Rice Krispies Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
If you’re anything like me, you know sometimes the best snacks are the easiest to whip up quickly—and that’s exactly what this Rice Krispies Peanut Butter Balls Recipe delivers. These little bites of goodness have this amazing combination of creamy peanut butter, crunchy cereal, and rich chocolate that just hits every craving note. Plus, they’re no-fuss and come together faster than you’d expect!
Whether you’re prepping for a last-minute get-together, need a kid-friendly treat, or want a sweet snack for your afternoon pick-me-up, these peanut butter balls are a crowd-pleaser. I love making them during holidays or whenever a sweet craving strikes because they keep well, travel easily, and everyone asks for the recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s all about combining creamy, crunchy, and sweet here. The ingredients are simple, but they play off each other so wonderfully. I always recommend using a good-quality creamy peanut butter and fresh cereal to get the best texture and flavor.
- Creamy peanut butter: Opt for a reliable brand like Peter Pan for smoothness and flavor; avoid natural peanut butter as it might make the mixture oily.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and cooled so it blends seamlessly without cooking the sugar or chocolate.
- Powdered sugar: It sweetens and helps the balls hold together nicely—don’t substitute granulated sugar here.
- Rice Krispies cereal: Lightly crushed for just the right crunch without breaking the balls apart.
- Dark chocolate melting discs: These melt smoothly and create a beautiful chocolate shell; if not available, use semi-sweet chocolate chips with a touch of coconut oil.
Variations
One thing I love about this Rice Krispies Peanut Butter Balls Recipe is how you can tweak it to fit your tastes or dietary needs. Experimenting keeps things fun and fresh, so don’t be afraid to try new spins on this classic.
- Nut-free variation: Substitute sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter; I tried this for a friend with allergies and it worked beautifully without compromising flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt: Before the chocolate sets, dust a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top for that irresistible sweet-salty kick I can’t get enough of.
- Mix in mini chocolate chips: Stir them into the peanut butter mixture for extra chocolatey surprise inside.
- Use white or milk chocolate: If dark chocolate isn’t your thing, these options give a sweeter, creamier finish.
- Roll in crushed nuts: After dipping, roll the balls in chopped peanuts or almonds for a crunchy exterior.
How to Make Rice Krispies Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Peanut Butter, Butter, and Sugar
Start by combining the creamy peanut butter, melted butter, and powdered sugar in a large bowl. I find using a sturdy spoon or your hands works best for mixing—it’s a thick dough, but the warmth of your hands makes it easier to blend everything evenly. Mix until fully combined and smooth, making sure there are no pockets of dry sugar sitting at the bottom.
Step 2: Fold in the Rice Krispies
Next, gently fold in the lightly crushed Rice Krispies cereal. You want to be careful here; fold slowly so you don’t crush the cereal too much—you want that crisp, airy crunch in every bite. The mixture will be sticky but hold together well enough to scoop and roll.
Step 3: Shape the Peanut Butter Balls
Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion out the mixture. Roll each scoop into a ball with your hands and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets. This recipe usually makes about 24 balls. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly smooth—I like when mine have a rustic, handmade look. Pop these in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up so they’ll hold their shape when dipped.
Step 4: Dip in Melted Chocolate
Melt your dark chocolate discs in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring in between to avoid burning. Once smooth, dip each peanut butter ball in the chocolate, allowing excess to drip off before placing back onto the parchment paper. This step feels a little messy but is so worth it for that glossy, rich chocolate coating.
Step 5: Chill and Set
After dipping, let the balls chill in the fridge until the chocolate has completely set—usually about an hour. Once firm, they’re ready to enjoy or store for later. This waiting is tough because they smell amazing while chilling!
How to Serve Rice Krispies Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
Garnishes
I often sprinkle a little flaky sea salt or mini chocolate chips on top before the chocolate sets—that little finishing touch really amps up the flavor. For a fun twist, you could also dust with cocoa powder or crushed peanuts if you’re serving these at a party.
Side Dishes
These peanut butter balls shine on their own, but I love pairing them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee for a sweet snack break. If you want to serve them alongside something, fresh fruit like sliced apples or bananas balances the richness nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gatherings or birthdays, I like arranging these Rice Krispies Peanut Butter Balls on a pretty platter with cupcake liners under each one—it makes them look extra special and helps guests grab without mess. You could also drizzle extra melted white chocolate on top for a pretty design or stack them in a small pyramid to impress your friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, layering parchment paper between to keep the chocolate from sticking. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week this way, making them perfect for snacking all week long.
Freezing
These balls freeze wonderfully! Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag or container. They keep well frozen for up to 2 months. When I want one, I just pull it out and let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours.
Reheating
There’s no real need to reheat these since they’re best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer them softer, leaving them at room temperature for 10-15 minutes softens the chocolate without melting it. Avoid microwaving, as it can turn the chocolate grainy or melt the peanut butter filling too much.
FAQs
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Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy in this recipe?
You definitely can use crunchy peanut butter, but keep in mind it will add extra texture with peanuts in the balls. If you prefer a smoother bite, creamy peanut butter is better. Just know that crunchy gives a nice nutty crunch if that’s your style!
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Why do the peanut butter balls come out crumbly?
Usually crumbly peanut butter balls mean the mixture is too dry. Make sure you mix the butter and peanut butter well and don’t skimp on the powdered sugar, as it acts like a binder. If needed, add a little more melted butter a teaspoon at a time to help hold everything together.
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Can I substitute chocolate chips for melting discs?
Yes! If you don’t have melting discs, semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips work fine. Adding a teaspoon of coconut oil helps the chocolate melt smoothly and gives a nice shine when it cools.
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How long will these Rice Krispies Peanut Butter Balls last at room temperature?
Because of the chocolate coating, it’s best to keep them refrigerated or at least in a cool spot. At room temperature, they may get soft and sticky within a day or two. Storing in the fridge keeps them fresh for up to a week.
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Can I add other cereals instead of Rice Krispies?
You can, but Rice Krispies work best because they’re light and crunchy without overwhelming the peanut butter flavor. Substituting with puffed wheat or cornflakes can be tasty but might change texture and density, so start by trying a small batch!
Final Thoughts
This Rice Krispies Peanut Butter Balls Recipe has been a go-to in my kitchen whenever I need a quick treat that feels homemade and indulgent without much fuss. I love how it brings together simple pantry ingredients to make something everyone raves about, and honestly, it’s so fun to make and share. Give it a try—it just might become one of your favorite easy snacks too!
Print
Rice Krispies Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 balls 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Rice Krispies Peanut Butter Balls are a delightful no-bake treat combining creamy peanut butter, crunchy Rice Krispies cereal, and a rich dark chocolate coating. Perfect for quick snacks or festive gatherings, they offer a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crispy textures.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Mixture
- 1½ cups creamy peanut butter (Peter Pan brand)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2½ cups Rice Krispies cereal, lightly crushed
Chocolate Coating
- 20 ounces dark chocolate melting discs
Instructions
- Prepare the peanut butter mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, melted and cooled unsalted butter, and powdered sugar. Stir thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
- Add the Rice Krispies cereal: Gently fold the lightly crushed Rice Krispies cereal into the peanut butter mixture. Mix until the cereal is evenly coated and the mixture holds together well.
- Form the balls: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, shape the mixture into bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the formed balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill before coating: Refrigerate the peanut butter balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up, making them easier to dip.
- Melt the chocolate: Using a microwave-safe bowl or a double boiler, gently melt the dark chocolate melting discs until smooth and silky, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Dip the balls in chocolate: Using a fork or dipping tool, coat each peanut butter ball in the melted dark chocolate, ensuring it is fully covered. Allow excess chocolate to drip off.
- Set the coated balls: Place the chocolate-coated peanut butter balls back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate them again for at least 15 minutes or until the chocolate is fully set and hardened.
- Serve and store: Once set, serve your Rice Krispies Peanut Butter Balls chilled or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Lightly crushing the Rice Krispies enhances texture and ensures the balls hold together better.
- Be sure to cool the melted butter before mixing to prevent the powdered sugar from melting.
- If dark chocolate melting discs aren’t available, high-quality dark chocolate chips can be substituted.
- For easier dipping, chill the peanut butter balls thoroughly to prevent breaking apart during coating.
- These treats can be frozen for up to one month; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Keywords: Rice Krispies, Peanut Butter Balls, No-Bake Dessert, Dark Chocolate, Snack, Treat
