Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies Recipe

Introduction

These Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies are a simple and delicious no-bake treat perfect for any occasion. Combining creamy peanut butter with crispy cereal and a chocolate coating, they satisfy every sweet craving. For another easy recipe using pantry staples, try this Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe. Ready in minutes and loved by all ages!

Ingredients

These irresistible peanut butter balls with Rice Krispies combine creamy peanut butter, crispy cereal, and rich chocolate for a perfect sweet and crunchy treat.

• 1 cup crunchy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup margarine or butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies® cereal
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	0 minutes
Total Time	15 minutes

Context: These Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies are ready in about 20% less time than similar recipes since they require no baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients

Measure out 1 cup creamy peanut butter, ½ cup honey, 1 cup Rice Krispies cereal, and 1 cup powdered sugar. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and prevents the mixture from setting before you’re finished.

Step 2 — Combine Wet Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the peanut butter and honey until they are completely blended. For easier mixing, you can gently warm the peanut butter for 10-15 seconds in the microwave if it’s very thick.

Step 3 — Add Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the powdered sugar to the peanut butter mixture, stirring until no white streaks remain. Then, gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cereal crisp.

Step 4 — Chill the Mixture

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for 20-30 minutes. Chilling firms the dough, making it much easier to roll into uniform balls without sticking to your hands.

Step 5 — Roll into Balls

Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion the chilled mixture. Roll each portion between your palms to form 1-inch balls. If the mixture becomes too soft, return it to the refrigerator for 10 minutes.

Step 6 — Optional Coating

For an extra treat, you can roll the formed Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies in additional toppings like melted chocolate, crushed graham crackers, or extra cereal. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 7 — Set and Store

Arrange all balls on the prepared sheet and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm. This final chill ensures they hold their shape and have the perfect texture.

Step 8 — Enjoy or Package

Once set, your Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies are ready to eat! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze for longer storage.

Nutritional Information

Calories	180
Protein	5g
Carbohydrates	18g
Fat	11g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	95mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Protein powder peanut butter balls — Mix in vanilla or chocolate protein powder for a muscle-building boost while maintaining great flavor
• Lower-carb peanut butter balls — Replace Rice Krispies with crushed nuts or seeds and use sugar-free sweeteners for a keto-friendly version
• Dairy-free peanut butter balls — Use coconut oil instead of butter and dairy-free chocolate chips for a creamy vegan alternative
• Gluten-free peanut butter balls — Substitute Rice Krispies with certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal or puffed quinoa
• Low-sodium peanut butter balls — Choose unsalted peanut butter and reduce added salt for heart-healthy treats
• Natural sweetener peanut butter balls — Swap refined sugars with honey, maple syrup, or dates for a less processed option
• Seed butter peanut butter balls — Use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version with similar texture and taste

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a cold glass of milk or hot chocolate for a classic comfort treat
• Serve alongside fresh fruit like apple slices or banana rounds for balance
• Arrange on a holiday dessert platter with other cookies and confections
• Package in decorative tins or cellophane bags for edible gifts
• Create a dessert board with various dips like chocolate sauce and caramel
• Serve as an after-school snack with yogurt or cheese sticks

These Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies are versatile enough for casual snacking yet special enough for parties. For elegant presentation, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using natural peanut butter, which can be too oily and prevent proper setting. Fix: Opt for conventional, no-stir peanut butter for a stable, creamy base.
• Mistake: Adding Rice Krispies to the hot mixture, making them soggy and losing their signature crunch. Fix: Let the peanut butter and sweetener mixture cool slightly before folding in the cereal.
• Mistake: Over-measuring powdered sugar, resulting in an overly sweet and dry texture. Fix: Measure precisely and consider tasting the mixture before forming balls.
• Mistake: Skipping the chilling step before dipping, causing the balls to fall apart in the melted chocolate. Fix: Always chill the formed balls until firm, which ensures a clean, smooth chocolate coating.
• Mistake: Using chocolate chips without tempering or adding oil, leading to a thick, clumpy coating. Fix: Use melting wafers or thin chocolate chips with a teaspoon of coconut oil for a smooth, dippable consistency.
• Mistake: Rushing the process and rolling balls that are too large, making them difficult to coat and eat. Fix: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to create uniform, bite-sized portions.
• Mistake: Storing finished Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies at room temperature, causing them to soften and lose shape. Fix: Keep them refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain their perfect texture.
• Mistake: Not mixing the ingredients thoroughly, leading to pockets of unmixed powdered sugar or cereal. Fix: Combine the peanut butter and sweetener first until smooth, then gently fold in the Rice Krispies.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store peanut butter balls with rice krispies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks at 40°F or below.
• Freezer: Place in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months; thaw in refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: If desired warm, microwave individual portions for 10-15 seconds until just softened.

Always use clean, dry containers and check that your refrigerator maintains proper food-safe temperatures for optimal freshness.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies are an easy, no-bake treat perfect for any occasion. We hope you love making them as much as we do! Give this recipe a try and leave a comment with your thoughts. For more delicious ideas, check out our Steak & Cheese Quesadillas Recipe or Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Crackers Recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more quick recipes!

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FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter for Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies?

Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but it may make the mixture oilier and softer. For best results, use a standard, no-stir peanut butter to help your Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies hold their shape better.

How do I store Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The cool temperature helps them stay firm and fresh. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Can I substitute the Rice Krispies with another cereal?

Yes, you can use other crispy rice cereals or even crushed cornflakes. The key is to use a light, crispy cereal to maintain the classic texture of Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies.