If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably never thought of Rice Krispies as more than just a quick breakfast cereal or a classic crispy treat base. But this Rich & Chewy Rice Krispies Peanut Butter Balls Recipe totally flips that script in the best way possible. These little bites are everything I love about peanut butter and crispy rice cereal combined into one perfectly chewy, rich, melt-in-your-mouth snack. They’re incredibly simple to make and completely addictive.

What makes this Rich & Chewy Rice Krispies Peanut Butter Balls Recipe truly stand out is the balance between the creamy peanut butter, the sweet powdered sugar, and that satisfying crunch of lightly crushed Rice Krispies—all coated in silky dark chocolate. Whether you need a crowd-pleaser for a party, a quick homemade gift, or just a little afternoon pick-me-up, these peanut butter balls fit the bill spectacularly every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are kitchen staples for many, but together they create this irresistible magic. I always recommend picking the best-quality peanut butter and chocolate you can find because it really lifts this recipe to the next level.

Creamy peanut butter: I use Peter Pan brand because it’s smooth and perfect for binding the mixture without being too oily.
Unsalted butter: Melted and cooled — this adds richness and helps hold everything together nicely.
Powdered sugar: It sweetens and thickens the base without the grainy texture granulated sugar would add.
Rice Krispies cereal: Lightly crushed so you get those crunchy bites without any giant chunks that make rolling tricky.
Dark chocolate melting discs: These melt evenly and coat beautifully. Dark chocolate adds a rich contrast to the sweet and salty flavors inside.

Variations

I love making small tweaks when I want to keep things exciting, and these peanut butter balls are a playground for creativity. Don’t hesitate to personalize this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Add chopped nuts: I once tossed in some finely chopped roasted peanuts for extra texture—and trust me, it adds a delightful crunch.
Swap peanut butter: Use almond or cashew butter for a different nutty twist if peanut allergies are a concern or you just want a flavor change.
Chocolate varieties: Sometimes I swap dark chocolate for milk or semi-sweet chocolate, depending on my mood or audience preferences.
Gluten-free version: Simply make sure your Rice Krispies are gluten-free (some brands are), making this recipe safe for gluten-sensitive friends.

How to Make Rich & Chewy Rice Krispies Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

Step 1: Mix the peanut butter and butter

Start by combining 1½ cups of creamy peanut butter with 5 tablespoons of melted, cooled unsalted butter in a large bowl. Make sure the butter isn’t hot or it’ll melt your powdered sugar later and make things messy. Stir until smooth and completely blended—this mix is your base, so get it silky and even.

Step 2: Add powdered sugar and mix in Rice Krispies

Next, sift in 1½ cups of powdered sugar to avoid any lumps. Stir to fully incorporate it into the peanut butter mixture. Then, gently fold in 2½ cups of Rice Krispies that you’ve lightly crushed. Don’t pulverize them—just break up any large clusters so every bite keeps that crisp snap. You want a uniform mixture that holds together well but still feels light.

Step 3: Shape into balls and chill

Grab small spoonfuls of the mixture and roll them into uniform balls about 1-inch in diameter. If your hands get sticky, wet them slightly with cold water to make rolling easier. Place the balls on a lined baking sheet and pop them into the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This step is crucial—chilling helps them hold their shape when you dip them in chocolate.

Step 4: Melt chocolate and dip balls

Melt 20 ounces of dark chocolate melting discs gently in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second bursts, stirring between each until smooth. Once your chocolate is silky and smooth, use a fork or dipping tool to dunk each peanut butter ball completely in the chocolate. Let excess chocolate drip off before placing them back on the lined sheet.

Step 5: Set and enjoy

Allow the chocolate coating to fully set by chilling the dipped balls again for about 15-20 minutes. Once firm, they’re ready to enjoy! The first time I made these, I couldn’t keep my hands out of the container—they’re honestly that good.

How to Serve Rich & Chewy Rice Krispies Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

A white bowl is filled with many smooth, round chocolate balls drizzled with thin lines of darker chocolate on top, stacked closely together. To the top right, there is a white bowl with creamy, light brown peanut butter, swirled in a circular pattern, and a spoon holding a scoop of peanut butter rests just above it. At the top left, another clear bowl shows crispy, light beige puffed rice. Some chocolate balls and scattered puffed rice pieces are spread around the bowls on a white marbled surface. A white plate with two chocolate balls sits near a black and white zigzag patterned cloth at the bottom left. The scene is bright and clean with a soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple since the chocolate coating is so rich, but sometimes I add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dusting of cocoa powder for a touch of elegance and unexpected pop of flavor. A few crushed peanuts on top before the chocolate sets also work beautifully.

