Making Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies is a delightful and easy no-bake treat that’s perfect for any occasion, especially during the holidays. This recipe combines the crunch of Rice Krispies with the smoothness of peanut butter, all wrapped in a rich chocolate coating. It’s a fun activity to do with kids, and the result is a delicious, crispy candy that’s hard to resist. I have fond memories of making these with my grandmother during the holiday season. The joy of rolling the mixture into balls and then dipping them into melted chocolate was only surpassed by the delight of biting into the final product.
These treats are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them to suit your taste or dietary needs, making them a hit at any gathering. The combination of textures and flavors creates a satisfying treat that everyone will love. Let’s dive into the ingredients and detailed instructions to make these scrumptious Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies.
Ingredients
To make these delightful treats, you will need the following ingredients:
½ cup peanut butter:
Acts as the primary binding agent and adds a rich, nutty flavor.
3 tbsp soft butter:
Adds creaminess and helps bind the ingredients together.
1 tsp vanilla:
Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of sweetness and warmth.
1 cup Rice Krispies:
Provides a delightful crunch that contrasts with the smoothness of the peanut butter.
½ cup chopped pecans:
Adds a nutty flavor and extra crunch.
1 cup shredded coconut:
Contributes a sweet, chewy texture and complements the peanut butter and chocolate.
1 package of chocolate chips:
Used for the chocolate coating, adding a rich, chocolaty exterior.
1 square of sweet chocolate:
Enhances the chocolate coating with a smooth and sweet finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, soft butter, and vanilla. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and smooth. This forms the base of the mixture.
Next, add the Rice Krispies, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut to the peanut butter mixture. Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed. The mixture should be thick and sticky, making it easy to form into balls.
2. Refrigerate
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the mixture to firm up, making it easier to handle when forming the balls.
3. Form the Balls
Once the mixture has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a walnut. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Return the formed balls to the refrigerator and chill for at least an hour. This ensures they are firm enough to be dipped in chocolate without falling apart.
4. Prepare the Chocolate Coating
Set up a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Make sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Add the package of chocolate chips and the square of sweet chocolate to the bowl.
Melt the chocolate over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and fully melted. This process should be done gently to avoid burning the chocolate.
5. Coat the Balls
Using a fork or a dipping tool, dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Let the excess chocolate drip off before placing the chocolate-covered balls back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Repeat this process until all the balls are coated in chocolate. If the chocolate starts to thicken, you can reheat it gently over the double boiler.
6. Chill and Serve
Once all the balls are coated, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator to let the chocolate set. This should take about 15-20 minutes.
After the chocolate has set, the treats are ready to be enjoyed. These Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies can also be frozen for later enjoyment. Simply store them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the great things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:
- Nut-Free Option: Omit the pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds to make this recipe nut-free.
- Different Coatings: Try using white chocolate or dark chocolate for a different flavor profile. You can also drizzle additional melted chocolate of a different type over the coated balls for a decorative touch.
- Add-Ins: Mix in dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, or add mini marshmallows for extra texture and taste.
Summary
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies are a delightful blend of textures and flavors, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. They are easy to make, requiring no baking, and are a fun treat to prepare with family. Whether for a holiday gathering or just because, these candies are sure to be a hit.
The combination of creamy peanut butter, crunchy Rice Krispies, chewy coconut, and rich chocolate creates a treat that’s hard to resist. Plus, the recipe’s flexibility allows you to customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious treats with your loved ones!
RICE KRISPIES Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients
- ½ cup peanut butter acts as the primary binding agent and adds a rich, nutty flavor
- 3 tbsp soft butter adds creaminess and helps bind the ingredients together
- 1 tsp vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor with a hint of sweetness and warmth
- 1 cup Rice Krispies provides a delightful crunch that contrasts with the smoothness of the peanut butter
- ½ cup chopped pecans adds a nutty flavor and extra crunch
- 1 cup shredded coconut contributes a sweet, chewy texture and complements the peanut butter and chocolate
- 1 package of chocolate chips used for the chocolate coating, adding a rich, chocolaty exterior
- 1 square of sweet chocolate enhances the chocolate coating with a smooth and sweet finish
Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients: Combine ½ cup peanut butter, 3 tbsp soft butter, and 1 tsp vanilla extract in a large bowl, mixing until smooth.
- Add Crunchy Ingredients: Stir in 1 cup Rice Krispies, ½ cup chopped pecans, and 1 cup shredded coconut until evenly distributed.
- Refrigerate the Mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up the mixture.
- Form the Balls: Remove from the refrigerator, form the mixture into walnut-sized balls, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare the Chocolate Coating: Melt 1 package of chocolate chips and 1 square of sweet chocolate in a double boiler over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Coat the Balls: Dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated, then place back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the chocolate-covered balls for 15-20 minutes to set the chocolate. Serve or freeze for later enjoyment.
