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Peanut Butter Balls
Peanut butter balls combine creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate for an easy, no-bake treat. They’re perfect for holidays, parties, or a quick sweet snack!
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These peanut butter balls are rich, chocolatey, and packed with creamy peanut butter. They only need a few ingredients and come together fast. A smooth peanut butter filling gets dipped in melted chocolate for a sweet, no-bake treat. Perfect for holidays, parties, or an anytime snack!
Making these is easy with the step-by-step guide below. We include photos, expert tips, and tricks to help you get perfect results. Plus, find answers to the most frequently asked questions!
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These peanut butter balls are simple to make and taste like homemade Reese’s cups. The creamy peanut butter center gets coated in smooth chocolate for a perfect bite-sized treat.
Great for Christmas, parties, or gifting, these no-bake treats disappear fast. Keep a batch in the fridge for an easy, sweet snack!
Ingredients
What you'll need to make this recipe for peanut butter balls:
- 1½ cups of Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup of smooth peanut butter
- ⅓ cup of unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1⅔ cups of powdered sugar
- 1 (12-ounce) bag of chocolate chips
Substitutions and Additions
Make your peanut butter dessert even better by swapping ingredients and adding some tasty mix-ins! These easy tweaks let you customize every bite. Try these top substitutions and additions:
- Substitute peanut butter: Use almond butter or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor.
- Add crushed pretzels: Mix in crushed pretzels for a salty crunch that pairs perfectly with the chocolate coating.
- Substitute semi-sweet chocolate: Swap with dark chocolate or white chocolate for a richer or sweeter coating.
- Add sprinkles: Roll the chocolate-dipped balls in sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Substitute powdered sugar: Use Graham cracker crumbs instead of powdered sugar for a slightly crunchier texture and a hint of honey flavor.
- Add mini chocolate chips: Mix mini chocolate chips into the peanut butter filling for an extra chocolatey bite.
How to Make Peanut Butter Balls
Follow along with our step-by-step pictures, instructions, and expert tips below. We’ll show you the easiest way to coat them in chocolate and get perfect results every time. Let’s get started!
Pro Tip
This recipe is super easy to double, freezes really well, and makes excellent gifts to share.
FIRST STEP: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
SECOND STEP: Place the cereal in a baggie and use a rolling pin to crush it.
THIRD STEP: In a medium bowl, add peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar.
FOURTH STEP: Add the crushed cereal on top of ingredients.
FIFTH STEP: Mix ingredients until completely combined. The peanut butter mixture should form a dough-like ball.
SIXTH STEP: Roll into small balls. Place in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
Pro Tip
If you are rolling the balls with your hands and are finding that it is sticky work, cover your hands with a light dusting of powdered sugar to prevent the peanut butter from sticking to you.
SEVENTH STEP: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips in the microwave ⅔ cup at a time.
Start with a 45-second interval and then stir. If the chocolate needs more, heat in 15-second intervals until smooth. Add a splash of corn oil to melted chocolate, if needed, to thin it out.
EIGHTH STEP: Roll the balls in the melted chocolate coating and place each dipped ball on the parchment paper.
Pro Tip
The chocolate has to be quite hot and the peanut butter balls really cold for the chocolate to stick properly. If you find it is taking too much time, you may want to keep the peanut butter balls in the fridge and only take a few out at a time to work with.
NINTH STEP: Add sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet, optional.
TENTH STEP: They are ready to eat when the chocolate is set. You can pop them in the fridge to help speed up this process if you’d like.
How To Serve Peanut Butter Balls
Peanut butter balls are perfect for any occasion, or for everyday sweet cravings. Serve them as a treat everyone will love! Here are the best ways to enjoy this easy, no-bake dessert:
- Holiday Treats: These treats belong on every Christmas cookie tray. They pair well with homemade fudge or frozen peanut butter hot chocolate.
- Party Dessert: Set out a platter at birthday parties or game nights for a sweet bite-sized snack. Serve them with chocolate chip shortbread cookies or caramel cheesecake bites.
- Anytime Sweet Fix: Keep a batch in the fridge for an easy grab-and-go treat. Enjoy them with a coffee smoothie or an Oreo milkshake!
Why You'll Love This Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
Peanut butter balls are a classic treat that our readers can’t get enough of. They’re easy to make, perfectly sweet, and always a hit. Whether you need a holiday dessert or a quick snack, this recipe delivers every time. Here’s why this no-bake treat is a favorite:
- Quick and Easy: No oven needed, and you only need a few simple ingredients to whip up a batch.
