“I’ve been making these for 30 years. My mom made them for 20 years before me. They are the BEST. There hasn’t been a single person in all my years of baking who hasn’t loved them.”
Some recipes don’t come from cookbooks.
They come from kitchens filled with laughter, flour-dusted counters, and handwritten notes tucked into old drawers.
This is one of those recipes.
For five decades, these chocolate-covered treats have shown up at holidays, family reunions, school bake sales, funerals, baby showers, and random Tuesdays when someone just needed something sweet. They’re simple, unfussy, and incredibly addictive. No fancy equipment. No baking degree required.
Just pure, nostalgic perfection.
At first glance, they look humble—round, glossy, chocolate-coated discs nestled into foil pans. But one bite tells the whole story: a rich, creamy peanut butter center with just the right balance of sweetness, wrapped in a smooth chocolate shell that snaps ever so slightly before melting in your mouth.
People ask for the recipe every time.
People sneak seconds.
People remember them years later.
And once you make them, you’ll understand why this recipe never needed changing.
Why These Treats Stand the Test of Time
- No baking required – perfect for any skill level
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Freezer-friendly
- Perfect for gifting
- Loved by kids and adults alike
Most importantly, they carry something you can’t measure: tradition.
The Best Chocolate Peanut Butter Patties (Full Recipe)
Ingredients
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3½–4 cups powdered sugar (add gradually)
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 3 cups milk chocolate chips (or semi-sweet if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons shortening or coconut oil (for smooth melting)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Peanut Butter Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Peanut butter
- Softened butter
- Vanilla extract
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Continue until the mixture is firm enough to hold its shape but still soft and smooth.
The dough should not be sticky. If it is, add a little more powdered sugar.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture per piece.
- Roll into a ball, then gently flatten into a round patty.
Place each patty onto the prepared baking sheet.
Once all patties are formed, place the trays in the freezer for 20–30 minutes. This step is crucial—it makes dipping much easier.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl:
- Combine chocolate chips and shortening (or coconut oil).
Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.
Do not overheat.
Step 4: Dip the Patties
- Remove patties from the freezer.
- Using a fork, gently dip each patty into the melted chocolate.
- Tap the fork lightly on the edge of the bowl to remove excess chocolate.
- Place back onto parchment paper.
Work in small batches, keeping the rest of the patties cold.
Step 5: Set and Store
Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature, or speed things up by placing the trays in the refrigerator for about 10–15 minutes.
Once set:
- Store in an airtight container
- Keep refrigerated or frozen for best texture
They also travel beautifully for gifting—just layer with wax paper.
Tips From 50 Years of Baking
- Creamy peanut butter works best—natural varieties can be too oily.
- Milk chocolate gives a classic, sweet finish; semi-sweet adds balance.
- If the chocolate thickens while dipping, reheat gently.
- These taste even better the next day.
More Than a Recipe
This isn’t just a dessert.
It’s the treat someone remembers from their childhood.
It’s the one everyone hopes shows up on the dessert table.
It’s the recipe that gets passed down, not because it’s trendy—but because it’s perfect.
And once you make them, odds are you’ll be saying the same thing someday:
“I’ve been making these for decades. And everyone still loves them.”
Because some recipes don’t need improving—
they just need sharing. 🍫🥜
