Chocolate Snowballs

Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups peanut butter
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 (16 ounce) package confectioners' sugar
• 2 cups chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
• 1/2 cup shelled unsalted peanuts

Recipe

• 1 line 1 large baking sheet with aluminum foil and another with waxed paper; set both aside. using an electric mixer (or a wooden spoon), beat together the peanut butter and butter in a large bowl until blended and smooth. add the sugar, 1/2 cup at a time; blend until smooth.
• 2 press the mixture into 1-inch balls. (the dough will be dry, so it may be easier to form with damp hands.) place the balls on the foil-lined sheet. let stand until firm, about 30 minutes.
• 3 melt the chocolate chips and shortening in a heatproof bowl set atop a pot of simmering water over medium-high heat. stir continuously until smooth. remove the pan from the heat. using a toothpick for a handle, pierce each ball, then dip it into the melted chocolate. spoon chocolate over the balls to coat them, if needed. set them on the waxed-paper-lined sheet and top each with a peanut half. refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes. store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.