Peanut Butter M&M’S Truffles

1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature 3/4 cup (185g) creamy peanut butter (not natural style) 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/8 teaspoon salt 3 cups (360g) confectioners’ sugar 1/2 cup (100g) M&M’S® Baking Bits 16 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

Double boiler (always recommended for melting chocolate) Handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment Dipping tool

Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside. With a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed in a large bowl until creamy - about 2 minutes. Add the peanut butter, vanilla, and salt. Beat on high until combined and creamy. Add the confectioners' sugar and beat on low for 2 minutes until everything is combined.

The mixture is supposed to be a little soft, yet crumbly. See photo above for a visual. Using a rubber spatula (or your hands-- I find hands work best!), work the M&M’S® into the peanut butter dough. Begin rolling peanut butter dough into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet. You should have about 32-35 balls total.

Chill peanut butter balls in the refrigerator for 1 hour or until firm. During the last few minutes of the chilling time, begin melting the chocolate. You can melt the chocolate in a double boiler or the microwave.

If using the microwave: place the chocolate in a medium heat-proof bowl. I like to use a liquid measuring cup. Its depth makes it easier for dipping the truffles. Melt in 30 second increments in the microwave, stirring after each increment until completely melted and smooth. Let the warm chocolate sit for 5 minutes to slightly cool before dipping. Alternatively, you can temper the chocolate. If tempering, do not place or store truffles in the refrigerator.

Remove peanut butter balls from the refrigerator and dip them in the chocolate using a dipping tool. When dipping, you can fully submerge the truffle OR leave a small portion of peanut butter showing at the top to make them look like buckeyes. When lifting the truffle out of the chocolate, remember to tap the dipping tool gently on the side of the bowl to allow excess chocolate to drip off.

Place balls back onto the baking sheet after you dip each one. Allow chocolate to completely set in the refrigerator before serving. Make ahead tip: Layer truffles between sheets of parchment or wax paper in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.