Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls
Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Balls are the ultimate holiday treat for anyone who loves the perfect combination of peanut butter and chocolate! These delightful little candies blend the rich creaminess of peanut butter with the crunch of rice crispy cereal, all coated in a layer of smooth, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate. They’re like peanut butter cups met rice crispy treats in the best possible way!
A Family Tradition Turned Holiday Favorite
Every Christmas, these irresistible treats are one of the first things I make. It’s a tradition passed down from my Nana, and I can still remember us spending hours in the kitchen making batch after batch to share with neighbors, teachers, and friends. The salty-sweet flavor combination, along with the crispy texture and smooth chocolate, makes them an absolute joy to eat and a beloved holiday treat.
Why This Is the Best Peanut Butter Ball Recipe
- No-bake recipe with just 6 simple ingredients
- Double the chocolate and peanut butter in each bite
- Rice Krispies add a crunchy, addictive texture
- Fun for kids to help make – it’s the perfect holiday activity!
- Holds shape well at room temperature, ideal for gifting or cookie trays
- Can be made ahead and frozen for easily portioned treats
The filling for these crispy peanut butter balls is essentially a supercharged version of peanut butter rice crispy treats. By creaming peanut butter with butter, vanilla, powdered sugar, and rice cereal, you create a soft dough that’s perfect for rolling into balls. Then, the magic happens when they’re dipped in chocolate candy coating, forming a sweet, irresistible shell.
While these peanut butter balls are great for sharing at holiday parties, they’re so addicting that you’ll want to keep them all to yourself! The combination of sweet and salty, along with the crispy chocolate crunch, will make it impossible to stop at just one.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Balls
- Make the peanut butter dough: Cream together peanut butter, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add the crispy rice cereal: Mix in the cereal until evenly combined.
- Shape the dough: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and chill them for 30 minutes.
- Dip in chocolate: Melt the chocolate coating and dip or drizzle it over the peanut butter balls.
- Let the chocolate set: Allow the chocolate to fully harden before storing.
These little bites of heaven hold up perfectly at room temperature, making them perfect for gift bags, cookie platters, and holiday snacking. You can also store them in the freezer for a quick treat whenever the craving strikes!
Tips for the Best Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
- You can use either creamy or crunchy peanut butter – both work great!
- Be sure to chill the peanut butter balls fully before dipping them in chocolate so they maintain their shape.
- If you want a thinner chocolate coating, you can thin the melted chocolate with 1-2 teaspoons of vegetable oil.
- Feel free to decorate your peanut butter balls with sprinkles, chopped peanuts, or extra rice crispies for a festive touch.
- Depending on your climate, you can store the balls at room temperature, in the fridge, or in the freezer.
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Balls might just become your favorite holiday candy – they’re addictive, portable, and full of nostalgic flavors. One batch will never be enough, and before you know it, they’ll be gone in a flash!
Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Balls
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 48 balls
Ingredients:
- 2 cups creamy or crunchy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups crispy rice cereal
- 16 oz chocolate candy coating
Toppings:
- Chopped peanuts
- Sprinkles
- Extra rice crispies
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, beat together the peanut butter and butter until smooth. Add the vanilla and mix well.
- Gradually add powdered sugar until combined, forming a dough. Stir in the rice krispies.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Melt the chocolate candy coating according to package directions. Dip or drizzle the chilled peanut butter balls in chocolate.
- Decorate with crushed peanuts, sprinkles, or extra rice crispies if desired. Let the chocolate set completely before serving.
- Store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, refrigerated for up to 1 month, or frozen for up to 3 months.
These balls are sure to be the star of your holiday treats – let me know if you need any more tips to make them even more delicious!
Enjoy these festive chocolate peanut butter balls, and happy holidays!