Hey y'all! If you're looking for a sinfully delicious, quick, and crowd-pleasing treat, these Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Candy Balls are about to become your new favorite. With a perfect blend of creamy peanut butter, sweet chocolate, and a satisfying crunch, they're a hit at potlucks, holidays, or just for nibbling on a cozy night in. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Candy Balls Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes with no baking required.
- Perfect Texture: Each bite bursts with a delightful crispy-chewy contrast.
- Great for All Occasions: Ideal for parties, lunchboxes, or holiday cookie trays.
- Customizable: Effortlessly swap ingredients to fit dietary needs or taste preferences.
- Kid-Friendly: Little hands love rolling and dipping these candy balls.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Candy Balls
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Candy Balls
Step 1: Mix the Peanut Butter Base
- In a large mixing bowl, blend the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar and a pinch of salt, mixing until fully combined (the mixture will be thick).
Step 2: Add Rice Krispies Cereal
- Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, making sure to evenly coat them without crushing.
Step 3: Shape the Candy Balls
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared tray.
- Chill the balls in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to set.
Step 4: Melt and Dip in Chocolate
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine semisweet chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until smooth and glossy. (For tips on melting chocolate, check Serious Eats' guide.)
- Dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, using a fork to roll and coat evenly. Let excess chocolate drip off, then return to the baking sheet.
- Let set at room temperature, or pop back into the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Notes for Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Candy Balls
- Use creamy or chunky peanut butter for unique texture variations.
- If your mixture is too sticky, add a bit more powdered sugar; if too dry, add a tablespoon of melted butter.
- Chilling the balls before dipping ensures the chocolate sets quickly and smoothly.
Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Candy Balls Variations
- Nut-Free: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter for allergy-friendly treats.
- Chocolate Crunch: Use Cocoa Krispies instead of classic Rice Krispies for a double chocolate hit.
- Holiday Sprinkles: Roll freshly dipped balls in festive sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
Required Equipment for Candy Balls
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Small cookie scoop or spoon
Storing Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Candy Balls
Store your finished candy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 2 months for longer storage. Allow to come to room temperature before serving for best texture.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions
- Arrange on a dessert platter with fresh berries and other bite-sized treats.
- Pair with a tall glass of cold milk, coffee, or hot chocolate for a cozy snack.
- Gift in decorative boxes for holidays, birthdays, or thank yous!
Pro Tips for Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Candy Balls
- Work quickly when dipping in chocolate to prevent melting; refrigerate in batches if needed.
- For uniform size, use a small cookie scoop for each ball.
- Use quality chocolate chips for a smoother, richer coating. (See this chocolate chip taste test.)
Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Candy Balls FAQ
- Can I make these candy balls ahead of time?
- Absolutely! They keep well in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for up to two months.
- Can I use natural peanut butter?
- Yes, just make sure to stir it well and note the texture may be a bit softer; you may need to add extra powdered sugar to help them hold their shape.
- What if I don’t have coconut oil?
- You can substitute with vegetable oil or simply omit—it just helps make the chocolate coating extra shiny and smooth.
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 ½ cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
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1In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well blended.
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2Gradually add the powdered sugar and a pinch of salt, stirring until fully incorporated and the mixture is thick.
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3Fold in the Rice Krispies cereal gently until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
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4Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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5In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
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6Dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, coating completely. Return to the baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or until set.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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