Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies are the ultimate sweet-salty bite-sized indulgence that you’ll want to make again and again. With their rich chocolate coating and satisfying crunch, these no-bake treats are as fun to make as they are to eat!
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What Are Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Balls?
These bite-sized gems bring together the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter and the crisp, satisfying texture of rice cereal, all coated in smooth, velvety chocolate. They’re easy to make, endlessly versatile, and perfect whether you’re sharing or indulging on your own!
Despite their simple ingredients, peanut butter rice krispy balls deliver a perfectly balanced blend of salty, sweet, creamy, and crunchy. Whether you’re making them for a celebration, wrapping them up for thoughtful holiday gifts, or sneaking one with your afternoon coffee, these little handheld desserts are always a hit.
Ingredients You Need
- Rice Krispies Cereal – These add a crisp, airy texture that perfectly complements the creamy peanut butter. Stick with the classic brand or use a similar puffed rice cereal.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter – We love the bits of peanuts for added texture. If you prefer smooth peanut butter, it will work too, but you’ll miss that extra crunch!
- Unsalted Butter, Softened – This gives the mixture its creamy, rich consistency. Softening it ensures it blends effortlessly with the other ingredients.
- Powdered Sugar – This adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps bind the mixture together. Sift it beforehand for an extra smooth finish.
- Chocolate – Milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate will all work beautifully. Pick your favorite, or mix a couple for a customized flavor.
- Coconut Oil, Melted – This helps thin the chocolate for easier coating while adding a subtle, natural sweetness. It also helps the chocolate to set perfectly!
How to Make Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies
- Prepare the mixture. Add the softened butter, peanut butter, and powdered sugar to a large bowl. Mix until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Add the cereal. Pour in the Rice Krispies cereal and gently fold the pieces in, making sure that all of the cereal is coated in the mixture.
- Shape the balls. Use a small cookie dough scoop or two spoons to portion out the mixture before rolling them into balls. Arrange the shaped balls on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Chill. Chill the balls in the fridge until they become firm, making them easier to coat with chocolate.
- Melt the chocolate. Add the chocolate and coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short intervals, stirring until smooth. Alternatively, melt the mixture using a double boiler.
- Coat the balls. Dip each ball into the melted chocolate using a fork or toothpick. Let any excess chocolate drip back into the bowl, then return the dipped ball to the parchment-lined sheet.
- Decorate. While the chocolate is still wet, coat the balls with any toppings like crushed nuts, sprinkles, or flaky sea salt.
- Set. Let the chocolate harden at room temperature or pop the tray in the refrigerator for faster setting.
- Enjoy or store. Serve the peanut butter rice krispy balls immediately or keep them in an airtight container to enjoy later.
Variations
- Smooth Peanut Butter – Swap the crunchy peanut butter for smooth if you prefer a creamy texture with no chunks.
- White Chocolate – Try dipping the balls in melted white chocolate for a different twist.
- Almond Butter – Use almond butter instead of peanut butter for a nutty, slightly milder flavor.
- Dark Chocolate – Drizzle dark chocolate over a milk chocolate coating for a pretty presentation and rich finish.
- Flavored Extracts – Add a splash of vanilla or almond extract to the mixture.
- Toppings – Roll the chocolate-coated balls in toasted coconut, crushed pretzels, or graham cracker crumbs for unique textures.
- Seasonal Sprinkles – Customize these with themed sprinkles for holidays like Halloween, Christmas, or Valentine’s Day.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes! Once they’ve set, keep them at room temperature for just the right texture.
Refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
If you want to store them longer, freeze them for up to 3 months — just thaw for a few minutes before eating!
Common Questions about Peanut Butter Rice Krispy Balls
The culprit behind hard Rice Krispy Balls is usually time — they naturally get firmer as they age. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature and throw in a piece of bread — it works like magic to maintain moisture levels.
The possibilities are endless! You can use decorator’s sugar, roll them in sprinkles, or mix in some crushed Oreos or small candies. Our personal favorite is drizzling them with white and dark chocolate for that fancy marble effect.
Absolutely! While the classic Rice Krispies give that signature snap, crackle, and pop, you can experiment with Cocoa Krispies, Fruity Pebbles, or even crushed Golden Grahams. Each cereal brings its own unique flavor and texture to the party!
This classic mishap usually happens when your peanut butter-to-cereal ratio is off. Too many Rice Krispies or not enough peanut butter will leave you with crumbly balls that won’t hold their shape.
More Peanut Buttery Recipes
On the search for more creamy, dreamy, and peanut buttery sweets? We have you covered with these super simple recipes!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars (Homemade Snickers)
Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Bars
Chocolate Peanut Butter Kunafa (Knafeh)
Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies
Ingredients
- 2 cups crunchy peanut butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 stick ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 pound chocolate milk, dark, or semi-sweet
- 3 Tablespoons coconut oil melted
Instructions
Prepare the Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, crunchy peanut butter, and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth and well combined.2 cups crunchy peanut butter, 1 stick, 2 cups powdered sugar
- Gradually fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, ensuring the mixture is evenly coated and forms a cohesive dough.3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Shape the Balls:
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll them into balls. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Once all the balls are shaped, refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm them up.
Melt the Chocolate:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate and melted coconut oil. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.1 pound chocolate, 3 Tablespoons coconut oil
- Alternatively, use a double boiler to melt the chocolate and coconut oil.
Coat the Balls:
- Using a fork or toothpick, dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing it back on the parchment-lined sheet.
- Optional: Sprinkle toppings like crushed nuts, sprinkles, or sea salt on the chocolate-coated balls before they set.
Set the Chocolate:
- Let the coated balls sit at room temperature until the chocolate firms up, or place them in the refrigerator for quicker setting (about 15-20 minutes).
Serve and Enjoy:
- Transfer the Rice Krispy Balls to a serving plate or store them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
Equipment
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
These are so fun!