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.

Old Fashioned Peanut Butter 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)
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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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
Notes
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.

I hope it brings you as much joy as it does for me.
Key Ingredients and Tools
Here’s what you need and some tips for making this recipe:

- 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!
Troubleshooting and Help
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!


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.