Name: Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups powdered sugar; 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal; 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; 2 tablespoons coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smoother chocolate)

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If you’re searching for a sweet treat that hits all the right notes of creamy, crispy, chocolatey perfection, let me introduce you to Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies. This no-bake classic delivers a delightful balance of textures and flavors: a lusciously smooth peanut butter filling lightened up with the playful crunch of Rice Krispies cereal, all embraced in a generous shell of glossy chocolate. Whether you’re prepping for the holidays, planning a party, or just treating yourself, these irresistible confections are about to become your new go-to recipe for effortless joy.

Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies is beautifully simple—every ingredient plays a purposeful role in crafting the ideal bite. From the creamy richness of the peanut butter to the toasty crackle of the cereal, here’s what you’ll need and why it matters.

Peanut butter: Go for a creamy variety to make the filling luxuriously smooth and flavorful.
Unsalted butter (softened): Softened butter blends seamlessly, lending extra richness and helping the filling hold its shape.
Vanilla extract: Just a splash elevates the whole mix with a warm, aromatic accent.
Powdered sugar: This is the key to the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture, binding everything together perfectly.
Rice Krispies cereal: The secret weapon—each bite is light, crispy, and just a little toasty for that satisfying crunch.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melted chocolate wraps everything in a silky, decadent layer without being too sweet.
Coconut oil or shortening (optional): Stir in a little for an extra-smooth, shiny chocolate coating that’s easier for dipping.

How to Make Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies

Step 1: Make the Peanut Butter Base

In a large bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix it all up until the blend is completely smooth and well combined—this step is where the base picks up all its rich, nutty flavor and luscious texture. Use a sturdy spatula or even a hand mixer if you want things extra light and fluffy.

Step 2: Sweeten and Shape

Gradually add the powdered sugar to your creamy mixture. Stir gently at first (to avoid a snowy sugar cloud!), then blend until you have a thick dough you can easily shape. The powdered sugar doesn’t just sweeten; it also gives that classic fudge-like bite that makes Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies so addictive.

Step 3: Fold in Rice Krispies

Using a spatula, gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal. Be gentle here—you want the cereal to stay as crispy and whole as possible. This step transforms the mixture into something that’s light, crunchy, and never dense, which makes that first bite such a delightful surprise.

Step 4: Shape the Balls

Scoop out bite-sized portions with a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, rolling each portion with your hands into perfect balls. Line them up on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. You’ll get around 30 balls, making this recipe perfect for sharing—or savoring slowly over a couple of weeks.

Step 5: Chill for Easy Dipping

Pop the baking sheet in the fridge and let the balls firm up for at least 30 minutes. This little waiting game pays off—they’re much easier to dip in chocolate when they’re cold and won’t fall apart. Trust me, patience is your friend here!

Step 6: Melt the Chocolate

Meanwhile, melt your semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the coconut oil or shortening if you’d like a smoother finish. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each round until you have a shiny, pourable chocolate.

Step 7: Dip and Set

Using a fork or skewer, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, letting any excess drip off before placing it back on the parchment. It’s a little messy, but that’s half the fun! When all the balls are coated, chill them again for about 15 minutes until the chocolate sets into a glossy shell.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies

Garnishes

Dare to dress them up! While the classic chocolate coating needs no adornment, a delicate drizzle of white chocolate, a sprinkle of sea salt, or a dusting of crushed peanuts can add both visual flair and another pop of flavor to your Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving these at a party or holiday gathering, set out a platter alongside coffee, tea, or even a light, citrusy fruit salad. They also pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream or a fresh berry compote for an elegant dessert platter.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, tuck the finished balls into festive mini paper cups or gather them in a decorative tin as a homemade gift. Stack them on a tiered dessert tray, or skewer them onto sticks for a playful peanut butter pops variation—everyone, kids and adults, will adore these Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies however you serve them.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies store like a dream. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they’ll stay fresh and irresistible for up to two weeks. Just make sure they’re fully set before stacking to keep the chocolate looking pristine.

Freezing

Have more than you need right away? No problem—simply freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months and make an amazing instant treat straight from the freezer (try one cold—they’re addictive!).

Reheating

Since these are no-bake and intended to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. If serving from the freezer, just let them thaw in the fridge for an hour or two for the perfect texture.

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! You’ll get extra little nuggets of peanut in every bite, which adds even more great texture to your Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies. Just keep in mind your mixture might be a bit harder to roll smoothly.

How do I prevent the chocolate coating from cracking?

Make sure the balls aren’t freezing-cold before dipping, and let the melted chocolate cool for a minute or two before you start. This helps minimize temperature shock and results in a smooth, even coating.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Just use a certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal and double-check your other ingredients. You’ll never notice the difference—these Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies are just as delicious gluten-free.

What if I don’t have coconut oil or shortening?

No worries! You can melt the chocolate chips on their own; they’ll still coat the balls perfectly. The oil just makes the chocolate a bit thinner and shinier for dipping, but it’s not essential.

Can I add mix-ins to the filling?

Definitely! Mini chocolate chips, a handful of chopped dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut can be folded in for extra personality. Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies are wonderfully versatile—make them your own.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a no-fuss dessert that delivers a perfect combination of chew, crunch, and chocolate, you have to try Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies. They’re fun to make, completely crave-worthy, and absolutely unforgettable once you take that first bite. Give them a whirl—you just might find yourself making a double batch next time!

Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 30 balls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies are a delightful treat that combines the nutty flavor of peanut butter with the crunch of Rice Krispies, all coated in smooth chocolate. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!

Ingredients

Scale

Peanut Butter Mixture:

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar

Additions:

2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smoother chocolate)

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Instructions

Mix Peanut Butter Mixture: In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, stirring until fully mixed.
Add Rice Krispies: Gently fold in Rice Krispies until evenly combined.
Shape Balls: Using a tablespoon, form mixture into balls and place on a parchment-lined sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals until smooth.
Dip Balls: Dip each peanut butter ball into melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Place back on the sheet and chill until set, about 15 minutes.