Introduction

Peanut Butter Balls are a delicious no-bake treat combining creamy peanut butter, crunchy rice krispies, and a rich chocolate coating. Perfect for snacking or sharing at parties, these bite-sized snacks come together quickly and require minimal ingredients.

A close-up view of several round chocolate-covered peanut butter balls stacked inside a white bowl placed on a white marbled surface; the outer layer is smooth and glossy dark brown chocolate, while one ball is cut in half and positioned on top showing three layers: a thin outer dark chocolate shell, a thick middle layer of crumbled light golden peanut butter mixture with small textured bits inside, and a similar colored smooth peanut butter core. The background is softly blurred with light neutral tones. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup creamy no-stir peanut butter
3 tablespoons salted butter, melted
1 cup powdered sugar
2 ½ cups rice krispies cereal
12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips or chocolate melting wafers

Instructions

Step 1: Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to combine the peanut butter and melted butter until smooth.
Step 2: Add the rice krispies cereal and mix until evenly combined.
Step 3: Stir in the powdered sugar and mix until fully incorporated.
Step 4: When the mixture becomes too stiff to mix, use a rubber spatula to finish combining it.
Step 5: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 6: Use a cookie scoop to portion out the mixture onto the baking sheet.
Step 7: Roll the scooped mixture into balls with your hands, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 8: Melt the chocolate chips or wafers in the microwave until smooth, stirring every 20 seconds to prevent burning.
Step 9: Dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated, then place back onto the parchment-lined sheet.
Step 10: Chill the chocolate-coated balls until the coating is firm, about 15–20 minutes.
Step 11: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days or freeze for longer storage.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, add chopped peanuts or substitute half the rice krispies with crushed pretzels.
Try using natural peanut butter, but ensure it’s well stirred to keep the right texture.
Swap semi-sweet chocolate for white or dark chocolate for different flavor profiles.
Use mini chocolate chips melted in double boiler if you prefer a gentler melting method.

Storage

Store peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them frozen in a sealed container for several weeks. To serve after freezing, thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours. Reheating is not necessary as these are best enjoyed chilled.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with round chocolate-covered peanut butter balls, each with a smooth and slightly shiny dark brown outer chocolate layer. On top of the pile, one ball is cut in half showing the inside, which reveals a dense, crumbly peanut butter filling with a light tan color and textured appearance. The balls are stacked closely, creating a mound with the cut pieces centered. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you want added texture, but it may make rolling the balls a bit more challenging.

What if I don’t have rice krispies cereal?

You can substitute with another crispy cereal like corn flakes or crushed pretzels for a similar crunch and flavor.