Crunchy, creamy peanut butter balls coated in chocolate with a delightful crispy texture from Rice Krispies — a perfect no-bake treat that combines the beloved flavors of peanut butter and chocolate with a surprising crispy element.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
These Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies are an irresistible treat that will quickly become a family favorite. The combination of smooth peanut butter and crispy cereal creates a delightful texture contrast that makes these treats unique. They're completely no-bake, making them perfect for hot summer days or when you need a quick dessert without turning on the oven. They're also extremely versatile - perfect for holiday gatherings, party platters, homemade gifts, or simply as a special treat to keep in the refrigerator for whenever a sweet craving strikes. Children love helping to roll the balls and dip them in chocolate, making this a fun family cooking activity.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Creamy peanut butter forms the foundation of these delicious treats, contributing that unmistakable nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate. You can use natural peanut butter, but the kind with stabilizers will give you a more consistent texture.
Unsalted butter adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together while creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Make sure it's properly softened for easy mixing.
Vanilla extract enhances all the flavors in the recipe with its warm, aromatic notes. It's subtle but makes a noticeable difference in the final taste.
Powdered sugar provides sweetness and structure to the peanut butter balls. It dissolves easily into the mixture, creating a smooth consistency that holds its shape when rolled.
Rice Krispies cereal is the secret star of this recipe, adding a fantastic crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy peanut butter mixture. The light, airy crunch makes these balls stand out from traditional peanut butter balls.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips melt into a perfect coating for the peanut butter balls. The slight bitterness of semi-sweet chocolate balances the sweetness of the filling nicely, but you could substitute milk chocolate for a sweeter result or dark chocolate for a more intense flavor.
Coconut oil helps thin the melted chocolate to the perfect consistency for dipping, creating a smooth, shiny coating that sets up beautifully. If you don't have coconut oil, shortening works just as well.
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, being careful not to crush them, until evenly distributed.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll them into balls. Place the peanut butter balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill the peanut butter balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with the coconut oil in 20-second increments, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Using a fork or toothpick, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off. Place back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill the chocolate-coated peanut butter balls for 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate sets.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes approximately 24 peanut butter balls, perfect for sharing at gatherings or keeping on hand for sweet cravings. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, with additional chilling time of 45 minutes, bringing the total time to approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes. Each peanut butter ball contains approximately 180 calories, making them a satisfying but portion-controlled treat.
Variations
White Chocolate Coating: Substitute white chocolate chips for the semi-sweet chocolate for a sweeter, more visually striking treat.
Crunchy Peanut Butter Version: Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for even more texture.
Chocolate Drizzle: After coating with chocolate, drizzle with contrasting chocolate (white chocolate over dark or vice versa) for an elegant presentation.
Sprinkle Addition: Roll the freshly dipped balls in sprinkles, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut before the chocolate sets for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Cocoa Powder in the Mix: Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the peanut butter mixture for a more chocolatey base.
Nutella Blend: Replace half the peanut butter with Nutella for a chocolate-hazelnut twist.
Pretzel Bits: Add ½ cup crushed pretzel pieces along with the Rice Krispies for a sweet and salty combination.
Storage/Reheating
These Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies store beautifully in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. The cool temperature helps maintain their structure and keeps the chocolate coating firm. For the best texture and flavor, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.
You can also freeze these treats for longer storage. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag with parchment paper between layers. They'll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
There's no need to reheat these treats as they're designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. In fact, heating would cause the chocolate to melt and the structure to collapse.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but be aware that it may create a slightly different texture. Natural peanut butter tends to be oilier and less stable than commercial varieties with stabilizers. If using natural peanut butter, make sure it's well-stirred before measuring, and you might need to add a bit more powdered sugar to achieve the right consistency for rolling.
Why are my peanut butter balls too soft to roll?
If your mixture is too soft to roll into balls, it's likely that either your butter was too warm or there's not enough powdered sugar to provide structure. Place the mixture in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to firm up, then try again. If they're still too soft, gradually add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach a rollable consistency.
