You know those snacks you make that disappear before you can even put them in the fridge? These peanut butter balls with Rice Krispies are EXACTLY that kind of recipe!
I made these last Thursday afternoon, and by Friday morning Emily had already convinced three of her friends that I'm "the cool mom" because I let them raid the container. (I mean, I didn't exactly give permission, but sure, I'll take the credit!)
What I love about these no bake peanut butter balls is they're stupidly simple to make. Five ingredients. No oven required. Just mix, chill, dip, and you're done. The Rice Krispies add this amazing crunch that makes them so much better than regular peanut butter balls. Trust me on this one.
I've been making these since college when my roommate's mom sent her the recipe. Back then, we'd make them at midnight during study sessions. Now I make them when I need a quick treat for Emily's school events or when I'm too lazy to actually bake something. (Which, let's be honest, is pretty often.) If you're into easy no-bake treats, you might also want to check out my protein cookie dough recipe – another crowd-pleaser that requires zero oven time.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This No Bake Treat
- Ingredients For Peanut Butter Balls With Rice Krispies
- How To Make No Bake Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Balls
- Storage Tips For Peanut Butter Balls
- Easy Variations For Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
- Peanut Butter Balls With Rice Krispies: Your Questions Answered
- Recipes You May Like
- Final Thoughts On This No Bake Recipe
- No Bake Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies
Why You'll Love This No Bake Treat
- Ready in 90 minutes with only 15 minutes of actual work (the rest is just chilling time)
- Only 5 ingredients you probably already have in your pantry
- No oven needed which means you can make these even in summer heat
- Perfect salty-sweet combo that hits all the right flavor notes
- Kid-friendly recipe that's safe enough for little hands to help with
- Stays fresh for weeks when stored properly (though they never last that long at my house!)
Ingredients For Peanut Butter Balls With Rice Krispies
Here's what you'll need to make about 40 balls:
- 1 ½ cups (400g) no-stir creamy peanut butter – Use the regular kind, not natural. Natural peanut butter is too oily and won't set properly
- 3 cups (360g) confectioners' sugar – Also called powdered sugar. Don't pack it down when measuring!
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter – Must be room temperature or it won't mix well
- 2 cups (50g) Rice Krispies – The secret ingredient that makes these special
- 2 cups (350g) chocolate chips – I use dark chocolate, but semisweet works great too
- ¼ cup sprinkles – Totally optional but makes them look festive
The Rice Krispies are what set these apart from regular buckeye balls. They add texture and make each bite more interesting. Emily calls them "surprise crunchies" which is honestly the perfect description.
How To Make No Bake Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Balls
Making these is so easy, I've done it while helping Emily with her homework. Here's the step-by-step:
- Mix the base ingredients. In your stand mixer (or use a hand mixer), beat together the peanut butter and room temperature butter until smooth. This takes about 2 minutes.
- Add the powdered sugar slowly. Start with your mixer on low speed and gradually add the confectioners' sugar. If you dump it all in at once, you'll have a sugar cloud in your kitchen. (I learned this the hard way on attempt number one!)
- Fold in the Rice Krispies. Gently mix in the Rice Krispies until they're evenly distributed throughout the dough. Don't overmix or you'll crush them.
- Chill the dough. Cover the bowl and stick it in the fridge for 1 hour. This step is crucial – it makes the dough way easier to work with. Warm, sticky dough is annoying to roll.
- Roll into balls. Use a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon) to portion out the dough. Roll each portion between your palms to form 1-inch balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze the balls. Pop the baking sheet in the freezer for at least 15 minutes. This helps them hold their shape when you dip them in chocolate. Cold balls = clean dipping. Warm balls = messy disaster.
- Melt the chocolate. Put your chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on 50% power for 1 minute, then stir. Keep heating in 15-second bursts at 50% power, stirring between each one, until the chocolate is smooth and melty.
- Dip the balls. Use a fork or dipping tool to dip each ball into the melted chocolate. Let the excess chocolate drip off, then place the ball back on the lined baking sheet.
- Add sprinkles if using. You've got to work fast here – add sprinkles immediately after dipping while the chocolate is still wet.
- Let them set. Leave the balls at room temperature until the chocolate hardens completely. This takes about 30 minutes.
