These Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls combine the best of creamy peanut butter, crispy rice cereal, and a smooth chocolate coating for a treat that’s both crunchy and creamy. With no baking required, they’re perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or a quick, satisfying dessert. The addition of crispy rice cereal adds a delightful crunch, making each bite irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake and Easy: Simple to prepare with no oven required.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors and Textures: Creamy peanut butter, crispy rice, and smooth chocolate create an ideal treat.
- Great for Gifting: These treats are perfect for holiday gifts, packed in a box or tin.
- Customizable: Add toppings like crushed peanuts or drizzle with white chocolate for extra flair.
Ingredients
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 2 cups crispy rice cereal
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Melt Butter and Add Flavor
- In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract and turn off the heat.
Step 2: Add Peanut Butter
- Add the creamy peanut butter to the saucepan and stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. If necessary, turn the heat to low to help everything blend together seamlessly.
Step 3: Combine with Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crispy rice cereal and confectioners’ sugar.
- Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the cereal and sugar, stirring until everything is fully incorporated and the cereal is evenly coated.
Step 4: Form the Balls
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray lightly with nonstick spray.
- Use a small ice cream scoop or spoon to portion the mixture onto the baking sheet. With slightly damp hands, roll each portion into a smooth ball.
Step 5: Chill
- Place the baking sheet with the peanut butter balls in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight to allow them to set and harden.
Step 6: Prepare the Chocolate Coating
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and vegetable shortening.
- Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
Step 7: Dip and Coat
- Remove the chilled peanut butter balls from the refrigerator and dip each one into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Place each chocolate-coated ball back on the lined baking sheet.
Step 8: Final Chill
- Return the baking sheet to the refrigerator for about 15 minutes, or until the chocolate has completely set.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Small saucepan for melting butter
- Mixing bowl for combining ingredients
- Microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Small ice cream scoop or spoon for portioning
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve these peanut butter balls chilled for the best texture. They’re great on a dessert platter or as a quick snack.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: These truffles freeze well for up to 2 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
Variations
- Dark Chocolate: Substitute dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Peanut Topping: Sprinkle crushed peanuts over each ball before the chocolate sets for added texture and flavor.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the top of each ball for an elegant touch.
Helpful Tips
- Smooth Chocolate Coating: Stir the chocolate and shortening frequently while melting to ensure a glossy, even finish.
- Chill Thoroughly: Chilling the peanut butter balls before dipping helps them stay firm and intact during the chocolate coating process.
- Adjust Texture: If the mixture is too soft to roll, add a bit more confectioners’ sugar to firm it up.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chunky peanut butter?
Yes, chunky peanut butter will add extra texture. Just note that it may affect the smoothness of the balls.
2. What can I use instead of vegetable shortening?
You can substitute with coconut oil, which will also help the chocolate set smoothly.
3. Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Yes! Milk chocolate will make the balls sweeter, so adjust to your taste.
4. Do I have to chill them overnight?
Overnight chilling ensures they’re fully set, but a couple of hours in the fridge should be sufficient if you’re short on time.
5. How can I make these dairy-free?
Use dairy-free chocolate chips and substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative.
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls are the perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey, making them a hit with everyone. They’re easy to make, great for gifting, and sure to become a favorite treat in your household!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls: Crunchy Chocolate-Coated Peanut Butter Bites
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls bring together creamy peanut butter, crispy rice cereal, and smooth chocolate in a delightful, bite-sized treat. With a crunchy texture inside and a rich chocolate coating, each ball delivers the perfect balance of flavors that everyone loves. These treats are easy to make and ideal for sharing, whether at holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Ingredients
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 2 cups crispy rice cereal
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Add Flavor: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract and turn off the heat.
- Add Peanut Butter: Stir in the creamy peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and well blended. If needed, turn the heat back on to medium to help everything combine smoothly.
- Combine with Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crispy rice cereal and confectioners’ sugar. Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the cereal and sugar. Stir until the mixture is fully blended and the cereal is evenly coated.
- Form the Balls: Use a small ice cream scoop or spoon to portion the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet sprayed with nonstick spray. Wet your hands slightly, then roll each portion into a smooth ball.
- Chill: Place the baking sheet with the peanut butter balls in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight to set and harden.
- Prepare the Chocolate Coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and vegetable shortening. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted.
- Dip and Coat: Dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Place the chocolate-coated balls back on the lined baking sheet.
- Final Chill: Refrigerate the tray for 15 minutes or until the chocolate has set.
Notes
- Even Coating: Stir the chocolate and shortening mixture frequently while melting to ensure a smooth, glossy finish on each ball.
- Decorative Touch: Sprinkle a few crushed peanuts on top of the chocolate coating before it hardens for added crunch and decoration.