Rice Krispies Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls are a sweet, crunchy chocolate treat that combines great peanut butter and chocolate classic flavors with Rice Krispies’ surprising crunch factor. An ideal delicacy for gatherings, holidays, or quick bites, this no-bake treat is very simple to make and uses only a handful of easily available ingredients. From children to adults, everyone will absolutely love the blend of creamy peanut butter and crispy cereal with a rich chocolate coating.
So let’s get to making sweet and tiny treats that are difficult to resist!
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Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or melting chocolate
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening (optional, for thinning chocolate)
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Peanut Butter Mixture
- Combine Peanut Butter and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and softened butter. Use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon to mix until smooth and well blended.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the peanut butter mixture, mixing until fully incorporated. The mixture should be thick and slightly crumbly.
- Fold in Rice Krispies and Vanilla: Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal and vanilla extract until evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Be careful not to crush the cereal too much; you want it to stay crispy.
Step 2: Form the Peanut Butter Balls
- Shape the Balls: Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If the mixture is too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to make it easier to work with.
- Chill the Balls: Once all the balls are formed, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator or freezer for about 20-30 minutes, or until they are firm. This makes them easier to dip in the chocolate.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Coating
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate in a double boiler on the stovetop.
- Stir Until Smooth: Stir the chocolate until it is smooth and slightly cooled, but still liquid. The coconut oil or shortening helps create a smoother coating and makes it easier to dip.
Step 4: Coat the Peanut Butter Balls
- Dip the Balls: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, making sure it is completely coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing it back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Garnish (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the tops of the chocolate-coated balls with chopped peanuts for added crunch and flavor. You can also drizzle additional melted white chocolate over the top for a decorative touch.
Step 5: Set the Chocolate
- Chill to Set: Place the baking sheet with the chocolate-coated balls back in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set and hardened.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving: You can offer them as snacks, desserts, or treats at a party by letting Rice Krispies Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls chill or reach room temperature.
Storage: Cold niceness is accomplished to protect them in airtight packaging within a refrigerator for about a week.
Far-Off Preservation: The balls can be snuggled into a freezer-approved container for at most two months. They coincide when removed from the refrigerator.
Helpful Notes:
Peanut Butter Options: Preferred creamy peanut butter? Get a chunky one instead to have something a little crunchier.
Adjust Sweetness: The degree of sweetness can be raised or lowered by reducing the amount of powdered sugar or covering with dark chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate chips.
Alternative Toppings: How creative are you when you think faster? How about using different crushed pretzels, sprinkles, even gold or silver natural shredded coconut?
Tips from Well-Known Chefs:
Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman): Adapting an outstanding piece of advice, she suggests using the best quality chocolate possible to achieve a gloss.
Martha Stewart: Martha recommends several pinches of fine sea salt mixed into the peanut butter because it enhances the whole presentation and balances out all of the sweetness.
Alton Brown: Alton suggests that very useful instrumentation as well; chill them through and through before dipping them in molten chocolate to avoid a puddle, the pudding lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these peanut butter balls nut-free?
Yes, you can make these nut-free, substitute sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter.
Can white or milk chocolate be used instead of semisweet chocolate?
Absolutely! The choice of chocolate is up to you! White, milk, or dark chocolate is acceptable.
How could I possibly turn this recipe into one that is dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter and dairy-free chocolate chips, if lactose-intolerant.
Could I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but ensure that the natural peanut butter is stirred in very well, as it tends to separate. You may need to also adjust the amount of powdered sugar to reach the desired consistency.
What if I don’t have Rice Krispies cereal around?
You can replace the Rice Krispies with flaky cereal, such as cornflakes, Cheerios, or crushed-up graham crackers.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, these are great fun to make ahead of time. Prepare them a maximum of two days ahead and keep them in the refrigerator until you need them.
How do I prevent the chocolate cracking?
Do not allow the peanut butter balls to become cold when you dip them in the chocolate. Avoid hot and cold temperature shocks when working.
Can other ingredients be added to the mixture?
Yes, most certainly! Add mini-chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even shredded coconut into the mixture if you are looking for more taste and texture.
How do you make the chocolate coating smoother?
Add a little bit of coconut oil or shortening to the chocolate and you will end up with a nice glossy finish.
Should I consider making this vegan?
Yes, as long as all of the ingredients are plant-based: Vegan butter, dairy-free chocolate, and coconut milk shortening.
Conclusion:
Rice Krispies Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls are an easy, no-bake treat that combines classic flavors with a fun, crunchy twist. With their rich peanut butter center, crispy cereal crunch, and smooth chocolate coating, these little bites of bliss are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a party, holiday, or just a snack, they’re sure to be a hit with kids and grown-ups alike. Have fun making these treats and sharing them with family!
