There are holiday treats that feel like tradition, and others that instantly become tradition the very first time you make them. These Rice Krispy Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls belong to the second category. They are impossibly simple—only five ingredients, no baking, no complicated steps—yet the flavor is nostalgic, comforting, and irresistibly festive. Kids adore them, adults devour them, and every dessert table suddenly becomes more cheerful with a tray of these glossy chocolate-coated bites.
This recipe is the perfect option when you want something quick, reliable, and universally loved. Whether you’re preparing snacks for a classroom party, building treat plates for neighbors, or filling the dessert table for your family gathering, these peanut butter balls are the kind of treat that disappear faster than you can place them on the plate. In fact, as you can tell from the photo, the only thing more satisfying than dipping them in chocolate is biting into one—crisp from the coating, soft and creamy inside, with just the right hint of crunchy cereal.
What makes this recipe especially wonderful is how approachable it is for all ages. If you have children who love helping in the kitchen, this is one of the easiest and safest recipes for them to master. No stovetop needed (unless you melt chocolate there instead of the microwave), no cutting or mixing equipment beyond a bowl and a spoon, and plenty of hands-on shaping that kids find fun and interactive. And because the recipe uses pantry staples, you may find that you already have everything you need.
Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, variations, storage tips, and helpful troubleshooting notes to ensure your peanut butter balls turn out perfectly smooth, firm, and delicious every time.
⭐ Ingredients You Will Need
This recipe uses just five simple ingredients, all of which can be found in any grocery store.
1. Creamy Peanut Butter – 1 cup
The base of the filling. Creamy peanut butter gives the balls their dense, truffle-like texture. Avoid using natural peanut butter that separates, as it can make the mixture too oily or crumbly.
2. Salted Butter – 4 tablespoons (softened)
The butter combines with the peanut butter to create a smooth, cohesive dough. Salted butter balances the sweetness and enhances flavor—if using unsalted, add a small pinch of salt.
3. Powdered Sugar – 2 cups
This binds the filling and gives the balls structure. Powdered sugar dissolves easily, preventing graininess and helping the balls stay firm.
4. Rice Krispies Cereal – 1 ½ cups
This adds a light, crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy peanut butter. You can use name-brand or off-brand cereal.
5. Chocolate for Dipping – 2 cups
Choose chocolate melting wafers, chocolate chips, or baking chocolate. Dark, milk, or semi-sweet all work well depending on your preference.
Optional but encouraged:
-
1 teaspoon coconut oil to smooth melted chocolate
-
Sprinkles or crushed peanuts for decorating
🧡 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Mixing Bowl
Start with a large mixing bowl. Because the mixture gets thick, a wide bowl is easier to work with. Make sure your butter is softened—not melted—to ensure the filling comes together smoothly.
Step 2: Mix the Peanut Butter and Butter
Combine the peanut butter and softened butter in the bowl. Use a wooden spoon or hand mixer to blend until completely smooth. You’re looking for a creamy, uniform texture with no streaks of butter.
