified down to the absolute basics: peanut butter, a touch of sweetness, and a chocolate shell. You might want to make these if you’re craving a homemade dessert that feels a little special but comes together in minutes, uses pantry staples, and doesn’t dirty every dish in your kitchen.

These chocolate peanut butter balls are perfect on their own as a quick dessert or afternoon pick-me-up, but they also work really well on a snack board with fresh fruit, pretzels, and nuts for a mix of salty and sweet. I like to tuck a couple into lunchboxes alongside sliced apples or grapes for an easy treat that feels more exciting than a store-bought cookie. If you’re hosting, pile them onto a pretty plate with some strawberries and a few squares of dark chocolate for a simple dessert platter. They’re also great straight from the fridge with a cup of coffee after the kids go to bed, or as a little energy bite before a workout.

Servings: 18–22 balls

1 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural, for best texture)

Line a baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper and clear a little space in your fridge or freezer for it.

In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the peanut butter and powdered sugar until a thick, smooth dough forms. It should be firm enough to roll without sticking too much to your hands; if it’s too soft, add 1–2 more tablespoons of powdered sugar.