Quick Tips For Success
The 50% power level on your microwave is key. Full power will burn your chocolate and turn it into a grainy mess. I learned this after ruining an entire bag of expensive dark chocolate chips. Don't be like me!
If your chocolate starts to thicken up while you're dipping, just pop it back in the microwave for 15 seconds at 50% power. It'll loosen right back up.
Storage Tips For Peanut Butter Balls
These no bake peanut butter balls store really well, which makes them perfect for making ahead.
At room temperature: They'll last about 2 days in an airtight container. Honestly though, room temp is asking for trouble at my house because Emily and her friends will find them.
In the refrigerator: Store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. They'll keep for up to 2 weeks. The chocolate stays nice and firm, and they taste even better cold!
In the freezer: These freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Let them thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes before eating.
I usually make a double batch and freeze half. That way I always have a stash for last-minute needs. (Like when Emily announces at 9 PM that she "forgot" about the bake sale tomorrow. Fun times!)
Easy Variations For Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
Want to switch things up? Here are some ideas I've tried:
Different cereals: Swap the Rice Krispies for crushed cornflakes or even crushed pretzels. The pretzel version is SO GOOD – extra salty and crunchy.
Mix up the chocolate: Try milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even a combo. I did half dark chocolate and half white chocolate once, and they looked really fancy.
Add mix-ins: Fold in mini chocolate chips or chopped peanuts along with the Rice Krispies for extra texture.
Skip the chocolate coating: Roll the balls in crushed graham crackers or more crushed Rice Krispies instead. Still tasty, less messy.
Make them seasonal: Use holiday-themed sprinkles. Red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, you get the idea.
The basic recipe is so forgiving that you can really make it your own. What's the worst that could happen? They'd still taste like peanut butter and chocolate, which is never a bad thing!
Peanut Butter Balls With Rice Krispies: Your Questions Answered
Yes, but the texture will be less smooth. Crunchy peanut butter works, though creamy peanut butter creates a better consistency for rolling into balls.
They last 2 days at room temperature, up to 2 weeks refrigerated, or up to 3 months frozen in an airtight container.
Yes! Store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
You can use any crispy rice cereal, crushed cornflakes, or crispy chow mein noodles for a similar crunchy texture.
Recipes You May Like
If you're into these no bake peanut butter balls, you'll probably love these other treats:
- Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies – When you want fresh cookies but don't want to commit to a huge batch
- Cookie Monster Cookies – Fun, colorful, and Emily's personal favorite
- Oreo Ice Cream Recipe – Another no-bake dessert that's always a hit
Final Thoughts On This No Bake Recipe
Look, I'm not going to pretend these peanut butter balls with Rice Krispies are health food. They're definitely a treat. But they're the kind of treat that makes people happy, brings families together around the kitchen counter, and creates those "remember when mom made those amazing peanut butter balls?" memories.
The best part? You can make them with kids without worrying about hot ovens or complicated techniques. Emily's been helping me make these since she was 7, and now at 12 she can practically make them by herself. (Though I still supervise the chocolate melting part because microwaves and kids can be a sketchy combo.)
Make a batch this weekend. Hide half in the freezer for yourself. Share the rest. Or don't share them. I won't judge.
Don't forget to save this recipe to Pinterest so you can find it later when you need an easy dessert in a pinch!
No Bake Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies
Equipment
- Kitchen scale
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
- Small cookie scoop
- Dipping tools
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups no-stir creamy peanut butter one 15 ounce jar
- 3 cups confectioners' sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature, 1 stick
- 2 cups Rice Krispies
- 2 cups dark or semisweet chocolate chips for dipping
- ¼ cup sprinkles optional
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine peanut butter and butter. Slowly add confectioner's sugar and then Rice Krispies. Mix until combined.
- Cover and chill the dough for 1 hour. This will firm up the dough and make it less sticky when rolling into balls.
- Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough. Roll into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper.
- Place in freezer for at least 15 minutes so the balls will hold their shape when dipped in chocolate.
- When ready to dip, place chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in the microwave on 50% power level. Start with 1 minute, stir the chips. Continue microwaving on 50% power level, stirring every 15 seconds, until smooth.
- Dip balls in melted chocolate and transfer to lined baking sheet. Immediately add sprinkles if desired. Let the chocolate harden before serving or storing in an airtight container for later.
