Chocolate and peanut butter are a classic pairing—think Reese’s peanut butter cups, peanut butter and Nutella sandwiches, or a handful of M&Ms. This recipe highlights that delicious combination with crunchy peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, and a chocolate coating that dresses each bite-sized peanut ball.
There’s one unexpected ingredient that adds a light, airy texture: Rice Krispies cereal. The crispy cereal blends perfectly with the peanut butter mixture and keeps these little snacks from feeling too dense. The recipe is straightforward and quick to prepare, making it ideal for holidays, gatherings, or a simple at-home treat. Kids love them, and adults will be reaching for seconds.
These bite-sized chocolate peanut butter balls are convenient to make ahead—keep them chilled in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. If you enjoy the contrast of creamy chocolate and salty peanut butter, you’ll appreciate the added crunch the Rice Krispies provide. The result is a light, satisfying homemade sweet snack.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These gooey, crunchy bites are easy to prepare and deliver big flavor. The combination of crispy Rice Krispies, flavorful peanut butter, and a smooth chocolate coating creates a balanced, irresistible treat.
How to Serve
Serve chilled straight from the refrigerator when you want a sweet pick-me-up. They work well with coffee after a meal or as part of a dessert tray. Because the chocolate coating can soften in warm conditions, avoid serving them outdoors on hot days.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can make these in advance—the chilling step is required anyway—so they keep well in the fridge. Store the peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup crunchy peanut butter
- Chocolate candy coating or chocolate chips
- 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- ¼ cup butter, at room temperature
- 54 mini muffin paper cups
HOW TO MAKE PEANUT BUTTER BALLS:
Step 1. In a mixing bowl, beat the peanut butter, room-temperature butter, and powdered sugar together using an electric mixer until smooth and evenly combined.
Step 2. Fold in the Rice Krispies, stirring until the cereal is evenly distributed throughout the peanut butter mixture.
Step 3. Place the mixture in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm up slightly, which makes it easier to shape.
Step 4. Roll the chilled mixture into roughly 25 evenly sized balls and set each one into a mini muffin paper cup.
Step 5. Refrigerate the formed balls while you prepare the chocolate coating.
Step 6. Gently melt the chocolate candy coating or chocolate chips in a small pan over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
Step 7. Using a fork, dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate to coat it fully.
Step 8. Place the coated balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to set.
Step 9. Repeat until all balls are coated, then refrigerate until the chocolate has fully set.
Step 10. Transfer the finished peanut butter balls to an airtight container and keep refrigerated until serving.
PEANUT BUTTER BALLS WITH RICE KRISPIES
Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup crunchy peanut butter
- Chocolate candy coating or chocolate chips
- 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- ¼ cup butter, at room temperature
- 54 mini muffin paper cups
Method
- Beat the peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar together until smooth.
- Stir in the Rice Krispies until well combined.
- Freeze the mixture for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Roll the mixture into about 25 balls and place each in a mini muffin cup.
- Chill the balls while you melt the chocolate coating.
- Melt the chocolate gently over low heat, stirring constantly.
- Dip each ball into the melted chocolate using a fork, coating it completely.
- Place coated balls on parchment paper to set.
- Repeat until all balls are coated.
- Refrigerate until the chocolate is set, then store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Notes
Variations and substitutions: Use any chocolate you prefer for the coating—melting candy, semisweet, or white chocolate chips all work well.
SAVE this recipe for later 🙂