Name: Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups powdered sugar; 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal; 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smoother melting)

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Get ready to meet your new sweet tooth obsession: Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls! These bite-sized delights combine the rich creaminess of peanut butter, the crunch of crispy rice cereal, and a gorgeous coating of smooth chocolate. Every bite is pure nostalgia, a nod to childhood kitchen adventures and homemade treats passed around during the holidays. They’re no-bake, delightfully easy, and sure to disappear the minute they hit the table. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a party platter, a lunchbox surprise, or just because you’re craving something seriously delicious, these little gems are always the right answer!

Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of pantry staples to create these magical Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls, but don’t underestimate their role—each brings something essential to the party, from structure and sweetness to texture and that melt-in-your-mouth finish. Let’s break down what you’ll grab before you start mixing.

Peanut Butter (1 cup, creamy): The star of the show, delivering rich, nutty flavor and a creamy texture that holds the balls together. Use crunchy peanut butter if you love extra texture.
Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup, softened): Adds richness and helps everything meld—make sure it’s soft for seamless mixing.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Just a splash rounds out all the flavors and brings warmth to each bite.
Powdered Sugar (2 cups): Sweetens and helps form that soft, fudgy middle without grittiness.
Rice Krispies Cereal (2 cups): The magic crunch—these add lightness and that signature crispy texture everyone loves.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 1/2 cups): Perfect for melting and dipping, they create an irresistible chocolate shell.
Coconut Oil or Shortening (1 tablespoon, optional): Stir this in with the chocolate for an extra glossy, smooth coating that’s easy to dip.

How to Make Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls

Step 1: Cream Together the Peanut Butter Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Use a sturdy spatula or hand mixer to blend everything into a smooth, uniform base—this ensures your Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls have the perfect fudgy texture.

Step 2: Incorporate the Powdered Sugar

Gradually add the powdered sugar to your peanut butter mixture, mixing between each addition. The dough will get thick and soft, almost like a peanut butter fudge. Take your time so you don’t end up with a cloud of powdered sugar on your countertop!

Step 3: Fold in Rice Krispies Cereal

Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal with a spatula. Be careful and patient here; you want to coat every puffed grain without crushing that signature crunch. It’s like blending love and lightness into every bite.

Step 4: Shape the Balls

Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, portion and roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them out so they don’t stick together. Sticky hands? Lightly grease your palms or use a little powdered sugar to make rolling easier.

Step 5: Chill the Balls

Pop the baking sheet into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the balls firm up, making them a breeze to dip in chocolate later. If you’re short on time, a quick 10-minute stint in the freezer works in a pinch.

Step 6: Melt the Chocolate

While your peanut butter balls are chilling, place the chocolate chips and (optional) coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring well between each, until the chocolate is completely smooth and glossy. The coconut oil makes the chocolate easier to work with and gives a tempting sheen.

Step 7: Dip and Set

Working one at a time, dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, letting any extra chocolate drip off before returning them to the parchment-lined tray. Once all the balls are dipped, refrigerate them again for 15 to 20 minutes—this lets the chocolate shell set perfectly. That’s it! Your Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls are ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls

Garnishes

They’re already pretty irresistible, but a few finishing touches can make your Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls pop! Try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a tiny drizzle of melted white chocolate, or a dusting of sprinkles, crushed nuts, or even a little edible glitter for a festive flair. Each accent not only boosts the wow-factor but adds fun contrasting flavors and textures.

Side Dishes

These treats are stars on a dessert platter, but they also play well with others. Pair them with fresh berries for a fruity contrast, simple shortbread cookies for variety, or a mug of rich hot chocolate or coffee. At a party, they look lovely nestled among other no-bake desserts or classic cookies.

Creative Ways to Present

Have fun with your presentation! Arrange the Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls in colorful cupcake liners for a polished, party-ready look. Stack them in clear jars with ribbon for homemade gifts, or create a tiered dessert tower by interspersing them with other chocolate-dipped treats. For a special touch, insert cute toothpicks or mini skewers and serve them lollipop-style—always a hit at gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare!), simply place the Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls in an airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to a week, staying fresh, flavorful, and just as crispy as day one. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

Want to save some for later? These balls freeze like a dream. Arrange them in a single layer on a tray to firm up, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll stay tasty for up to three months—just thaw for a few minutes at room temperature before serving for maximum enjoyment.

Reheating

Since these are a no-bake, chilled treat, you don’t need to reheat them! If they’ve been in the freezer, just let them sit out for 10–15 minutes to soften slightly. If you like them a touch melty, a quick 5-second zap in the microwave will do, but don’t overdo it, or the chocolate shell may melt.

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! If you love extra crunch and texture, chunky peanut butter works perfectly in Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls. Just keep in mind the finished balls may look a little more rustic, which many people love.

Do I have to use coconut oil in the chocolate coating?

Nope, coconut oil is completely optional. It helps make the chocolate easier to melt and dip, and gives a pretty sheen, but the balls will set up beautifully with just chocolate chips—just be patient when melting to avoid scorching.

Can these be made dairy-free?

Definitely! Swap in your favorite plant-based butter and grab dairy-free chocolate chips. With those simple substitutions, everyone can enjoy a batch of Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls, even those avoiding dairy.

How do I keep the balls from sticking when dipping in chocolate?

If dipping gets tricky, use a fork or a toothpick to lower balls into the melted chocolate and tap gently on the bowl to let excess chocolate drip off. Chilling the balls thoroughly before dipping also helps them hold their shape and prevents sticky fingers.

Can I make these in advance for holidays or parties?

Absolutely! Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls are the ultimate make-ahead treat. Prepare them up to a week ahead, store in the fridge, and simply plate before serving. They’re party-perfect and always welcome on a dessert table.

Final Thoughts

These Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls bring together the very best of creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey treats—all in a single, irresistible bite. They’re easy enough for a quick weeknight project but special enough for any celebration. Gather your ingredients, invite a friend or your favorite little helper, and enjoy every delicious step. Happy snacking!

Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes (including chill time)
Yield: 24 balls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls are a delightful no-bake treat perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. Creamy peanut butter, crispy Rice Krispies, and rich chocolate come together to create a delicious snack or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Peanut Butter Mixture:

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar

Rice Krispie Mixture:

2 cups Rice Krispies cereal

Chocolate Coating:

1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smoother melting)

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Instructions

Prepare Peanut Butter Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar until fully incorporated.
Combine with Rice Krispies: Gently fold in Rice Krispies cereal, being careful not to crush them.
Form Balls: Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Chill: Refrigerate the balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips with coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
Coat Balls: Dip each ball into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off, and return to the baking sheet.
Set Chocolate: Refrigerate again for 15–20 minutes or until the chocolate is set. Serve chilled or at room temperature.