Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls

No-Bake Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Balls recipe: chocolate-covered peanut butter balls get a crispy upgrade for the best Christmas dessert! They are the perfect bite-size treat for the holidays!

It’s hard to believe it’s Christmas baking season already, but here we are. I tend to make the same things every single year and I’m more than OK with that. Christmas is all about traditions for me! These no-bake peanut butter rice krispie balls are definitely being added to that list of traditions, along with my Italian Ricotta Cookies.

I remember the one year I tried to get away without making the Christmas cut-out sugar cookies and Mr. Wishes just about got up and left me for good. Ha ha! I mean, in my defense, those are very time-consuming cookies to make with the rolling, chilling, cutting out, decorating, etc.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls are a delightful treat that combines the creamy richness of peanut butter with the satisfying crunch of Rice Krispies. They’re easy to make, require no baking, and are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat anytime. Plus, the chocolate coating adds a decadent touch that everyone will adore.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl
• Refrigerator
• Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper

Ingredients

• ½ cup peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons soft butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup Rice Krispies cereal
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 package chocolate chips

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, soft butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Stir in the Rice Krispies, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut until well mixed.
3. Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to firm up slightly.
4. Form the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Return the balls to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour.
6. Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth.
7. Dip each ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated, and return to the baking sheet.
8. Let the chocolate set before serving.

Tips for Success

• Ensure the peanut butter mixture is well chilled before forming into balls; this makes them easier to handle.
• If the chocolate begins to harden while dipping, gently reheat it until smooth.

Additional Tips or Variations

For added flavor, try using almond butter instead of peanut butter, or sprinkle sea salt over the chocolate coating before it sets. You can also roll the balls in crushed nuts or sprinkles for extra texture and color.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 8g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, these can be made several days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze these chocolate rice krispie balls?

Absolutely! Freeze them in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls are a simple yet delicious treat that will bring joy to any holiday gathering. I invite you to try this recipe and share your experiences in the comments below. Enjoy every bite of this delightful festive treat!