I have to admit- I am not a huge fan of peanut butter, and peanut butter candies. My husband, however, is a different story. He absolutely loves peanut butter anything and everything, and you can bet he loves that well known brand of peanut butter and chocolate candies, especially this time of year. I usually buy a few bags of those peanut butter treats to fill up the stockings with, but this year, I wanted to try my hand at making some of my own.

I found the easiest recipe ever (thank you, Pinterest!). This recipe was originally posted on Tami's Kitchen Table.

No Bake Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls

1-18 oz. jar of smooth or chunky peanut butter - (I used smooth, all natural PB)

1 - 16 oz. bag of confectioners sugar

1/4 c. butter, melted

12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips 

In a large bowl, stir together the peanut butter, confectioners sugar and melted butter until the mixture is crumbly. As the Barefoot Contessa (Ina Garten) says, 'clean hands are a cook's best tools.' Use your hands to mix .

Line a baking sheet with foil. Roll the peanut butter filling into 1 inch balls and line the baking sheet with rows of the balls. Set the baking sheet in the freezer for 5-7 minutes, or refrigerate for 30 minutes, to chill the peanut butter balls for easier dipping.

While the peanut butter balls are chilling, melt the chocolate in the microwave in a microwave safe bowl that is deep enough for dipping.

Remove the baking sheet from the freezer or fridge. Insert a toothpick into a peanut butter ball and then dip it into the chocolate, turning quickly to cover the entire candy. Now, quickly means really quickly! The chocolate will start to harden and become goopy if you don't work fast enough.

 Place onto a second baking tray that has also been lined with foil. Swirl the chocolate on the top of each candy for a pretty design. Refrigerate until the chocolate had completely dried- should take between 30 and 45 minutes to get a chocolate .

Store the candies in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

The inside of these candies look pretty familiar, huh?

I couldn't get my chocolate to cover completely smoothly, so I decided to add swirls the tops.

My husband is already raving about these! I may never buy the pre-packaged peanut butter candies again. The best thing about these, is that I made them, and I know what's in them. I can feel good about giving these to my family and friends. You can package these by the 4's or 6's, and gift them in pretty little boxes, or present them in Christmas tins for sharing at a party, etc. The recipe above made 48 peanut butter balls.

If you need a last minute recipe for a holiday treat or gift, these are quick and easy, and loved by all who love peanut butter!