Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies Recipe
Introduction
Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies are a delightful no-bake treat combining creamy peanut butter, crunchy cereal, and a rich chocolate coating. These bite-sized snacks are perfect for parties, holidays, or satisfying a sweet craving any time.

Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 jar (16oz/454g) creamy peanut butter
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups Rice Krispie cereal
- 15 ounces Ghirardelli dark chocolate melting wafers
Instructions
- Step 1: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the butter and peanut butter. Beat until completely smooth and free of lumps.
- Step 3: Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined, then fold in the Rice Krispies cereal gently.
- Step 4: Use a small cookie scoop to portion the mixture onto the baking sheet. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or freeze for 15 minutes.
- Step 5: Remove from the refrigerator and roll each portion between your hands to form a smooth ball. Place the balls back on the tray and freeze for 10 minutes to harden before dipping.
- Step 6: Melt the chocolate wafers in a microwave-safe bowl at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Be careful not to burn the chocolate.
- Step 7: Working in small batches, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate to coat completely. Lift out with a fork and tap off excess chocolate. Place on the baking sheet to set.
- Step 8: Allow the chocolate coating to set completely. Optionally, drizzle additional melted chocolate on top for decoration once set.
Tips & Variations
- Use creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy; avoid all-natural peanut butter as it can make the mixture oily and separate.
- Keep peanut butter balls refrigerated or frozen before dipping to make coating easier and cleaner.
- Try adding a pinch of sea salt on top after dipping for a sweet-salty contrast.
Storage
Store leftover peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving, taking care to avoid condensation by not thawing them too long at room temperature.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
While you can, creamy peanut butter works best for a smooth, evenly coated texture. Crunchy peanut butter may make the mixture less smooth and harder to work with.
Do I have to use Rice Krispies cereal?
Rice Krispies add a light crunch and texture to the balls, but you can substitute with similar puffed rice cereals or crushed toasted oats if preferred.
PrintPeanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies Recipe
These Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies are a no-bake treat combining creamy peanut butter, crispy Rice Krispies, and a smooth dark chocolate coating. Perfect as a sweet snack or dessert, this recipe offers crunchy, rich, and satisfying flavor bites that are easy to prepare and loved by all ages.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling and setting time)
- Yield: Approximately 30 peanut butter balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Balls
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 jar (16oz/454g) creamy peanut butter
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups Rice Krispie cereal
Chocolate Coating
- 15 ounces Ghirardelli dark chocolate melting wafers
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the peanut butter balls from sticking during refrigeration and chocolate coating.
- Mix Peanut Butter Base: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter. Beat thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the sifted powdered sugar and pure vanilla extract until well combined. Fold in the Rice Krispie cereal gently to maintain crunchiness.
- Forming the Balls: Use a small cookie scoop to portion the mixture onto the lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or freeze for 15 minutes to firm up for easier handling.
- Shape the Balls: Remove the scooped portions from the fridge, roll them between your hands to create smooth balls. For best results, place the tray back in the freezer for 10 minutes before dipping to harden the balls.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate wafers at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval to avoid burning. Continue until smooth and fully melted.
- Coat the Peanut Butter Balls: Working in small batches (about 6 balls at a time), dip each peanut butter ball fully on a spoon into the melted chocolate. Use a fork to lift it out and tap off excess chocolate, then place it on the baking sheet to set.
- Set Chocolate Coating: Allow the chocolate to cool and harden completely at room temperature or in the fridge.
- Optional Chocolate Drizzle: After the chocolate coating is set, drizzle additional melted chocolate over the balls for decoration if desired.
Notes
- Store leftover peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 1 week for optimal freshness.
- For longer storage, freeze the peanut butter balls in a freezer-safe container and thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving. Avoid prolonged thawing to prevent condensation.
- Use creamy peanut butter brands like Jif or Skippy; avoid all-natural peanut butter as its oil content can cause mixture separation.
Keywords: Peanut Butter Balls, Rice Krispies, No-Bake Dessert, Chocolate Coated Treats, Easy Candy Recipe, Holiday Treats

