Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Ball
These addictive treats known by peanut butter crunch balls or crispy buckeye are a classic! Creamy peanut butter filling with crunchy Rice Krispies, fully dipped in chocolate. This recipe makes about 40-50 balls (depending on size) and is super easy.
You can pick different chocolates to dip them in and whether to add a drizzle or not.
Ingredients
For the peanut butter balls:
1 cup (2 sticks / 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
2 cups (512g) creamy peanut butter
3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
3 cups (about 75-90g) Rice Krispies cereal (slightly crushed – just put in a zip bag and gently press)
For the chocolate coating:
2 cups (12 oz / 340g) semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips (or a mix)
2 tablespoons vegetable shortening, coconut oil, or butter (helps the chocolate melt smoothly and shine)
Optional: Sprinkles, sea salt, or extra crushed Rice Krispies, chocolate to drizzle for topping.
Instructions
Make the peanut butter mixture:
In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer), beat the softened butter and peanut butter together until creamy and smooth. Add the vanilla if using. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar (start with 3 cups) until fully combined. The mixture should be thick but not dry – it should hold together when squeezed. If it's too sticky, add up to 1 more cup of powdered sugar.
Add the crunch:
Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until evenly distributed. The mixture will be a bit crumbly but should stick together when pressed.
Shape the balls:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion out about 1-1.5 tablespoons of mixture, then roll into smooth balls with your hands. Place on the prepared sheet. If the mixture gets too soft, chill it for 10-15 minutes first.
Chill:
Refrigerate or freeze the balls for at least 30-60 minutes (or until firm). This makes dipping much easier!
Melt the chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and shortening/coconut oil. Microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring well after each, until completely melted and smooth. (You can also use a double boiler on the stove.)
Dip the balls:
Remove balls from the fridge. Use a fork or toothpick to dip each ball fully into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off. Place back on the lined sheet. If the chocolate starts to thicken, reheat gently.
Set and decorate:
Optional: Immediately top with sprinkles or a few crushed Rice Krispies while chocolate is wet.
Refrigerate for 15-30 minutes until the chocolate is fully set.
Tips
Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 2 months (they thaw quickly!).
Variations: Use dark chocolate for less sweetness, or half-dip for a "buckeye" look. White chocolate works great too!
Troubleshooting: If balls are too soft to roll, add more powdered sugar. If too dry/crumbly, add a splash of milk or more peanut butter.
Enjoy – these disappear fast!
If you're a fan of classic sweet treats that combine creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey textures, these Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Balls are truly a must-try. The blend of peanut butter with Rice Krispies cereal creates a delightful crunch inside each smooth, bite-sized ball. Coating them in melted chocolate not only enhances the flavor but also adds a glossy finish that makes these treats look as good as they taste. To customize the recipe to your liking, consider experimenting with different types of chocolate coatings—dark chocolate offers a richer, less sweet alternative, while white chocolate gives a sweeter, creamier twist. You can also half-dip the balls to make buckeye-style candies or add a drizzle of chocolate on top for extra decoration. Sprinkles, sea salt, or extra crushed Rice Krispies sprinkled when the chocolate is still wet create attractive and tasty finishes. When making the peanut butter mixture, achieving the right consistency is key. The mixture should be thick enough to hold together but not overly dry; adding powdered sugar gradually helps with this balance. Folding in the Rice Krispies gently ensures the crunch is evenly distributed without crushing the cereal too much. Chilling the peanut butter balls before dipping is an important step that helps them firm up and makes the dipping process neater and easier. Likewise, adding vegetable shortening, coconut oil, or butter to the chocolate helps it melt smoothly and yields a shiny coating. For storage, these treats keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, and they freeze beautifully for longer preservation—thaw them quickly at room temperature before serving. These peanut butter crunch balls are not only delicious for holiday gift ideas like #christmasgiftideas and festive treats under #Christmascandy but also reflect the charm of Southern-style sweets (#Southerncandy). They are a crowd-pleaser that disappear quickly once served, so make plenty and enjoy sharing this classic recipe with family and friends!
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