These Peanut Butter Balls With Rice Krispies are an irresistible snack that hits all the right notes – crunchy, creamy, sweet, and salty. Made with a base of creamy peanut butter mixed with Rice Krispies for added texture, these treats are coated in semi-sweet chocolate and topped with sea salt. They are perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth or as a fun snack for gatherings. With no baking required, these peanut butter balls are quick and easy to make. Freeze them for 15 minutes to set before dipping them in melted chocolate for a beautiful, smooth finish. Add a sprinkle of flake sea salt on top to enhance the flavor.
If you're craving a crunchy, sweet, and salty treat, these Peanut Butter Balls With Rice Krispies are the perfect snack. The combination of creamy peanut butter, crispy Rice Krispies, and a rich chocolate coating makes them irresistibly delicious.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: Use regular peanut butter for a smooth texture. Avoid natural peanut butter as it may cause separation.
- 1/4 cup butter, softened: Softened butter helps the peanut butter mixture blend smoothly.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the flavor.
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the mixture and helps it bind together.
- 2 cups Rice Krispies: Adds a delightful crunch to the peanut butter balls. Add more if you want extra crispiness.
- 10 ounces semi-sweet chocolate melting wafers: Melts smoothly and forms the perfect coating for the peanut butter balls.
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (or vegetable shortening): Helps the chocolate melt evenly and provides a shiny finish.
- Flake sea salt: Sprinkled on top to balance the sweetness with a hint of saltiness.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Set it aside for later use.
- Step 2:
- In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-blended.
- Step 3:
- Gradually add the powdered sugar to the peanut butter mixture, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
- Step 4:
- Gently fold in the Rice Krispies until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. If desired, add an additional 1/2 cup of Rice Krispies for extra crunch.
- Step 5:
- Using a small scoop or spoon, form the mixture into 1-inch balls, rolling them between your hands to smooth out any edges.
- Step 6:
- Arrange the peanut butter balls on the prepared baking sheet. Place them in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up.
- Step 7:
- While the balls are in the freezer, melt the semi-sweet chocolate wafers with the coconut oil in a microwave or double boiler, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
- Step 8:
- Remove the peanut butter balls from the freezer. Using a fork, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, allowing the excess to drip off before placing it back on the parchment paper.
- Step 9:
- Sprinkle a pinch of flake sea salt on top of each chocolate-coated ball. Refrigerate for 10 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
- Step 10:
- If desired, drizzle any leftover melted chocolate over the peanut butter balls for a decorative finish. Add more sea salt to taste before serving.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve these Peanut Butter Balls chilled for the best texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a softer texture, allow the peanut butter balls to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the peanut butter balls in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Helpful Notes
- If you don’t have coconut oil, vegetable shortening can be used as a substitute to help the chocolate melt smoothly.
- To add more crunch, increase the amount of Rice Krispies by 1/2 cup.
- Customize these treats by using white chocolate or dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Giada De Laurentiis suggests adding a pinch of cinnamon to the peanut butter mixture for a unique flavor twist.
- Pastry chef Dominique Ansel recommends using high-quality chocolate for the smoothest and richest coating.
- Chef Alton Brown advises freezing the peanut butter balls for at least 15 minutes to ensure they stay firm when dipped in chocolate.