Description
Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies are an easy, no-bake treat that combines creamy peanut butter, crunchy Rice Krispies, and a smooth chocolate coating. These bite-sized delights are perfect for quick snacks, parties, or gifting, and they require minimal ingredients and time. The blend of textures and flavors—sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy—makes them an irresistible treat that both kids and adults will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter no-stir
- 3 tbsp salted butter melted
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 1/2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips or chocolate melting wafers
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, blend peanut butter with melted butter until smooth.
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Gradually fold in Rice Krispies cereal until evenly distributed.
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Mix in powdered sugar until the mixture becomes thick and cohesive.
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Portion and roll the mixture into balls, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
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Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
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Dip each peanut butter ball in the melted chocolate, coat fully, and place back on the parchment-lined sheet. Chill until the chocolate is set.
Notes
- Peanut Butter:
- You can use smooth or crunchy peanut butter depending on your texture preference. If using natural peanut butter (the kind that separates), refrigerate the mixture before rolling to firm it up, as natural peanut butter tends to be runnier.
- Feel free to substitute with other nut butters like almond or cashew, or use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
- Rice Krispies Cereal:
- Rice Krispies add a light crunch to the balls. For a gluten-free version, make sure to use gluten-free puffed rice cereal.
- You can swap in other types of cereal like puffed quinoa or cornflakes if you want to experiment with different textures.
- Powdered Sugar:
- Powdered sugar thickens and sweetens the mixture. If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of powdered sugar or substitute it with honey or maple syrup. Just be aware that liquid sweeteners may affect the consistency slightly.
- Butter:
- The butter helps make the peanut butter mixture smoother and richer. For a vegan version, you can use plant-based butter. Make sure to melt the butter before mixing it with the other ingredients.
- Chocolate Coating:
- Choose from milk, dark, or white chocolate depending on your flavor preference. You can also use colored candy melts for a festive or themed presentation.
- Add a teaspoon of coconut oil to the chocolate when melting for a smoother, shinier coating. This also helps the chocolate set more evenly.
- Storage:
- Store the peanut butter balls in an airtight container. They will last up to one week in the refrigerator or up to three months in the freezer. When freezing, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- If refrigerating or freezing, allow them to come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.
- Customizations:
- Add vanilla extract, shredded coconut, crushed pretzels, or chopped nuts for a fun twist on the classic recipe.
- For holidays, use festive sprinkles, edible glitter, or colorful candy melts to match the occasion.
- Try adding a small amount of sea salt on top of the chocolate before it hardens for a salty-sweet contrast.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these peanut butter balls as part of a dessert platter alongside other no-bake treats or truffles.
- They also make a great homemade gift—package them in a decorative tin or box for friends, family, or coworkers during the holidays or special events.
- At parties, display them in mini cupcake liners for easy, mess-free serving.