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Ranger Balls are probably my personal favorite peanut butter ball because they are interesting with crunchy pecans and graham cracker crumbs, and not quite as sweet as the smooth Peanut Butter Balls that we also make. However, the two are so different, and each yummy in their own distinct way, so we always make both for our Christmas Tins
When Kayla was in college, we used to make Christmas Candy tins to give away every year. It was such fun! We each had our strengths- I am best at large scale production- actually pulling the confections together, and Kayla is the artistic one who gives everything the amazing finishing touches with all the artistic details.
Making our Christmas Candy tins was quite the production. 😁
Ranger Balls – Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (may need to add up to an additional ½ cup)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
Make the Peanut Butter Balls:
- Cream together the butter, vanilla, salt and peanut butter.
- Stir in 2 cups of the powdered sugar, nuts and all but 1/2 cup of the graham cracker crumbs. (Add the last 1/2 cup of graham cracker crumbs only if needed).
- Form the mixture into 1 inch balls. Roll each ball in the remaining cup of powdered sugar. Set the balls on a cookie sheet and refrigerate until firm.
Dip the Balls in Chocolate:
- In the top half of a double boiler, melt the chocolate over hot water. Stir until smooth.
- Using a toothpick or dipping tools, dip the balls into the melted chocolate until coated.
- Set on waxed paper to dry. After candy sets, decorate with colored candy melts. We found that the disposable plastic candy melt bags work perfect for this. We used to use plastic squeeze bottles, but the bags are so much easier!
- Makes about 70 peanut butter balls.
