If you’re searching for a no-bake treat that hits all the right notes of sweetness, crunch, and irresistible peanut butter goodness, these Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls are truly a little dessert miracle! Each bite combines a creamy peanut butter core with a gentle crisp from Rice Krispies, all enveloped in silky melted chocolate. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday trays, or midweek cravings, this recipe is easy enough for anyone to whip up but special enough to steal the spotlight at any celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays its own delicious role, so don’t be tempted to skip or substitute! The magic of Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls is in these classic components, working together for that unbeatable melt-in-your-mouth experience with a satisfying crunch.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star of the show, bringing creamy, nutty richness and lots of flavor depth to every bite.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds a bit of lusciousness and helps the peanut butter mixture hold together perfectly.
- Vanilla extract: A dash of vanilla gives warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and lightens the mixture, creating that beloved fudgy texture.
- Rice Krispies cereal: The secret weapon—adds a gentle, airy crunch that sets these treats apart from the rest.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: For a balanced, not-too-sweet chocolate shell that pairs perfectly with peanut butter.
- Coconut oil or shortening: Gives your chocolate coating a glossy finish and makes it easy to dip the balls for a smooth, even layer.
How to Make Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls
Step 1: Mix the Creamy Base
Begin by combining the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Stir them together until you have a smooth, uniform mixture. This base is where all that iconic peanut butter flavor comes from, and making sure it’s well-blended ensures every bite is rich and satisfying.
Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir the powdered sugar into your peanut butter base. Take your time—adding it in batches helps everything blend evenly and keeps the mixture super smooth. Once that’s looking good, gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal. Be delicate here to keep that delightful crunch intact in your finished Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls.
Step 3: Shape the Balls
Scoop out about a tablespoon of the peanut butter and cereal mixture at a time. Roll each portion into a ball using your hands and place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. This part is a bit sticky—embrace it as part of the fun! Once you’re done, pop the tray into your fridge for 30 minutes, letting the balls firm up before coating.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
While your peanut butter balls are chilling, melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil or shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring after each interval until the chocolate is smooth and silky. This luscious coating is what transforms your Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls from yummy to truly extraordinary.
Step 5: Dip and Chill
Using a fork or dipping tool, carefully coat each chilled peanut butter ball in the melted chocolate, letting any excess drip back into the bowl. Return each coated ball to the parchment-lined sheet. Once they’re all dipped, refrigerate for about 20 minutes more, or until the chocolate has set and you’re left with glossy, candy-shop worthy treats.
How to Serve Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls
Garnishes
While these treats are absolutely fantastic as-is, a little flourish can really make your Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls stand out! Try drizzling melted white chocolate over the top or sprinkle on some flaky sea salt before the chocolate sets for a touch of sweetness and pop of style.
Side Dishes
These balls are sweet enough to shine on their own, but if you’re making a dessert platter, pair them with fresh berries, mini brownies, or fruit skewers. The juxtaposition of rich, chocolatey bites with juicy, refreshing fruit is a match made in heaven!
Creative Ways to Present
Put your personal touch on the presentation by piling your Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls high on a cake stand, nestling them in colorful mini cupcake liners, or skewering them for a fun dessert kabob. They also make gorgeous homemade gifts tucked in a decorative box or jar.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll happily stay tasty for up to a week, making them a perfect make-ahead sweet treat for unexpected guests or lunchbox surprises.
Freezing
Want to prep even further in advance? These freeze beautifully! Layer them between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and enjoy anytime within two months. Just defrost in the fridge when you’re ready for a sweet bite.
Reheating
These treats are best served chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you love a slightly softer chocolate shell, simply let them sit out on the counter for 10–15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds even more texture and peanut flavor. If you love extra crunch, it’s a great swap, though creamy gives a classic, smooth finish to the balls.
What’s the best way to coat the balls in chocolate?
Use a fork to lift and dip each ball into the melted chocolate—tap it gently on the edge of the bowl to remove excess coating for a nice, even finish. This little trick will make your Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls look professional and polished!
Can these be made ahead for the holidays?
Definitely! Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls are a holiday favorite since they keep so well. Prepare them a week in advance and store in the fridge, or freeze for even longer storage without sacrificing flavor or texture.
How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking?
Make sure the balls aren’t too cold when dipping—let them sit for 2–3 minutes out of the fridge first so the chocolate sets evenly, reducing cracks.
What can I use if I don’t have coconut oil?
Shortening works perfectly to keep the chocolate smooth and dippable. You can also use a neutral vegetable oil in a pinch, but coconut oil lends a subtle, pleasant flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for an easy, delightful treat that always impresses, you absolutely have to try these Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls. They’re fun to make, even more fun to share, and there’s just something magical about that first bite of crisp, creamy, chocolatey bliss!
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Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 24 balls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls are a delightful no-bake dessert that combines the nutty flavor of peanut butter with the crunch of Rice Krispies, all coated in rich chocolate. They are easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings.
Ingredients
For the Peanut Butter Balls:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
For Coating:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or shortening
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually stir in the powdered sugar until fully incorporated, then fold in the Rice Krispies cereal.
- Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll into balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes until firm.
- Meanwhile, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, coating completely. Return to the lined baking sheet and refrigerate until the chocolate is set, about 20 minutes.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Notes
- You can drizzle with white chocolate for decoration or sprinkle with sea salt before the chocolate sets.
- For a crunchier texture, use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
