Gooey Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

Quick & Gooey Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

Chocolate-drizzled peanut butter balls with Rice Krispies dance between decadent dessert and irresistible snack.

Sweet marshmallow magic binds these delightful treats together with creamy richness.

Each bite promises a perfect blend of crunchy cereal and smooth peanut butter.

Rolled into bite-sized spheres, these treats are guaranteed crowd-pleasers at any gathering.

Kids and adults alike will fall in love with their playful texture and rich flavor.

The simple recipe requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Prepare to indulge in a nostalgic treat that brings pure joy to every single bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 141 kcal

Servings: 25

Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls: Ingredients You’ll Love

For Base Mixture:
  • Peanut Butter: Provides creamy richness and nutty flavor, choose natural or traditional style for best texture.
  • Butter: Adds smoothness and helps bind ingredients, use softened unsalted butter for consistent results.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall sweetness and depth, opt for pure vanilla for authentic taste.
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates structure and sweetness, sift to prevent lumps for smooth consistency.
For Crunch Element:
  • Rice Krispies Cereal: Delivers signature crispy texture, select fresh and crisp cereal for maximum crunch.
For Coating:
  • Chocolate Chips: Creates delectable chocolate shell, use semi-sweet or dark chocolate for balanced sweetness.
  • Coconut Oil (Optional): Helps thin chocolate for smoother coating, ensures glossy chocolate finish.

Necessary Equipment for Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining peanut butter, butter, and sugar mixture.
  • Baking sheet: Perfect for rolling and chilling the balls.
  • Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
  • Microwave-safe bowl: Needed for melting chocolate smoothly.
  • Fork or toothpick: Great for dipping balls into chocolate coating.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Make Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls

  • Create Creamy Base

Blend peanut butter with softened butter and vanilla until silky smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar to form a thick, moldable dough.

  • Fold in Crunch

Gently incorporate Rice Krispies into the mixture, keeping the cereal crisp and intact.

  • Shape Delightful Treats

Roll the mixture into bite-sized spheres and place on a parchment-lined tray. Chill in the refrigerator until firm.

  • Prepare Chocolate Coating

Melt chocolate chips with a touch of coconut oil, stirring until glossy and smooth.

  • Dunk and Drizzle

Carefully dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Return to the tray.

  • Solidify Sweet Treats

Refrigerate coated balls until chocolate sets completely.

  • Store and Enjoy

Transfer to an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for maximum freshness and crunch. These delectable bites will stay perfect for up to two weeks.

Cooking Tips for Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls

  • Refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes before shaping to ensure the balls hold their form and are easier to roll without sticking to your hands.
  • Add a touch of coconut oil to melted chocolate to create a smoother, shinier coating that won't crack when hardening and helps prevent chocolate from seizing.
  • Replace standard Rice Krispies with gluten-free rice cereal to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising taste or texture.
  • Swap some powdered sugar with protein powder for a more nutritious snack that provides extra protein and maintains the delicious sweet-and-creamy flavor profile.
  • Experiment with different chocolate types like dark, milk, or white chocolate for coating, or sprinkle chopped nuts, sea salt, or coconut flakes on top for added crunch and interesting flavor variations.

Creative Ways to Serve Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls

  • Sweet Party Platter: Arrange the Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls on a decorative tray with colorful toothpicks for easy grabbing during gatherings or game nights.
  • Dessert Companion: Serve alongside cold milk, hot chocolate, or coffee to complement the rich, sweet flavors of the balls.
  • Gifting Delight: Package the balls in cute mason jars or clear gift boxes with ribbon, creating a homemade treat perfect for holidays, birthdays, or personal gifts.
  • Snack Time Special: Create a fun dessert board with these balls, adding fresh fruits, chocolate drizzle, or sprinkles for extra visual appeal and taste variety.

Storing & Planning for Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls

  • Store Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls in an airtight container with layers separated by wax paper to prevent sticking and maintain shape.
  • Keep these treats chilled for maximum freshness, extending their delightful taste and texture up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
  • When serving at gatherings, let balls sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly, enhancing their creamy peanut butter flavor.
  • Prepare these delectable bites up to 3 days before your event, allowing flavors to meld and saving precious preparation time on the day of serving.

FAQs

  • Are Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls easy to make?

These balls are super simple to prepare, requiring no baking and just a few basic ingredients like peanut butter, powdered sugar, Rice Krispies, and chocolate for coating.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make these balls?

You’ll only need basic kitchen tools like a large mixing bowl, baking sheet, parchment paper, and a fork or toothpick for dipping in chocolate.

  • Can I use different types of chocolate for coating?

Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate based on your preference. Just ensure the chocolate melts smoothly.

  • How do I prevent the mixture from being too sticky when rolling balls?

Make sure to chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before rolling. This helps firm up the peanut butter mixture and makes it easier to shape into balls.

Print
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Gooey Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

Gooey Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls Recipe


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4.7 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 25 1x

Description

Heavenly Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls combine crispy cereal with creamy peanut butter for an irresistible treat. Chocolate-drizzled morsels deliver sweet satisfaction that will delight chocolate and peanut butter enthusiasts.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) creamy peanut butter
  • 2 cups (70 g) Rice Krispies cereal
  • 1 ½ cups (255 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smooth chocolate coating)
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Mixture Preparation: Blend peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract in a large bowl, whisking until smooth and homogeneous.
  2. Sugar Integration: Fold powdered sugar into the mixture, mixing thoroughly until the texture becomes dense and moldable.
  3. Cereal Incorporation: Gently fold Rice Krispies into the mixture, ensuring even distribution without crushing the cereal.
  4. Forming Spheres: Roll the mixture into compact one-inch balls, placing them on a parchment-lined tray.
  5. Initial Chilling: Refrigerate the balls for 30 minutes to stabilize their structure and enhance consistency.
  6. Chocolate Coating: Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil in the microwave, stirring between short intervals to create a smooth, liquid coating.
  7. Dipping Process: Submerge each ball completely in melted chocolate using a fork, allowing excess to drip off before returning to the parchment.
  8. Final Chilling: Refrigerate the chocolate-covered balls for 20-30 minutes until the chocolate sets completely.
  9. Storage: Transfer to an airtight container, storing in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or at room temperature for 3-4 days.

Notes

  • Prevent Crumbly Mixture: Ensure butter is at room temperature for smooth blending, and add powdered sugar gradually to achieve the right consistency without dryness.
  • Maintain Cereal Crunch: Fold Rice Krispies gently to preserve their crispy texture, avoiding over-mixing that could crush the delicate kernels.
  • Perfect Chocolate Coating: Melt chocolate in short bursts and stir frequently to prevent burning, using a fork for even, thin chocolate coverage.
  • Storage Smart: Keep balls refrigerated for firmer texture and longer shelf life, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 25
  • Calories: 141
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 56 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 3 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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