Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies Recipe
If you have a sweet tooth that’s craving something nostalgic, crunchy, and irresistibly creamy, you are absolutely going to love this Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies Recipe. These delightful little bites bring together the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with the light, crispy texture of Rice Krispies cereal, all wrapped in a luscious chocolate coating. It’s the perfect combination of smooth and crunchy, sweet and salty, and they come together so easily that you’ll want to make them again and again for family gatherings, holidays, or just because you deserve a delicious treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the best part of making this recipe. Each item plays a crucial role in delivering that fabulous blend of flavor and texture that makes these peanut butter balls so addictive.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that adds that dreamy, nutty flavor and creamy texture.
- ¼ cup softened butter: Helps bind everything together while adding richness.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the mixture and provides a smooth consistency.
- 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal (slightly crushed): Adds irresistible crunch and lightness to every bite.
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: For the luscious chocolate coating that complements peanut butter perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening: Ensures your melted chocolate stays smooth and glossy for easy dipping.
How to Make Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. This simple step makes cleanup a breeze and prevents your peanut butter balls from sticking, ensuring they come off perfectly every time.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Mixture
In a large bowl, cream together the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, and powdered sugar until everything is smooth and well combined. This mixture is the foundation of your peanut butter balls, so don’t rush—get a velvety consistency that’s easy to work with.
Step 3: Mix in Rice Krispies
Gently fold in the slightly crushed Rice Krispies cereal. Be careful not to break them down too much; you want that crisp texture to shine through in the final bite. This step adds the delightful crunch that sets this recipe apart.
Step 4: Shape into Balls
Now for the fun part—roll the mixture into small bite-sized balls. Place them evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Pop them into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to chill and firm up, so they’re ready for their chocolate coating.
Step 5: Melt the Chocolate Coating
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with vegetable shortening. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring after each session, until everything is melted and silky smooth. This magic mixture will become the delicious shell for your peanut butter balls.
Step 6: Coat the Peanut Butter Balls
Dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, fully covering them. Let any excess chocolate drip off before placing them back on the baking sheet. This step turns your simple balls into elegant, chocolate-covered delights.
Step 7: Chill to Set
Finally, refrigerate the chocolate-coated peanut butter balls until the chocolate hardens, about 10 to 15 minutes. Once firm, they’re ready to be devoured or shared with your favorite people.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies Recipe
Garnishes
You can get creative with garnishes that bring extra color and texture. Try sprinkling some crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or a drizzle of white chocolate over the top before the chocolate sets. These little touches add flair and a bit of extra crunch or sweetness that can make serving feel even more special.
Side Dishes
These peanut butter balls pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a rich cup of coffee. If you’re serving at a party, offer a variety of complementary treats like fresh fruit or a small cheese plate—the contrast of sweet with savory and fresh is surprisingly delightful.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or special occasions, present these peanut butter balls in colorful mini cupcake liners or arrange them on a decorative platter with edible flowers or seasonal accents. Wrapping each in wax paper and tying with a ribbon also makes them look like thoughtful homemade gifts that everyone will cherish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover peanut butter balls keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The chocolate coating stays firm, and the mixture inside preserves its perfect balance of creaminess and crunch.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead for a special event, freezing works wonderfully. Arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually for a couple of hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months, making them a handy go-to treat.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat these treats, but if you prefer them slightly softer, just let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before enjoying. This allows the chocolate to soften just a bit without losing the delightful snap.
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using chunky peanut butter will add some extra texture inside the balls, which can be a nice surprise if you enjoy a bit of crunch alongside the Rice Krispies.
Is there a way to make these nut-free?
You can substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or almond butter if allergies allow. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture will be a bit different, but still delicious.
Can I skip the vegetable shortening in the chocolate?
The shortening helps the chocolate stay smooth and easier to dip, but if you don’t have it, you can melt the chocolate on its own. Just be gentle warming it to avoid burning or seizing.
How long do Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies Recipe last unrefrigerated?
Because of the perishable ingredients, it’s best to keep them refrigerated and consume within a day or two if left at room temperature.
Can I use other cereals instead of Rice Krispies?
Sure! If you want a little variation, try substituting with something like cornflakes or even crushed Cheerios to change the texture while keeping the crunch factor.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies Recipe is one of those comforting, nostalgic treats that never fails to put a smile on faces young and old. It’s simple, fun to make, and so satisfying to eat. Whether you’re making them for a party, holiday, or a cozy evening snack, these delightful bites are bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. So grab your ingredients and dive in — trust me, you’re going to adore every crunchy, chocolatey bite!
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Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies coated in smooth semi-sweet chocolate. These no-bake treats combine creamy peanut butter, crispy cereal, and a rich chocolate shell, perfect for snacking or dessert.
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 during chilling.
- Make the peanut butter mixture: In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, and powdered sugar until smooth and well combined.
- Mix in Rice Krispies: Gently fold in the slightly crushed Rice Krispies cereal until evenly distributed without crushing too much.
- 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 firm up and hold shape.
- Melt the chocolate coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips together with the vegetable shortening. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth and fully melted.
- Coat the peanut butter balls: Dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring each is fully coated. Let any excess chocolate drip back into the bowl and place coated balls onto the baking sheet.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate the chocolate-coated peanut butter balls for about 10-15 minutes until the chocolate coating has completely set and hardened.
Notes
- For easier rolling, slightly wet your hands to prevent sticking.
- Slightly crushing the Rice Krispies helps the mixture bind better but avoid pulverizing them.
- Vegetable shortening in the chocolate helps create a smoother and shinier coating.
- Store leftover peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Try substituting peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for a variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
