These Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls are an easy treat loaded with sweet and salty flavors. It’s the perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter! If you love this combination, this recipe will be your new go-to whenever you have a craving. I’ve made these just for the family at home and for bake sales.
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The butter adds richness and helps the peanut butter balls to set while the powdered sugar sweetens and thickens the peanut butter. Then, they’re coated in melted chocolate. Once set, each bite is crunchy yet soft and chewy!
These are so good that you can’t eat just one. Everyone gobbles them up so fast! I highly recommend that you double or triple the batch- you’re going to need extras!
If you like no-bake dessert recipes, you will love this fluffy Chocolate Cool Whip Candy, this Easy Brigadeiro Recipe or my decadent Moose Tracks Fudge.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- It’s only 5 ingredients: This recipe calls for just 5 inexpensive, common ingredients keeping it super simple.
- It’s no-bake: Don’t worry about turning on the oven! These Rice Krispie peanut butter balls are a terrific no-bake dessert.
- They’re a party favorite: These are always a huge hit! Kids, adults, everyone devours them faster than I can keep track- they’re that good.
Ingredients
These are the ingredients I use when I make chocolate peanut butter Rice Krispie balls. They are common baking staples except for Rice Krispies which is a popular cereal variety you will find at any grocery store.
- Butter: I use a small amount of melted butter to make the peanut butter easier to mix with the powdered sugar. You may use unsalted or unsalted butter (I prefer unsalted).
- Peanut butter: Any brand and variety of peanut butter will work great in this recipe. I typically go with creamy but chunky would be delicious, too.
- Powdered sugar: This sweetens the treat while also helping the balls set and stay together.
- Rice Krispies cereal: Original Rice Krispies cereal is my go-to for these Rice Krispie chocolate balls. Feel free to use a store brand if you like. I find that it doesn’t change the flavor or texture at all.
- Chocolate chips: I like to use semi-sweet chocolate chips for this recipe to keep it balanced. Feel free to use a chopped chocolate bar as well.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- No peanut butter: You may make these chocolate Rice Krispie balls without peanut butter. Almond butter or sun butter are fantastic substitutes.
- Christmas inspired: Use red and green candy melts instead of chocolate chips to create a festive version.
- Double chocolate crunch balls: Try this recipe with Cocoa Krispies for an extra chocolatey variation.
How to Make Rice Krispie Balls with Chocolate & Peanut Butter
Here are the instructions on how to make chocolate peanut butter balls with Rice Krispies. It’s an easy treat recipe that you can make any time! Line 1-2 baking sheets with parchment paper before you get started so you have a place to put the treats.
Step 1: Make the peanut butter mixture. Combine the melted butter, peanut butter, and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to stir the ingredients until they are perfectly smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Add the cereal. Next, gently fold in the Rice Krispie cereal with a rubber spatula or spoon until it’s evenly coated in the peanut butter mixture.
Step 3: Scoop and chill. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. They should be about 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons each. Pop the pan into the refrigerator for a minimum of 3 hours or until they are firm.
Step 4: Melt the chocolate. Pour the chocolate chips into a large microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring after each one, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
Step 5: Dip the Rice Krispie balls. Stab each peanut butter ball with a fork (or a skewer if you prefer) and gently dip it into the melted chocolate. Tap the fork gently on the side of the bowl to allow the excess chocolate to drip off. Then, place it back onto the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Drizzle and set. Scoop the remaining melted chocolate into a plastic bag, trim the corner, and use it to pipe a drizzle design of chocolate onto the Rice Krispie balls. It’s an optional step that creates a nice presentation! Place the Rice Krispie balls dipped in chocolate back into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set before serving them.
Recipe Tips
- Portion with a cookie scoop: Try using a cookie scoop to ensure that all of the Rice Krispie balls are the same size.
- Shape smooth: You can roll the balls in your hands to smooth out the sides. It's also fine to leave them more rustic looking!
- Add butter to the melted chocolate: To ensure your chocolate is perfectly smooth for dipping, add a little unsalted butter or even vegetable oil to it.
- Grease your hands: If rolling them into balls with your hands, I recommend lightly spraying your hands with cooking spray or a light brushing of oil so the mixture doesn’t stick to your hands.
If you love recipes like this peanut butter chocolate treat, you may also enjoy these Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats or these Muddy Buddy Pretzels!
