If you are searching for a delightful treat that combines creamy peanut butter, crispy texture, and a luscious chocolate coating, then you have found your new favorite. This Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies Recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet and crunchy in every bite. Whether you’re making snacks for a party, dessert for family night, or simply craving something irresistibly delicious, these peanut butter balls will steal the show every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of this Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies Recipe fool you. Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating the irresistible flavor and texture that make these treats so special. From the creamy peanut butter that provides richness to the crispy Rice Krispies adding a light crunch, every component is crucial to the final mouthwatering result.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: Use creamy for that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture that perfectly blends with the cereal.
- ¼ cup softened butter: Adds richness and helps bind everything together.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the mixture while keeping it smooth without any graininess.
- 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal (slightly crushed): The star of the crunch, crushed just enough to blend but still provide that iconic crispy bite.
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: For dipping and coating, offering a deliciously glossy and rich shell.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening: Helps the chocolate coating set smoothly and gives it a perfect shine.
How to Make Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. This simple step ensures that your peanut butter balls won’t stick and sets you up perfectly for the next part of the process.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Mixture
In a large bowl, cream together the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and luscious. This is where the magic begins as these ingredients form the sweet, creamy base that everything else builds upon.
Step 3: Mix in Rice Krispies
Gently fold in the slightly crushed Rice Krispies cereal until the mixture is evenly combined. The fold-in method helps keep the cereal’s crispiness intact while distributing it perfectly throughout the peanut butter mixture.
Step 4: Shape into Balls
Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls using your hands or a small cookie scoop. Place each ball onto your prepared baking sheet. Once they’re all shaped, chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up and make the next steps easier.
Step 5: Melt the Chocolate Coating
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips with the vegetable shortening. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring well between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and silky smooth. This glossy coating is going to make your peanut butter balls absolutely irresistible.
Step 6: Coat the Peanut Butter Balls
Carefully dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, making sure it’s completely covered. Let any excess chocolate drip off before placing the coated ball back onto the lined baking sheet.
Step 7: Chill to Set
Pop the chocolate-coated balls back into the refrigerator and chill for about 10 to 15 minutes until the chocolate hardens and sets perfectly. These peanut butter balls are now ready to enjoy or gift!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies Recipe
Garnishes
Add a personal touch by sprinkling finely chopped peanuts or a pinch of sea salt on top before the chocolate sets. These simple garnishes bring extra texture and enhance the peanut flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve these peanut butter balls alongside a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee. They also pair wonderfully with fresh fruit or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the peanut butter balls in decorative paper liners or gift boxes when giving as gifts. You could even drizzle contrasting white chocolate over the top for a fancy twist that’s sure to impress friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh and maintain that perfect chocolate coating for up to one week, making them easy to grab for a quick snack or last-minute treat.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead for future enjoyment, freeze the peanut butter balls in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They freeze beautifully for up to three months and thaw quickly in the fridge.
Reheating
Because these are no-bake treats, reheating isn’t necessary. If you want your peanut butter balls a bit softer, simply let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add an extra layer of crunch to the peanut butter balls, which some people love. Just keep in mind it will slightly change the texture of the mixture.
What can I substitute for vegetable shortening in the chocolate coating?
You can use coconut oil as a healthier alternative to vegetable shortening. It will help the chocolate set firm and give a slight coconut flavor, which pairs nicely with peanut butter.
How do I make sure my peanut butter balls don’t fall apart?
Chilling them thoroughly before dipping is key. The firmness achieved in the fridge helps hold the shape, and the softened butter combined with powdered sugar ensures the mixture binds well.
Can I add other mix-ins to these peanut butter balls?
Definitely! Mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon can personalize these treats. Just be mindful not to overpower the balance withRice Krispies, which give that signature crunch.
Are these balls suitable for kids?
Yes, these peanut butter balls are a kid-friendly snack that’s naturally delicious and easy to eat. Just make sure no one has nut allergies before serving!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to make a snack that’s easy, fun, and guaranteed to be eaten quickly, this Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies Recipe is the way to go. It brings together all the best flavors and textures we crave in a treat, wrapped up in one bite-sized delight. So grab your ingredients, invite your favorite people, and enjoy every crunchy, chocolatey bite of these charming little balls of joy!
Print
Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Delicious no-bake peanut butter balls coated in rich semi-sweet chocolate and crispy Rice Krispies cereal, perfect as bite-sized treats for any occasion.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Mixture
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup softened butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal (slightly crushed)
Chocolate Coating
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Make the peanut butter mixture: In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Mix in Rice Krispies: Gently fold in the slightly crushed Rice Krispies cereal to maintain its crunch and ensure even distribution.
- Shape into balls: Roll the mixture into small bite-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up.
- Melt the chocolate coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and vegetable shortening. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring after each until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Coat the peanut butter balls: Dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is completely coated. Let any excess chocolate drip off before returning the balls to the baking sheet.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate the chocolate-coated peanut butter balls for about 10-15 minutes until the chocolate is firm and set. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure the Rice Krispies are only slightly crushed to preserve their texture.
- Use parchment or wax paper to make removing the balls easy and mess-free.
- Vegetable shortening helps the chocolate coating stay smooth and shiny after it sets.
- Store the peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- For a nut-free version, consider using sunflower seed butter and confirming no cross-contamination with nuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