Side Dishes

These peanut butter balls make a perfect pairing with a cold glass of milk or a steaming cup of coffee or tea. For parties, I like to serve them alongside fresh fruit or slightly salted nuts to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I arranged these Rich & Chewy Rice Krispies Peanut Butter Balls Recipe on a tiered dessert stand with colorful cupcake liners for a festive gathering. Wrapping each ball in parchment squares and tying with a small ribbon also makes them adorable little gifts that everyone loved receiving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These balls store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. I find keeping parchment sheets between layers prevents them from sticking together, which saves a lot of hassle later.

Freezing

Freezing is a fantastic option! I’ve frozen these peanut butter balls in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferred them to freezer bags. They keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly in the fridge when you’re ready for a treat.

Reheating

Because these are best enjoyed cool, I usually don’t reheat. Instead, I let frozen balls thaw in the fridge for several hours. If you want slightly softer peanut butter inside, just leave them at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before indulging.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy in the Rich & Chewy Rice Krispies Peanut Butter Balls Recipe?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture thanks to the nut pieces, which some people love. Just be aware that it might make the mixture a bit less smooth, so mix thoroughly to ensure everything holds together well.
Is it necessary to chill the peanut butter balls before dipping them in chocolate?

Yes, chilling is an important step. It firms up the peanut butter mixture so the balls hold their shape when you dip them in melted chocolate. Skipping this can lead to messy, uneven dipping and possible melting of the balls.
What’s the best way to crush Rice Krispies for this recipe?

I recommend placing the Rice Krispies in a zip-top bag and gently pressing with a rolling pin just enough to break any large clumps without turning the cereal into dust. You want some texture for that signature crunch.
Can I substitute the dark chocolate melting discs with regular chocolate bars?

You can, but melting discs are formulated to melt smoothly and consistently without seizing. If you use regular bars, chop finely and melt slowly at low heat or in short microwave bursts, stirring often to avoid burning.
How long do these peanut butter balls last at room temperature?

Because they contain butter and peanut butter, I recommend storing them in the fridge especially in warmer climates. At room temperature, they may last for a day or two but can soften or get messy quickly.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Rich & Chewy Rice Krispies Peanut Butter Balls Recipe has become one of my go-to treats whenever I need something quick, delicious, and a little nostalgic. Sharing these with friends always sparks compliments, and I love that it’s so easy to whip up with ingredients most of us already have on hand. You’ll enjoy how rich, chewy, and satisfying each bite is—so consider this your personal invitation to try it out and impress the people you love with a homemade sweet that feels like a hug in every bite.

Rich & Chewy Rice Krispies Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

★★★★★ 4.5 from 401 reviews

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: 24 balls 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious and easy-to-make Rice Krispies Peanut Butter Balls coated in rich dark chocolate. These no-bake treats combine creamy peanut butter, crispy cereal, and sweet powdered sugar for a perfect snack or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Peanut Butter Mixture

1½ cups creamy peanut butter (Peter Pan brand)
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1½ cups powdered sugar

Cereal

2½ cups Rice Krispies cereal, lightly crushed

Chocolate Coating

20 ounces dark chocolate melting discs

Instructions

Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, melted unsalted butter, and powdered sugar. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
Add the Cereal: Gently fold the lightly crushed Rice Krispies cereal into the peanut butter mixture, ensuring all cereal pieces are evenly coated but not overly crushed.
Form the Balls: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Melt the Chocolate: While the peanut butter balls chill, melt the dark chocolate melting discs in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted.
Coat the Balls: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Return the coated balls to the parchment paper.
Set the Coating: Place the chocolate-coated peanut butter balls back in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the chocolate shell to harden.
Serve and Store: Once set, serve the Rice Krispies Peanut Butter Balls chilled. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

You can substitute creamy peanut butter with natural peanut butter for a less sweet version.
For a festive touch, sprinkle sea salt or crushed nuts on top before the chocolate sets.
If you prefer milk chocolate or white chocolate, those can be used instead of dark chocolate melting discs.
Lightly crushing the Rice Krispies helps create a better texture but avoid crushing too fine for the best crunch.
These treats are best kept refrigerated to maintain their shape and texture.

Keywords: Rice Krispies peanut butter balls, no-bake peanut butter treats, chocolate peanut butter snacks, easy peanut butter desserts