Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls

close up view of homemade candy peanut butter ball

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So easy to make, these sweet treats are perfect to gift at the holidays. A vintage favorite.

Prep Time30

Resting time30

Total Time1

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, Southern

Keyword: easy candy recipes, old fashioned peanut butter balls

Servings: balls

Calories: 283kcal

Author: Katie

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)

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

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.

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