Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies deliver everything you love about classic chocolate-peanut butter treats, with an added crispy crunch that makes each bite irresistibly fun. These no-bake goodies come together quickly and are perfect for any occasion.
Ideal for holidays, party platters, or sneaky midnight snacks, their texture and flavor balance is absolutely spot on. The sweet creaminess, nutty richness, and snap of crisp cereal make them a crowd favorite.
What You’ll Need to Make Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies
- Creamy peanut butter – Brings smooth richness and a nutty foundation that holds everything together.
- Butter – Softened for easy mixing, it adds moisture and enhances flavor.
- Powdered sugar – Provides sweetness while firming the mixture so it can hold its shape.
- Rice Krispies cereal – Slightly crushed for the perfect crisp texture in every bite.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Melted to create a silky, rich coating that balances the sweetness inside.
- Vegetable shortening – Helps thin the chocolate for a smoother dip and glossy finish.
Quick & Fun Steps to Candy Bliss
Start by mixing the peanut butter, softened butter, and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and thick. Stir in the lightly crushed Rice Krispies to give that unmistakable crunch.
Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls and chill them to firm up. While they set, melt the chocolate chips with shortening until smooth and luscious.
Dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, place them back on the sheet, and chill again until the coating sets. That’s it—sweet, simple, and totally satisfying.
Sweet Secrets & Tasty Twists
For an extra festive twist, sprinkle crushed pretzels, flaky sea salt, or colored sprinkles over the chocolate before it sets. Want to experiment? Try swapping in almond butter or cookie butter for a flavor variation.
If you’re craving a deeper flavor, a touch of vanilla extract or a dash of cinnamon mixed into the peanut butter base goes a long way. For a crunchier finish, don’t over-crush the Rice Krispies—keep some whole for variety in texture.
Keeping Them Fresh: How to Store These Treats
These bites stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in layers separated by parchment paper.
To enjoy from frozen, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before biting in. They’re just as delicious cold, especially on warmer days when you want a chilled treat.
Ready to enjoy every chocolatey, crispy, peanut-buttery bite? Check out the full recipe card below to make your own batch of Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies.
Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup softened butter
- 2 cups slightly crushed Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Prepare a baking tray by covering it with parchment or wax paper.
- In a large bowl, blend the peanut butter, softened butter, and powdered sugar until smooth and cohesive. Fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, mixing thoroughly until the mixture is evenly combined.
- Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized spheres and arrange them on the lined baking tray. Refrigerate the formed balls for no less than 30 minutes to allow them to firm up.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and vegetable shortening. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir. Continue microwaving in 20-second bursts, stirring thoroughly after each interval until the chocolate is completely melted and velvety.
- Dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate to coat, then return them to the tray. Refrigerate again until the chocolate shell sets firmly.