- Chocolate and Peanut Butter Combo: The best sweet and salty match, and it never disappoints.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for Christmas, potlucks, parties, or just keeping in the fridge for a snack.
- Fun to Make: Rolling and dipping these little treats makes for a great hands-on kitchen project.
- Kid-Approved: Little ones love the creamy peanut butter center and rich chocolate coating.
This peanut butter ball recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again!
Recipe FAQ
Why are my peanut butter balls too soft?
The peanut butter mixture likely needs more powdered sugar. Chill the mixture before rolling to help them hold their shape.
How do I make my peanut butter balls smooth and round?
Roll them between your palms and refrigerate before dipping. Chilling prevents them from flattening.
Why is my chocolate coating too thick?
If your chocolate coating is too thick, add a teaspoon of vegetable oil or shortening. This helps thin the chocolate for easier dipping.
How do I keep peanut butter balls from sticking to my hands?
If the peanut butter mixture sticks to your hands, lightly coat your palms with powdered sugar or a little butter before rolling.
Why is my chocolate not sticking to the peanut butter balls?
If the chocolate isn’t sticking, they may be too cold. Let them sit for a minute before dipping.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy. It adds a little texture but still works well for rolling and dipping.
Serving FAQ
Should I serve peanut butter balls cold or at room temperature?
They taste great both ways! Serve them chilled for a firmer bite or let them sit out for a softer texture.
What’s the best way to serve peanut butter truffles at a party?
Place them on a platter lined with parchment paper. Arrange them in a single layer so guests can easily grab one.
How many should I serve per person?
Plan for at least two or three per person. These bite-sized treats disappear fast, especially at parties and gatherings!
Can I decorate peanut butter balls for different occasions?
Yes! Add festive sprinkles, chocolate drizzles, or crushed peanuts to match holiday themes, birthdays, or other special celebrations.
What’s the best way to serve peanut butter balls on a dessert table?
Use a tiered dessert stand or small cupcake liners to make them look extra special and easy to grab.
Can I serve peanut butter balls as a gift?
Yes! Arrange them in a decorative tin or box with parchment paper between layers for a homemade gift everyone will love.
Storage FAQ
Follow these directions, tips, and tricks for the best way to store peanut butter balls. Keep them fresh by storing them properly so they stay smooth and delicious. Here’s everything you need to know about making them ahead, freezing, and reheating.
Can I make peanut butter balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
What’s the best way to store peanut butter balls?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. This helps them stay firm and keeps the chocolate from melting.
Can I freeze peanut butter balls?
Yes, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Then transfer them to an airtight container for up to three months.
How do I thaw frozen peanut butter balls?
Thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving. This keeps the chocolate coating from getting sticky.
Should I store peanut butter balls in the fridge or at room temperature?
Store peanut butter balls in the fridge for the best texture. If left at room temperature too long, they may soften.
Can I refreeze peanut butter balls after thawing?
No, refreezing can change the texture and make them grainy. For the best results, only freeze and thaw them once.
Peanut Butter Balls
Peanut butter balls combine creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate for an easy, no-bake treat. They’re perfect for holidays, parties, or a quick sweet snack!
Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!
Ingredients
- 1½ cups crispy rice cereal
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1⅔ cups powdered sugar
- 12 ounces chocolate chips
DIRECTIONS
- Place cereal in a baggie and use a rolling pin to crush it.
- In a medium bowl, add peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar.
- Add the crushed cereal to the top of ingredients.
- Mix ingredients until completely combined. It should form a dough-like ball.
- Roll into small balls. Place in fridge for at least 2 hours.
- Melt chocolate chips in the microwave ⅔ cup at a time. Add a splash of corn oil to melted chocolate, if needed, to thin it out.
- Roll balls in melted chocolate and place on parchment paper.
- Add sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet, optional.
- They are ready to eat when chocolate is set. You can pop them in the fridge to help speed up this process if you'd like.
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Notes
- This recipe is super easy to double, freezes really well, and makes excellent gifts to share.
- If you are rolling the balls with your hands and are finding that it is sticky work, cover your hands with a light dusting of powdered sugar to prevent the peanut butter from sticking to you.
- The chocolate has to be quite hot and the peanut butter balls really cold for the chocolate to stick properly. If you find it is taking too much time, you may want to keep the peanut butter balls in the fridge and only take a few out at a time to work with.
Nutrition
Serving: 30g | Calories: 156kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 45mg | Potassium: 50mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 88IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 0.3mg
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Comments
Karen Y. says
I squished together peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, and crispy rice, rolled ‘em into balls, dipped them in chocolate, and they were gone fast.