Crunchy peanut butter and crispy cereal inside a chocolate shell make these Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls a scrumptious treat that’s perfect for the holidays — and irresistible year-round.
Have a Ball with These Tiny Treats
When stores begin to showcase holiday sweets, we start craving this family-favorite Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls recipe. It’s a long-standing tradition in our home. Shortly after Thanksgiving we queue up a holiday movie, gather everyone in the kitchen, and roll a big batch of these bite-sized confections. They’re so popular we often make double or triple batches — they freeze beautifully and reheat-free snacking is a breeze.
With crunchy peanut butter and Rice Krispies wrapped in semi‑sweet chocolate, these little balls are ideal for gifting, Christmas cookie exchanges, jarred gifts, dessert trays, or leaving out for Santa. You don’t have to wait for the holidays — they’re an easy, craveable treat any time of year.
These treats are delicious at room temperature, chilled, or even straight from the freezer. Because everyone has different preferences, we keep some at room temp, some refrigerated, and some frozen so they’re always ready just the way we like them.
Storage guidelines: store at room temperature for up to one week, in the refrigerator for 3–4 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw from frozen, leave them loosely covered at room temperature until fully defrosted.
Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter?
You can substitute natural peanut butter, but keep a few points in mind:
- Texture: Natural peanut butter can be runny. Keep it chilled before measuring and stir well. A no-stir natural creamy peanut butter works best for baking if you prefer that option.
- Salt: Unsalted natural peanut butter may require you to adjust the recipe’s salt to suit your taste.
- Sweetness: Natural peanut butter is often unsweetened, which can reduce the overall sweetness. Taste and adjust powdered sugar if desired.
What Do I Need to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls?
- Crunchy peanut butter (no‑stir is ideal)
- Butter, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Rice Krispies cereal
- Semi‑sweet chocolate chips
- Canola or coconut oil
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
More Chocolate Peanut Butter Recipes You’ll Love
If you love chocolate and peanut butter, here are a few other no-bake and baked treats to try. They all showcase that classic combination in different, delicious ways.
- Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies: A peanut butter cup baked inside a peanut butter chocolate chip cookie and a rich brownie for a decadent mash-up.
- No‑Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars: Dense, chewy peanut‑buttery bars finished with a smooth chocolate layer — an easy crowd-pleaser.
- Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies: Chewy peanut butter cookies dusted with sugar and topped with a chocolate kiss — a timeless favorite.
- No‑Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie: A creamy, refrigerated pie with peanut butter, whipped topping, and an Oreo crust for a simple, indulgent dessert.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
- In a large bowl, stir together the crunchy peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and Rice Krispies until evenly combined.
- Form the mixture into 1‑inch balls by rolling between your palms. The mixture will be sticky at first; coating your hands with nonstick spray helps. Arrange the balls on a parchment‑lined baking sheet.
- In a microwave‑safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with 2 teaspoons of oil. Microwave for 60 seconds, then stir until smooth. If needed, microwave an additional 30 seconds and stir until fully melted.
- Dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate. Use a fork to roll and coat the ball, lift it out, and let excess chocolate drip back into the bowl. Return the coated ball to the parchment‑lined sheet. Repeat until all balls are coated.
- Use any remaining melted chocolate to drizzle a decorative pattern over the coated balls.
- Allow the coating to set completely before storing.
- Store finished Peanut Butter Balls in an airtight container at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or in the freezer depending on how you plan to serve them.
More of My Favorite No-Bake Recipes
From energy bites and granola bars to rich icebox pies, no-bake recipes are perfect when you want great flavor without turning on the oven. Try a few to round out your cookie and dessert trays.
More No-Bake Balls and Bites
- Oreo Cake Balls: Vanilla cake mixed with crushed Oreos, coated in white chocolate and topped with sprinkles — perfect for parties.
- No‑Bake Pumpkin Pie Balls: Transform leftover pumpkin pie into bite-sized, spiced treats.
- No‑Bake Monster Cookie Balls: All the flavor of a monster cookie in a convenient, no-bake bite.
- Muddy Buddy Bites: A tidy, crunchy peanut‑buttery snack version of a classic party mix.
If you try these Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls, snap a photo and share it on Instagram — I love seeing how everyone customizes and presents their creations. Enjoy!
xoxo,
Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
No reviews
- Author: The BakerMama
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 2
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 40
Description
Crunchy peanut butter and crispy cereal inside a chocolate shell make these Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls one scrumptious holiday favorite we crave year ’round!
Ingredients
- 2 cups crunchy peanut butter (no-stir)
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 2 cups semi‑sweet chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons canola or coconut oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together the peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, and Rice Krispies until evenly combined.
- Form the mixture into 1‑inch balls by rolling between your palms. The mixture will be sticky; coat your hands with nonstick spray if needed. Place the balls on a parchment‑lined baking sheet.
- In a microwave‑safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with 2 teaspoons oil. Microwave for 60 seconds, then stir until smooth. If necessary, microwave an additional 30 seconds and stir until fully melted.
- Drop each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate. Use a fork to roll and coat the ball, lift to let excess chocolate drip off, and return the coated ball to the parchment‑lined sheet. Repeat until all are coated.
- Drizzle any remaining melted chocolate over the coated balls for a decorative finish.
- Allow the coating to set completely before serving or storing.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or in the freezer.