Spooky Peanut Butter Balls

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter and melted salted butter, stirring until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, about one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until the dough is well blended.
3. Refrigerate the mixture for 15 minutes to firm it up, which makes it easier to shape into balls.
4. Roll the chilled peanut butter mixture into balls roughly 1 inch in diameter and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
5. Return the peanut butter balls to the fridge or freezer for another 15 minutes to chill before coating them in chocolate.
6. Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl using 20-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler: simmer water in the bottom pot, add chocolate to the top pot, and stir until melted. If desired, stir in a few drops of gel food coloring after melting to tint the chocolate.
7. Working one ball at a time, dip each into the melted chocolate and gently roll it until fully coated. You can use a chocolate dipping tool, fork, skewers, or chopsticks for this step.
8. Lift the coated ball carefully from the chocolate and return it to the lined baking sheet. If adding decorations like sprinkles or candy eyes, apply them while the chocolate is still warm and tacky.
9. Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature, which takes about 15 minutes, then transfer the peanut butter balls to an airtight container for storage.