Peanut butter lovers: I’ve got the perfect recipe for you. My homemade peanut butter balls with Rice Krispies are creamy, crunchy, and nutty in the best way possible! Perfect for after-school snacking.
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Homemade treats are kind of my thing — I love knowing exactly what I’m feeding my family, and they’re usually so much better than anything store-bought.
I look forward to bake sales, cookie swaps, and sleepovers at my house because it’s just another excuse for me to get in the kitchen. My kids (and their friends!) love it too, because they know that we’ve got the best possible snacks and desserts on hand at all times.
I also love using peanut butter in baking. Luckily, we don’t have any allergies in my house, so I have full reign to add it to a lot of different recipes. Which brings me to this recipe!
Peanut butter balls with Rice Krispies are so easy to put together and the results are so impressive. Also called buckeye balls, they’re chocolate covered treats, so chocolate lovers are bound to enjoy them too!
How to Make Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Place the peanut butter, butter, and vanilla extract in the bowl of a stand mixer and beat on medium speed until combined. Then, add the powdered sugar and mix. Slowly add in the Rice Krispies and mix until just incorporated.
STEP TWO: Scoop out 1 tablespoon-sized portions of the batter and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes so they set.
STEP THREE: Roll the peanut butter balls on the counter so they become smooth, then place them in the freezer to chill for another 20 minutes.
STEP FOUR: While you wait, melt the chocolate candy coating. When the peanut butter balls have firmed up, dip each one into the chocolate.
STEP FIVE: Return the coated rice crispy peanut butter balls to the baking sheet and put them back in the fridge for about 10 minutes. Enjoy when the chocolate is completely set!
Tips for the Best Rice Crispy Peanut Butter Balls
- Follow the instructions carefully. Each ingredient in this peanut butter balls recipe with Rice Krispies adds something special to the final results. Make sure to use everything as instructed!
- Use regular milk chocolate for the coating if you have it on hand. You’ll just have to temper it rather than melt it.
- Don’t skip the chilling steps. This is a no bake dessert, but you will have to chill the ingredients several times over the course of making it. If you don’t, the chocolate peanut butter balls won’t set correctly and you’ll end up with a mess.
- Store in the fridge in an airtight container. Peanut butter balls with Rice Krispies will keep for up to 5 days, and you can feel free to enjoy them cold or at room temperature!
Variations for This Peanut Butter Balls Recipe With Rice Krispies
- Add marshmallow fluff to the peanut butter center for an even more decadent treat.
- Decorate with colored sprinkles for a festive dessert for any occasion!
- Use crunchy peanut butter to add more texture to the peanut butter balls with Rice Krispies filling.
- If you have leftover chocolate coating, place it in a Ziploc bag and cut off the tip of one corner to drizzle it over the rice crispy peanut butter balls.
More Peanut Butter Recipes
- Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
- Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
- Peanut Butter Mousse
- Peanut Butter Icing
- No Bake Peanut Butter Fudge
- 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls
- 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls
- Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
- Peanut Butter Balls With Graham Crackers
Why Are My Peanut Butter Balls Not Sticking Together?
If you follow my instructions carefully, you shouldn’t run into this problem. If you find that the filling still isn’t sticking together, add a bit more peanut butter — 1 tablespoon at a time — until you get the consistency you’re after.
Why Are My Peanut Butter Balls Mushy?
Your peanut butter balls with Rice Krispies may go mushy if the butter you used in the first step is too soft.
If you find that the mixture won’t firm up, simply leave it to chill in the fridge or freezer for 20-30 more minutes than instructed.
Do You Need to Refrigerate Peanut Butter Balls?
Yes. Store your rice crispy peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for the best results.
If you leave them out at room temperature they may become too soft or worse — melt!
Other Dessert Recipes You’ll Love:
- Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
- Oreo Mousse
- Condensed Milk Brownies
- 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Cookies Without Brown Sugar
- Brownie Crinkle Cookies
- Chocolate Covered Pecans
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Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 tablespoons butter softened
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups rice krispies
- 8 ounces chocolate candy coating
Instructions
- Add the peanut butter, butter, and vanilla extract to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until combined.
- Next add the powdered sugar and mix to combine – scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the rice krispies. Mix just until they are incorporated.
- Scoop out 1 tablespoon size portions and place them on a parchment or silpat lined baking sheet. Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes.
- When the peanut butter balls have set slightly, roll them into smooth balls. Then place them in the freezer to chill for 20 minutes, or until very cold and stiff.
- Melt the chocolate candy coating according to the package directions. Working one at a time, dip a peanut butter ball into the chocolate. Remove the ball with a fork, allowing excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. Then place the chocolate coated peanut butter ball back onto the parchment paper. Repeat until all of the peanut butter balls have been coated with chocolate.
- (Optional) Place any leftover chocolate into a small ziploc bag and cut off the tip of one corner. Drizzle the chocolate over the peanut butter balls.
- Place the peanut butter balls into the fridge to chill until the chocolate is set– about 10 minutes.
