·

Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies

I love making these classic peanut butter balls because they’re an easy, no-bake treat perfect for holiday gifting, adding to cookie trays, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth. What makes them special is the crunch from Rice Krispies and a creamy peanut butter center, all wrapped in smooth chocolate. They’re also a cherished recipe in my family, passed down through generations.

What’s great is that you don’t need any complicated equipment or skills to make these – it’s just a matter of mixing, rolling, and dipping! They also freeze beautifully, allowing me to prepare a large batch in advance and have them ready whenever I need a homemade treat.

close up view of homemade candy peanut butter ball

Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls

So easy to make, these sweet treats are perfect to gift at the holidays. A vintage favorite.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Resting time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Serving Size 15 balls

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Microwave safe bowl
  • Handheld mixer ( or rubber spatula for mixing)
  • cookie sheet (lined with parchment or wax paper)
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 3 tablespoons salted butter (melted)
  • 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 12 ounces melting chocolate (look for wafers or bars in the baking aisle)

Want To Save This For Later?

I’m email you a link so you can find it when you need it.

You'll join my email list which you will love. And if you don't, unsubscribe in one click. ❤️

Instructions 

  • Combine the butter and peanut butter.  In a large mixing bowl, use a handheld mixer or a sturdy rubber spatula to blend the creamy peanut butter and melted butter until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be creamy and thoroughly combined.
    peanut butter and melted butter blended.
  • Add the cereal and powdered sugar.  Gently stir the Rice Krispies cereal until evenly coated with the peanut butter mixture. Then, mix the powdered sugar until everything is well combined and forms a firm, cohesive mixture.
    mixing bowl with rice cereal and peanut butter mix.
  • Shape and chill.  Line a cookie sheet with parchment or wax paper. Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the peanut butter mixture. Then, lightly grease your hands and roll each portion into a ball about the size of a walnut. Next, place the balls onto the lined cookie sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until firm.
    peanut butter and rice cereal mixture shaped into a ball.
  • Melt and dunk.  In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to prevent burning. Continue until the chocolate is completely smooth. Dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Place the coated balls back onto the lined baking sheet.
    small bowl with chocolate melting.
  • Chill again.  Chill the chocolate-covered peanut butter balls in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes or until the chocolate has fully set. Once the chocolate is firm, they’re ready to enjoy!
    dipped peanut. butter balls before. and after chocolate sets.

Notes

Start by making sure your peanut butter and melted butter are not too cold.  This helps you mix them easily and makes the mix stick together better.
Choose good melting chocolate or chocolate wafers because they melt smoother and look nicer.  Don’t use regular chocolate chips; they don’t melt as nicely or look as good.
Be gentle when you mix in the Rice Krispies.  You want to keep them crunchy.  If you mix too hard, you’ll crush them, and the texture will be off.
Try making a small ball after adding the Rice Krispies and powdered sugar.  If it’s too mushy and falls apart, mix in more powdered sugar until you can easily make a ball.
When forming the balls, a little bit of butter or oil on your hands stops the mix from sticking and makes it easier.
Cool the peanut butter balls well before dipping them in chocolate.  They might break apart or lose their shape in the chocolate if they’re too warm.
Leave space between each peanut butter ball on the tray when you put them in the fridge.  This stops them from sticking together and helps the chocolate set right.
For something extra, sprinkle crushed nuts, coconut, or sea salt on the chocolate before it hardens.  It adds more taste and looks nice.
If you’re adding sprinkles or white chocolate drizzle for decoration, do it while the chocolate’s still wet so it sticks.  Once the chocolate dries, decorations won’t adhere as easily.
Calories: 283kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 115mg | Potassium: 168mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 318IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 2mg

I absolutely love whipping up these peanut butter balls for anyone who enjoys simple, no-bake snacks. They’re perfect for sharing or just keeping to myself. They fit wonderfully on holiday trays and are fantastic for gifting to friends or just having around for a quick snack. They’re also easy to make ahead of time, store perfectly and are always a favorite for both kids and adults.

If you’re looking for more fun seasonal treats, check out these fall sourdough recipes for inspiration.

peanut butter balls with rice krispies on plate.

I hope it brings you as much joy as it does for me.

Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Balls

  • If the mix is too gooey or sticky to shape into balls, chill it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before trying again. This makes it firmer and easier to handle.
  • When you melt chocolate in the microwave, check and stir it every 30 seconds. Chocolate can burn or get lumpy if it gets too hot. Stirring often makes sure it melts without burning.
  • Once the chocolate is melted, dip the peanut butter balls in small groups. This keeps the chocolate nice and smooth. If the chocolate gets too thick, microwave it for 10 seconds to thin it out again.
  • Get everything ready before you start dipping – line your cookie sheet, melt your chocolate, and have your peanut butter balls set. This speeds up the process and helps the chocolate coat evenly.
  • Use a fork for dipping the peanut butter balls. It lets the extra chocolate drip off easily. Tap the fork gently on the side of the bowl to shake off more chocolate before you put the ball on the sheet.
  • If you’re in a hurry, put the chocolate-coated balls in the freezer for 5-10 minutes to harden the chocolate quickly. Just make sure not to leave them too long to avoid water droplets when they warm up.
  • If you’re looking for more fun and easy snack recipes, check out these Valentine’s Day Muddy Buddies—another simple, sweet treat perfect for sharing!