Can I make these peanut butter balls without Rice Krispies?
Absolutely! While the Rice Krispies add a delightful crunch, you can omit them for a traditional, smooth peanut butter ball. You may need to adjust the amount of powdered sugar slightly to maintain the right consistency. Alternatively, you could substitute graham cracker crumbs or finely chopped nuts for texture.
How do you prevent the chocolate from cracking when it sets?
To prevent chocolate from cracking when it sets, be sure to add the coconut oil or shortening to your melted chocolate as directed. This creates a more flexible chocolate coating that's less prone to cracking. Also, allow the chocolate-dipped balls to set at room temperature for about 5 minutes before transferring to the refrigerator for final setting.
My chocolate seized when melting. What happened?
Chocolate typically seizes (becomes grainy and solid) when it comes into contact with water or overheats. Even a tiny amount of water can cause this reaction. Make sure all utensils and bowls are completely dry before melting chocolate, and always melt it slowly using short intervals in the microwave, stirring between each. If your chocolate does seize, unfortunately, it can't be salvaged for dipping but can be used in baking.
Can I use different cereals instead of Rice Krispies?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with other crispy cereals. Cocoa Krispies would add a chocolate flavor, while Cheerios could provide a different texture and slight oat flavor. Crushed cornflakes or crispy rice cereal of any brand will work similarly to the original recipe.
How do I get a smooth chocolate coating without fork marks?
For the smoothest coating, use a dipping tool or a fork with wider-set tines. After dipping, gently tap the tool against the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate. When placing the dipped ball on parchment paper, slide it off the tool rather than dropping it. If you do get fork marks, you can smooth them with a toothpick while the chocolate is still wet.
Can I make these peanut butter balls ahead of time for a party?
These are perfect make-ahead treats! You can prepare them up to two weeks in advance and store them in the refrigerator, or freeze them for up to three months. If frozen, just transfer them to the refrigerator the night before your event to thaw, and they'll be perfect for serving.
Are there any nut-free alternatives for people with allergies?
For those with peanut allergies, sun butter (made from sunflower seeds) or cookie butter can be substituted for the peanut butter. The texture and flavor will be different, but still delicious. Be aware that the consistency might require slight adjustments to the amount of powdered sugar.
Why do I need to chill the peanut butter balls before dipping?
Chilling the peanut butter balls is crucial because it firms them up, making them easier to handle during the dipping process. Without chilling, they may fall apart, melt, or lose their shape when they come in contact with the warm chocolate. Chilling also helps the chocolate coating set more quickly and evenly.
Conclusion
These Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies strike the perfect balance between creamy and crunchy, sweet and slightly salty. The addition of Rice Krispies transforms an already beloved treat into something special, adding an unexpected textural element that makes them truly memorable. Whether you're making them for a holiday gathering, gifting to friends, or simply treating yourself, these no-bake delights are sure to impress. The simple preparation process makes them accessible to cooks of all skill levels, while the impressive result belies their ease of creation. With their irresistible combination of peanut butter and chocolate, these crispy treats are destined to become a staple in your dessert repertoire, requested time and again by family and friends.
Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 24 peanut butter balls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crunchy, creamy peanut butter balls coated in chocolate with a delightful crispy texture from Rice Krispies — a perfect no-bake treat for holidays and snacking!
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or shortening)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, being careful not to crush them, until evenly distributed.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll them into balls. Place the peanut butter balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill the peanut butter balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with the coconut oil in 20-second increments, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Using a fork or toothpick, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off. Place back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill the chocolate-coated peanut butter balls for 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate sets.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
- Ensure the peanut butter is creamy for smooth mixing.
- Be gentle when folding in Rice Krispies to maintain their crunch.
- Chill time is crucial to firm up the peanut butter balls before dipping in chocolate.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes (chill time)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 peanut butter ball
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
