If you have a soft spot for bite-sized treats that marry irresistible crunch with sweet, creamy richness, Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls are your answer. This no-bake classic wraps childhood nostalgia and grown-up flavors into each chocolate-dipped orb, combining crispy cereal, smooth peanut butter, and glossy melted chocolate into one absolute crowd-pleaser. Perfect for holiday platters, after-school snacks, or just because, these decadent little snacks disappear fast—so don’t be surprised if you find yourself sneaking a few before they even make it to the serving plate!

Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the essentials for Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls couldn’t be easier, and each item brings something special. From creaminess to crunch, and that signature chocolate shell, every ingredient is a must for delivering the full effect!

Creamy Peanut Butter: This is the heart of the recipe—providing a rich, nutty flavor and glue that holds everything together.
Unsalted Butter (softened): Adds lushness and smoothness, balancing the sweetness and ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors with an aromatic warmth that pairs beautifully with chocolate and peanut butter.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stiffens the peanut butter mixture, helping it roll easily into soft, sturdy balls.
Rice Krispies Cereal: The crispy, airy crunch that makes each bite pop with texture and brings the signature snap to this treat.
Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Melts into a heavenly coating that wraps each ball in a blanket of deep, glossy chocolate perfection.
Coconut Oil or Shortening (optional): Stirred into the chocolate, makes for easier dipping and a more satiny finish—especially helpful for a pretty presentation.

How to Make Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls

Step 1: Mix the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Using a sturdy spoon or a hand mixer, blend until the mixture is completely smooth and homogenous. The butter helps build richness while the vanilla boosts the overall aroma, making this stage smell absolutely divine.

Step 2: Sweeten and Thicken

Gradually add the powdered sugar into your peanut butter mixture—about a half cup at a time—stirring well between additions. This gradual approach ensures that the mixture becomes thick enough to hold its shape, while still remaining smooth and easy to work with. The sugar not only sweetens but also gives structure to your balls.

Step 3: Add the Crunch

It’s time for the signature element! Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal with a spatula, taking care not to crush them. This keeps the final Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls light and satisfyingly crispy, with every little puff acting like a pocket of crunch in each bite.

Step 4: Shape Into Balls

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture. Roll each portion between your palms until smooth, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You’ll get about 24 balls—perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself! Once shaped, pop them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes so they firm up beautifully before being coated in chocolate.

Step 5: Melt the Chocolate

While the balls chill, melt your chocolate chips with the coconut oil or shortening (if using) in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until the chocolate is smooth, glossy, and ready for dipping. The coconut oil helps make the chocolate silkier and easier to work with.

Step 6: Dip and Set

Using a fork or a toothpick, dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off before placing them back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Once all are coated, return to the refrigerator for another 15–20 minutes until the chocolate sets. There you have it—Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls ready to eat!

How to Serve Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls

Garnishes

Dress up your Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a drizzle of extra chocolate, or even a dusting of powdered sugar before the chocolate sets. These simple toppings not only look gorgeous but also amp up the flavor and texture with each bite.

Side Dishes

These sweet treats go wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk, a cup of hot coffee, or as part of a full dessert spread featuring fresh berries and fruit. They sit beautifully alongside cookies or other no-bake bars, brightening up any party platter in no time at all.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the balls in festive mini cupcake liners or stack them on a tiered cake stand for a striking centerpiece. For holidays, swap in seasonally colored sprinkles, or gift them by tucking a few into clear bags tied with ribbon. No matter the occasion, Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls always look as good as they taste!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any extra Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls in an airtight container. Place parchment or wax paper between layers to keep them from sticking together. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week—if they last that long!

Freezing

To make them far in advance, freeze your peanut butter balls after the chocolate has fully set. Arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, or stack between sheets of wax paper. They’ll keep well for up to three months, and you can thaw as needed for an instant treat.

Reheating

Since these treats are no-bake and best enjoyed chilled, you won’t need to reheat them. If frozen, simply let the Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving, and they’ll be perfectly soft and ready to devour.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture and peanut pieces to your Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls, making them even crunchier and adding a nutty surprise in every bite.

What if I don’t have coconut oil or shortening?

No problem—just melt the chocolate chips on their own. The coconut oil helps make the chocolate a bit shinier and easier to dip, but you’ll still get a delicious chocolate coating without it.

Can I use a different kind of chocolate for coating?

Definitely! While semisweet is classic, try milk chocolate for a sweeter bite, white chocolate for a stunning contrast, or even dark chocolate for a more grown-up, bittersweet treat. Switch it up to match your mood or the season.

How do I prevent the balls from falling apart when dipping?

If your mixture is too soft, chill the balls for longer after shaping—30 minutes in the fridge really helps. Using a fork or toothpick when dipping also keeps each ball intact and less messy to manage.

Are Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls gluten free?

Most brands of Rice Krispies cereal contain malt flavoring, which has gluten. If you need to make this recipe gluten-free, look for a certified gluten-free puffed rice cereal alternative and double-check your other ingredients just to be safe.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wow friends, family, or your own sweet tooth, these Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls should be at the top of your treat-to-make list. They’re fast, foolproof, and absolutely delightful with every bite—so don’t wait to give them a try!

Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

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4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes (includes chilling)
Yield: 24 balls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls are a delightful no-bake treat that combines creamy peanut butter, crispy cereal, and rich chocolate. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Peanut Butter Balls:

1 cup creamy peanut butter
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ cups powdered sugar
2 cups Rice Krispies cereal

For the Chocolate Coating:

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smoother melting)

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Instructions

In a large bowl, mix the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and stir until fully combined.
Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal.
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll into balls.
Chill the balls in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil in the microwave.
Dip each ball into the melted chocolate.
Refrigerate the coated balls until the chocolate is set.