Storage Directions
- Storing: Store these peanut butter balls in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to 5 days once they are fully set. You may place them into a freezer bag with parchment and freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Make Ahead: Since they need some time to set, I like to prepare these treats up to 24 hours in advance and keep them in the refrigerator until it’s serving time. It saves time and is great if you plan to serve them to guests.
Serving Suggestions
- Chocolate pistachio honeycomb and chocolate Ritz crackers are great to include on an indulgent dessert platter for a party with the Rice Krispie balls.
- Make your day extra easy and enjoy Texas toast pizza for dinner and then these chocolate and peanut butter Rice Krispie balls for dessert.
- These pair well with a scoop of ice cream. I like to keep it simple and serve them with homemade dark chocolate ice cream.
- Have a hot coffee with this copycat Coffee Mate pumpkin creamer alongside a couple of these chocolate peanut butter balls.
Recipe FAQs
It’s recommended but not necessary. I like to use an electric mixer because it’s easier to mix the other ingredients with the peanut butter to achieve a smooth consistency.
This could be because they didn’t have enough time to set. Ensure you give them a minimum of 3 hours in the refrigerator before coating them in chocolate.
Work quickly and dip all of the balls while the chocolate is still warm. You may also use the double boiler method and return the bowl to the simmering pot so the chocolate doesn’t cool too much and harden.
More Delicious Chocolate and Peanut Butter Recipes
Do you like chocolate and peanut butter desserts? Here are some recipes you may also like to try!
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section, I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
Peanut Butter & Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls
Equipment
- saucepan (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
- 1 cup peanut butter smooth or crunchy
- 1 cup powdered sugar or icing sugar
- 1 cup Rice Krispies cereal
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chopped or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Clear space in your refrigerator for large plates or baking sheets. Cover plates or baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a medium sized mixing bowl combine peanut butter, icing sugar and butter, ideally with a stand mixer or handheld mixer.
- Add cereal and gently combine.
- Place 1 to 1 ½ inch balls or blobs on the parchment paper and refrigerate until set, at least 3 hours.
- Slowly melt chocolate in microwave or on your stovetop. Do not boil or overheat. You just want to warm the chocolate. If chocolate isn't smooth add a teaspoon or two of butter and stir until blended.
- Take cold peanut butter balls and stab with a small fork, one at a time. Dip and roll around in the chocolate, allow excess chocolate to drip off, return to parchment paper and then back in the refrigerator to set for another few hours.
- Use extra melted chocolate to drizzle on top of balls, if desired. Simply use a spatula and scrape melted chocolate into a small bag and cut the corner off. Squeeze and drizzle chocolate on top of each ball and refrigerate until set.
Notes
- You may store these chocolate Rice Krispie balls at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Either way, they will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
- Add some unsalted butter or vegetable oil to the melted chocolate to make it smoother.
- Ensure that you chill the peanut butter balls for enough time before you dip them in melted chocolate so they don’t fall apart.
Nutrition
This post was originally published in January 2017. It's been updated with new content and images.
Mark says
If you’re a fan of peanut butter and chocolate you’re gonna love these. You’ll be glad you tried them I guarantee it.
Karin and Ken says
Perfectly said! I totally agree. All the best. Karin
Carol says
I couldn’t believe how addictive these are either I kept saying just one more just one more over and over lol These balls are my new favorite sweet treat. Thank you so much I needed something new!!
Karin and Ken says
I do the exact same thing. Enjoy every bite. Karin
Smitty says
Another amazing peanut butter chocolate recipe to add to my arsenal These suckers are so addictive I know I ate way too many but I couldn’t stop myself These are that good Thank you for another winner!!!
Karin and Ken says
I am always trying to figure out different ways to enjoy peanut butter and chocolate too! I can’t help myself. I love the combination! Great minds think alike! 😉 Take care. Karin
Missy says
My goodness I think I could have eaten them all They’re so addictive and so good Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe
Karin and Ken says
I feel the exact same way! Enjoy your day. Karin
Alex says
How many does this yield?
Karin and Ken says
Between 24 and 30. Depending on how big you make them. These are delicious and definitely worth a try! Enjoy. Karin
Kim says
Looks yum Tastes yum too
Karin and Ken says
Tastes yummy too! We hope you give the recipe a try! Take care. Karin
Anonymous says
These look very good I will be trying this recipe.
Karin and Ken says
They are delicious! Please let me know what you think if you make them. Take care. Karin