Here’s what you need and some tips for making this recipe:

ingredients on marble counter.
  • Creamy peanut butter.  Use standard creamy peanut butter such as Jif or Skippy instead of the natural types, which can be too oily. The creamy texture is key for keeping the balls together.
  • Rice Krispies cereal.  Add Rice Krispies for a slight crunch that also cuts through the richness. Be sure to use a box that hasn’t been sitting around, as stale cereal won’t be as crispy. If you’re out of Rice Krispies, try using cornflakes or crushed pretzels for a different crunch and taste.
  • Melting chocolate wafers.  For coating, melting chocolate wafers work best because they melt evenly and set up nicely. You can find them where baking supplies are sold; if not, a good-quality baking chocolate bar will do the trick.
  • Dark chocolate or milk chocolate.  You can choose between dark or milk chocolate for the outside. Dark chocolate is less sweet and more intense, while milk chocolate is sweeter.
  • Coconut oil. A teaspoon of coconut oil mixed into your melted chocolate can make it smoother and shinier, plus it helps the chocolate set correctly.
  • Parchment paper. Don’t forget to use parchment paper to line your baking sheet. It keeps the balls from sticking and makes cleaning up a lot easier.
  • Microwave-safe bowl.  When melting chocolate, use a microwave-safe bowl to prevent any mishaps. Glass bowls are best for even heating.

Having the right stuff and knowing these tips can help your baking process and make sure delicious results!

Serving Suggestions

You can serve peanut butter balls with hot chocolate, coffee or espresso, vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, or shortbread cookies.

Troubleshooting and Help

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Sure, you can! Just keep in mind that using chunky peanut butter will give the balls a different texture, with little pieces of peanuts in every bite. It’s a nice variation if you like some extra crunch.

Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?

You can swap peanut butter for almond butter or sunflower seed butter if you’re avoiding nuts altogether. The flavor will change slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!

My chocolate isn’t melting smoothly; what can I do?

It happens! Try adding a teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening to your chocolate. This will help smooth it out and make dipping easier. Also, be sure you’re microwaving in short intervals and stirring in between to avoid overheating the chocolate.

How can I make the peanut butter balls gluten-free?

Great question! Rice Krispies are often gluten-free, but double-check the box to be sure, as some brands may contain gluten. As long as you use gluten-free cereal and chocolate, the rest of the ingredients should be safe for a gluten-free treat.

How do I keep the balls from falling apart while dipping in chocolate?

Chilling the peanut butter balls for at least 30 minutes before dipping them in chocolate is key. If they’re still too soft, pop them in the freezer for a few minutes before dipping to make sure they hold together nicely.

How can I make these look a little fancier for a party?

Easy! After dipping them in chocolate, drizzle some white chocolate over the top or sprinkle on a little sea salt, crushed nuts, or sprinkles before the chocolate sets. It adds a fun and festive touch!

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! These peanut butter balls store well. You can make them a few days in advance and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge, or even freeze them for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.

Is this recipe good for making with kids?

Definitely! This simple recipe requires no baking, making it great for little hands. Kids can help roll the peanut butter mixture into balls; they’ll love dipping them in chocolate! Check out these fun Christmas baking ideas for kids for even more festive treats you can enjoy together.

Storage Instructions

You can store the peanut butter balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days, as long as your kitchen isn’t too warm. If your space tends to get hot, it’s better to keep them in the fridge to prevent the chocolate from melting and make sure they stay firm.

Keep the peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for longer storage. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks this way. You can enjoy them straight from the fridge, or if you like a softer texture, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.

If you want to freeze them, the good news is that these peanut butter balls freeze very well. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until they are solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, layering them with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking. They’ll last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve them, just let them thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying.

When handling leftovers, following proper food safety guidelines is always important. For tips on storing leftovers safely and making sure your treats stay fresh, check out these food safety basics for leftovers.

These classic Peanut Butter Balls are a simple, no-bake snack perfect for any time. They’re easy to make with just a few basic ingredients and hardly any preparation, making them perfect for holiday gifts, dessert platters, or just a quick bite. You can prepare them in advance and freeze or eat them right away. Either way, they’re bound to be popular. Try making them yourself for a homemade snack that’s as enjoyable to create as munch on!

close up view of peanut butter ball with bite missing.
picture of smiling female

By Katie Shaw

Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating