Peanut Butter Balls with Chocolate Rice Krispies

Instructions

Make the Peanut Butter Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter and softened butter. Mix with a spoon or electric mixer until smooth and well blended.
2. Add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
3. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. The mixture will be thick and slightly crumbly.
4. Fold in the Rice Krispies cereal gently until evenly distributed throughout. Don’t crush the cereal – you want to maintain the crunch!
5. If the mixture seems too dry, add an extra tablespoon of peanut butter. If too wet, add more powdered sugar.

Form the Balls

6. Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.
7. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture.
8. Roll between your palms to form smooth balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
9. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about ½ inch apart.
10. Once all balls are formed, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This makes dipping much easier!

Melt the Chocolate

11. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil (or shortening).
12. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely melted and smooth (about 1½-2 minutes total).
13. Let the chocolate cool slightly for 2-3 minutes – if it’s too hot, it will be too thin and won’t coat properly.

Dip in Chocolate

14. Remove the peanut butter balls from the refrigerator.
15. Using a fork, toothpick, or dipping tool, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, turning to coat completely.
16. Lift out and tap gently on the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate.
17. Slide the coated ball back onto the parchment paper using a toothpick or knife.
18. If using toothpicks, gently remove and smooth over any holes with your finger or a small knife.
19. Optional: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, crushed peanuts, or mini chocolate chips while chocolate is still wet.
20. Repeat until all balls are coated.

Set and Serve

21. Let the chocolate-coated balls sit at room temperature until the chocolate is set, about 30 minutes.
22. For faster setting, refrigerate for 15 minutes.
23. Once set, transfer to an airtight container.
24. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Balls

Mixture Consistency:

• The filling should hold together when squeezed but not be too wet
• If too crumbly, add more peanut butter 1 tablespoon at a time
• If too sticky, add more powdered sugar or chill longer
• Natural peanut butter works but may need more powdered sugar

Rolling Tips:

• Slightly wet hands prevent sticking when rolling balls
• Use a cookie scoop for uniform size
• Make balls slightly smaller than you think – they look bigger once coated
• Keep balls cold before dipping for easier handling

Chocolate Coating Success:

• Add coconut oil or shortening for a thinner, smoother coating
• Don’t overheat chocolate – it will seize
• Let chocolate cool slightly before dipping – too hot will melt the filling
• Work quickly while chocolate is at the right temperature
• If chocolate gets too thick, reheat briefly

Dipping Methods:

• Fork method: Place ball on fork, dip, tap excess, slide off
• Toothpick method: Insert toothpick, dip, place on paper, remove toothpick
• Spoon method: Drop ball in chocolate, roll with spoons, lift out
• Leave a small spot uncoated on bottom if desired (traditional “buckeye” style)

Variations

Flavor Options:

• Crunchy PB: Use crunchy peanut butter for extra texture
• Almond Joy: Use almond butter and add shredded coconut
• Cookie Dough: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling
• S’mores: Use Golden Grahams instead of Rice Krispies, add mini marshmallows
• Butterscotch: Use butterscotch chips for coating
• White Chocolate: Coat in white chocolate and drizzle with dark chocolate

Mix-In Ideas:

• Crushed pretzels for salty-sweet
• Mini M&Ms for color
• Toffee bits for extra crunch
• Chopped dried fruit
• Graham cracker crumbs

Coating Variations:

• Dark chocolate for richer flavor
• Milk chocolate for sweeter taste
• White chocolate for a different look
• Drizzle with contrasting chocolate after coating
• Roll in chopped nuts, sprinkles, or crushed cookies before chocolate sets

Holiday Versions:

• Add red and green sprinkles for Christmas
• Use orange chocolate for Halloween
• Add heart sprinkles for Valentine’s Day
• Tint white chocolate with food coloring

Storage

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 1 week.

Refrigerator: Keep for up to 3 weeks in an airtight container. Best served at room temperature.

Freezer: Freeze in airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator before serving.

Yield

Makes approximately 30-36 balls (depending on size)

Why These Are Irresistible

The combination of creamy peanut butter, crunchy Rice Krispies, and smooth chocolate creates an amazing texture contrast in every bite. They taste like a cross between a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup and a Rice Krispie Treat, but even better! The no-bake simplicity makes them perfect for kids to help with, and they’re always a hit at parties.

Perfect For:

• Holiday cookie trays
• Bake sales and fundraisers
• Birthday party treats
• Homemade gift-giving
• After-school snacks
• Game day desserts
• Christmas candy making
• Potlucks and gatherings

Why Kids Love Them:

• Fun to roll and shape
• No hot oven required
• Combines familiar favorite flavors
• Perfect bite-size portions
• Crunchy and satisfying

Why Adults Love Them:

• Easy and quick to make
• Impressive presentation
• Crowd-pleaser
• Make-ahead friendly
• Customizable

These peanut butter balls are one of those recipes that becomes a family tradition. They’re the kind of treat that everyone requests year after year, and they’re so simple that even beginners can make them look and taste professional. Once you start eating them, it’s nearly impossible to stop at just one!