If you’re looking for an irresistibly fun and easy treat, Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies are absolutely the answer. These bite-sized delights combine creamy peanut butter, crunchy cereal, and a decadent chocolate coating for a nostalgic dessert that’s both playful and satisfying. Whether you’re whipping them up for a holiday tray or an after-school snack, you’ll love the sweet-salty magic in every mouthful. With no-bake simplicity and just a handful of pantry staples, Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies are genuinely the best of both worlds: quick to make, and even quicker to disappear!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is as simple as it is delicious. Each ingredient in Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies brings something special, balancing flavor and texture for truly perfect treats. Here’s what you’ll need, and why:
- Creamy peanut butter: Delivers that rich, nutty flavor and velvety texture that binds the filling together.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds just the right amount of richness and helps make the filling extra smooth and spreadable.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens up the mix without a grainy texture, thanks to its fine consistency.
- Rice Krispies cereal: Provides essential crispy crunch, so every bite is light and fun!
- Vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla rounds out the flavors and brings a little warmth to these treats.
- Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips: The coating of your dreams, luscious and melty, pairs perfectly with peanut butter.
- Coconut oil or shortening (optional): Ensures ultra-smooth, glossy chocolate that’s easy to work with and sets beautifully.
How to Make Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies
Step 1: Make the Peanut Butter Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine creamy peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it’s completely smooth and the sugar has dissolved into the peanut butter. At this point, your kitchen will smell heavenly—just try to resist sneaking a taste!
Step 2: Fold in the Rice Krispies
Now comes the fun part! Gently fold the Rice Krispies cereal into your peanut butter mixture. Be careful not to crush the cereal—those tiny puffs give each Peanut Butter Ball with Rice Krispies its irresistible crunch. Stir just until everything is evenly combined and the cereal looks well-dispersed.
Step 3: Shape the Balls
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll them between your palms to form balls. Place each one on a parchment-lined baking sheet as you go. You’ll want to work a little quickly, as the mixture gets sticky with warm hands—but the reward is well worth it! Pop the whole tray in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes so the balls firm up and are easier to dip.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
Meanwhile, add chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using) into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between each, until the chocolate is completely melted, smooth, and glossy. The optional coconut oil makes the chocolate easier to dip and gives your Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies that perfect, snappy shell.
Step 5: Dip and Chill
Using a fork, dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, making sure it’s completely coated. Let excess chocolate drip off, then return to the lined baking tray. Repeat with all the balls, and if you like a sweet-and-salty finish, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top before the chocolate has set. Chill for another 20 to 30 minutes to let the chocolate harden, then dive in!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies
Garnishes
Dress up your tray by topping each Peanut Butter Ball with Rice Krispies with a light sprinkle of sea salt, a dusting of crushed peanuts, or even a little drizzle of melted white chocolate for a striking contrast. If you want to impress, you can add some festive sprinkles before the chocolate sets—especially gorgeous for holidays or parties!
Side Dishes
These sweet bites pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, a piping hot mug of coffee, or even some fresh berries for a contrast in flavor and color. Serve alongside a fruit plate or other bite-sized treats on a dessert board for a fun, crowd-pleasing spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Channel your inner chocolatier by placing each Peanut Butter Ball with Rice Krispies in a mini cupcake liner, then arrange on a tiered serving stand for an elegant afternoon tea or holiday treat table. For a more playful spin, skewer the balls on lollipop sticks for “peanut butter pops” that are perfect for kids’ parties or gifting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them perfectly fresh. They’ll stay at their best for up to a week, retaining their crisp texture and creamy filling with every bite.
Freezing
These treats freeze beautifully, making them a fantastic make-ahead option for parties or gift-giving. Arrange them in a single layer in an airtight freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to two months—just thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
Reheating
While you won’t really need to reheat Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies, they taste delicious when enjoyed slightly chilled or at room temperature. If they come straight from the freezer and feel too firm, just let them sit at room temp for 10 to 15 minutes to soften perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds even more texture to the mix, so if you want your Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies extra nutty, go for it. Just expect a slightly chunkier bite.
What if I don’t have coconut oil or shortening?
No worries—while coconut oil helps smooth and thin out the chocolate for dipping, you can simply melt your chocolate chips solo if needed. Just be gentle with microwaving and stir often for best results.
Can I use a different type Dessert, Snack
Yes! While Rice Krispies deliver the best crunch, you can definitely swap in similar puffed rice cereals or experiment with other favorites for fun flavor twists. Just make sure the cereal pieces are small enough to mix evenly.
How do I keep the balls from sticking to my hands?
If the mixture sticks a bit while rolling, try chilling your hands with cold water or dusting them lightly with powdered sugar—both tricks make shaping easier and speedier.
Are these gluten-free?
Rice Krispies themselves aren’t certified gluten-free in some countries, but there are gluten-free versions available! As long as all your ingredients are certified gluten-free, you can make Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies totally safe for those avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the mood for a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing treat, give these Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies a try. Their perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, salty, and sweet is bound to win you over—so roll up your sleeves and share a batch with someone you love!
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Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling)
- Yield: 24 balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies are a delightful no-bake treat that combines the creamy richness of peanut butter with the crunch of Rice Krispies, all coated in a smooth chocolate shell. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a sweet snack anytime!
Ingredients
For the Peanut Butter Balls:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smoother melting)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until evenly combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes until firm.
- Meanwhile, melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil (if using) in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, coating fully. Use a fork to lift and let excess drip off. Return to the lined tray and repeat with remaining balls.
- Refrigerate until chocolate is set, about 20–30 minutes. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Add a pinch of sea salt on top before the chocolate sets for a sweet-salty finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
