April 8, 2022
Review RecipePeanut Butter Balls
This peanut butter balls recipe has been passed down in our family for several generations. There's not a Christmas that goes by that we don't make this no-bake treat.
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Rich and buttery, these old-fashioned no-bake peanut butter balls are a tasty treat straight from grandma’s recipe box. Rice Krispie treats are crushed and mixed with smooth peanut butter and powdered sugar to create an irresistible filling before being coated in melted chocolate.
Psst, you can also make a low-carb version of this easy treat with these keto chocolate peanut butter balls. Our No Bake Peanut Butter Bars are similar chocolate peanut butter treats that you will also love.
Peanut Butter Balls Ingredients
You’ll need:
- 1½ cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1⅔ cups powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup butter at room temperature
- 1 bag of chocolate chips
SUBSTITUTIONS AND ADDITIONS
CEREAL: You could use Cornflakes or oatmeal flakes instead of Rice Krispies for this candy treat.
PEANUT BUTTER: Choose your favorite peanut butter brand for this peanut butter truffles recipe. You could also use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter. We’d recommend avoiding natural peanut butter because the natural oils sometimes make it hard to get the peanut butter to set the way you need it to.
MIX-INS: I have a friend who adds a touch of honey or cream cheese to the filling mix as well.
CHOCOLATE: I typically use melted milk chocolate for dipping these balls but you could use a different kind of chocolate such as dark chocolate, white chocolate, or semi-sweet chocolate chips as well for these easy peanut butter balls.
TOPPINGS: You can serve them plain or add sprinkles on top for a festive finish for a party dessert or DIY gift. Everyone will beg you for this great recipe because it’s the best!
How to Make This Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
PRO TIP:
This recipe is super easy to double, freezes really well, and makes excellent gifts to share.
STEP ONE: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
STEP TWO: Place the cereal in a baggie and use a rolling pin to crush it.
STEP THREE: In a medium bowl, add peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar.
STEP FOUR: Add crushed cereal on top of ingredients.
STEP FIVE: Mix ingredients until completely combined. The peanut butter mixture should form a dough-like ball.
STEP SIX: Roll into small balls. Place in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
PRO TIP:
If you are rolling the balls with your hands and are finding that it is sticky work, cover your hands with a light dusting of powdered sugar to prevent the peanut butter from sticking to you.
STEP SEVEN: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips in the microwave ⅔ cup at a time. Start with a 45-second interval and then stir. If the chocolate needs more, heat in 15-second intervals until smooth. Add a splash of corn oil to melted chocolate, if needed, to thin it out.
STEP EIGHT: Roll the balls in melted chocolate coating and place each dipped ball on the parchment paper.
PRO TIP:
The chocolate has to be quite hot and the peanut butter balls really cold for the chocolate to stick properly. If you find it is taking too much time, you may want to keep the peanut butter balls in the fridge and only take a few out at a time to work with.
STEP NINE: Add the sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet, optional.
STEP TEN: They are ready to eat when chocolate is set. You can pop them in the fridge to help speed up this process if you’d like.
How to Serve
These are the best peanut butter balls I’ve ever tasted. They are great to add to a homemade gift for friends and family. Make a batch of our gingerbread truffles and Oreo truffles for a variety of treats to share.
MORE DESSERT BALLS RECIPES
Storage
IN THE FRIDGE: Place this chocolate peanut butter treat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
IN THE FREEZER: You can freeze this delicious treat for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store them in an airtight, freezer-safe container. I would suggest putting them in the freezer on the parchment paper on a cookie sheet until they’re totally frozen. Once you’re ready to eat more, just remove and allow to thaw in the fridge until you’re ready to eat.
Looking for a simple homemade candy? This chocolate peanut butter balls recipe is it! This recipe is totally no-bake. The filling is crushed Rice Krispies with smooth peanut butter and powdered sugar. Then, they’re dipped in melted milk chocolate and chilled. I know you’ll enjoy these rich, delicious homemade peanut butter balls!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How should I store these peanut butter balls?
These peanut butter balls should be kept in a cool place and would hold up best in the fridge.
Can I freeze peanut butter balls?
This easy candy recipe can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months.
Do I have to use creamy peanut butter or can I use crunchy?
Crunchy peanut butter would work fine and give you even more crunch alongside the Rice Krispie cereal.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie
- Buckeye Brownie Cookies
- Peanut Brittle
- Buckeye Brownies
- Hot Chocolate on a Stick
- Peanut Butter Brownies
Peanut Butter Balls
This peanut butter balls recipe has been passed down in our family for several generations. There's not a Christmas that goes by that we don't make this no-bake treat.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings 30
Ingredients
- 1½ cups crispy rice cereal
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1⅔ cups powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup butter room temperature
- 1 bag chocolate chips
Instructions
- Place cereal in a baggie and use a rolling pin to crush it.
- In a medium bowl, add peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar.
- Add the crushed cereal to the top of ingredients.
- Mix ingredients until completely combined. It should form a dough-like ball.
- Roll into small balls. Place in fridge for at least 2 hours.
- Melt chocolate chips in the microwave ⅔ cup at a time. Add a splash of corn oil to melted chocolate, if needed, to thin it out.
- Roll balls in melted chocolate and place on parchment paper.
- Add the sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet, optional.
- They are ready to eat when chocolate is set. You can pop them in the fridge to help speed up this process if you'd like.
Video
Notes
TIP: This recipe is super easy to double, freezes really well, and makes excellent gifts to share.
TIP: If you are rolling the balls with your hands and are finding that it is sticky work, cover your hands with a light dusting of powdered sugar to prevent the peanut butter from sticking to you.
TIP: The chocolate has to be quite hot and the peanut butter balls really cold for the chocolate to stick properly. If you find it is taking too much time, you may want to keep the peanut butter balls in the fridge and only take a few out at a time to work with.
Nutrition
Sodium: 58mg | Calcium: 4mg | Vitamin A: 63IU | Sugar: 7g | Fiber: 1g | Potassium: 58mg | Cholesterol: 5mg | Calories: 98kcal | Trans Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Fat: 6g | Protein: 2g | Carbohydrates: 9g | Iron: 1mg
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Comments
Kim says
I made these to give to a neighbor as a thank you but… they didn’t make it over 🤣 these are so good and this newborn mama is loving having a delicious treat I can sneak with one hand as I nurse
Dar says
Can these be frozen for a cookie tray?
Layne Kangas says
We haven’t tried freezing them, only leaving them in the fridge. Enjoy!
Sara says
These are a holiday staple.