Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies

Introduction

Whenever I make Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies, it’s a hit with my family. The combination of creamy peanut butter, sweet powdered sugar, and the satisfying crunch of Rice Krispies creates a treat that’s both indulgent and fun to eat. The added chocolate coating makes these little bites of heaven even more irresistible. They’re perfect for special occasions like holidays, family gatherings, or as a sweet snack for the day. My kids absolutely love them, and they’re easy enough to make with minimal ingredients and effort. It’s the kind of recipe that brings comfort and smiles, and I’m always asked to make them for every occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening

Instructions

1. Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well combined. The butter helps make the peanut butter mixture soft enough to handle, while the vanilla adds a nice depth of flavor.
2. Add Powdered Sugar:
   Gradually add the powdered sugar to the peanut butter mixture. Mix it in little by little to avoid powdered sugar spilling out of the bowl. Stir until fully incorporated. The powdered sugar gives the mixture a smooth texture and sweetness that balances the peanut butter’s richness.
3. Fold in Rice Krispies:
   Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal. Mix until the cereal is evenly coated with the peanut butter mixture. The Rice Krispies add crunch and texture, making each bite satisfyingly crispy.
4. Shape the Peanut Butter Balls:
   Using your hands, scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This step can get a little sticky, so it’s helpful to occasionally wet your hands with a little water to make rolling easier.
5. Melt the Chocolate:
   In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and vegetable shortening. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. The vegetable shortening helps the chocolate remain smooth and gives it a nice glossy finish.
6. Dip the Peanut Butter Balls:
   Dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Return the chocolate-covered balls to the baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The chocolate coating adds richness and makes the peanut butter balls even more decadent.
7. Set the Chocolate:
   Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature or place the baking sheet in the refrigerator to speed up the process. Once the chocolate has hardened, the peanut butter balls are ready to be enjoyed.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 24 balls
• Calories per serving: 120 kcal
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 5mg
• Sodium: 40mg
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 11g
• Protein: 3g

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 1 hour (including setting time)
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve

• Snack or Dessert: Serve these peanut butter balls as a fun snack for the family, or as a treat after dinner.
• Gift Idea: These are perfect for packing into gift boxes or mason jars to give as thoughtful homemade gifts.
• Party Favor: They make a great addition to a dessert table at parties, especially during the holidays or for birthdays.
• On-the-Go: Individually wrap the peanut butter balls for a quick, portable snack.
• With Ice Cream: Top a scoop of vanilla ice cream with crushed peanut butter balls for a delicious dessert sundae.

Additional Tips

1. Use Natural Peanut Butter: If you prefer a more natural peanut flavor, feel free to substitute creamy natural peanut butter for a more authentic taste. Just make sure it’s well-stirred before use.
2. Chill the Mixture: If the peanut butter mixture feels too soft to shape, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before rolling it into balls. This makes it easier to work with.
3. Coating Variations: Instead of semi-sweet chocolate, you can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
4. Add More Crunch: For an extra crunch, add chopped peanuts or another type of cereal into the mixture.
5. Adjust Sweetness: You can adjust the amount of powdered sugar to make the balls sweeter or less sweet depending on your preference.

Recipe Variations

• Peanut Butter Coconut Balls: Add shredded coconut to the mixture for a tropical twist.
• Crunchy Peanut Butter Balls: Add chopped peanuts or a bit of granola to the mixture for extra crunch.
• Dark Chocolate Coating: Use dark chocolate chips for the coating to give the peanut butter balls a slightly richer and less sweet taste.
• Mint Peanut Butter Balls: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the peanut butter mixture for a refreshing minty flavor.
• Peanut Butter Caramel Balls: Drizzle caramel sauce over the chocolate-covered peanut butter balls for a sweet, gooey topping.

Serving Suggestions

• With Coffee or Tea: Serve these peanut butter balls with a warm cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon pick-me-up.
• On a Dessert Platter: Pair them with other bite-sized treats like mini cupcakes, cookies, or chocolate truffles for a dessert platter at a party or event.
• In a Snack Bowl: Place them in a decorative bowl and serve them at a family gathering or movie night.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Peanut butter balls freeze very well. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve, just let them thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.
• Storage: Store the peanut butter balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Keep them in a cool place to ensure the chocolate coating doesn’t melt.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
   Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture. Just make sure to mix it well so the chunks are evenly distributed.
2. Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
   Yes, milk chocolate chips will work perfectly for a sweeter version of this treat.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make these peanut butter balls ahead of time. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or you can freeze them for longer storage.
4. How can I make these dairy-free?
   Use dairy-free chocolate chips and substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like margarine or coconut oil.
5. Can I add more ingredients to the mixture?
   Absolutely! You can experiment by adding coconut flakes, mini marshmallows, or even dried fruit like cranberries or raisins.
6. How long does it take for the chocolate to set?
   The chocolate should take about 30-40 minutes to set at room temperature, or you can place them in the refrigerator to speed up the process.
7. What other types of chocolate can I use?
   You can use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even a mix of chocolate types to coat the peanut butter balls.
8. Do I need to chill the peanut butter balls before dipping them in chocolate?
   Chilling the peanut butter balls is optional, but it helps them hold their shape when dipping into the melted chocolate.
9. How do I avoid the chocolate from cracking?
   Make sure to use vegetable shortening in the chocolate coating to ensure a smooth and flexible layer.
10. Can I make this recipe without Rice Krispies?
    While Rice Krispies add crunch, you can use other cereals like Cornflakes or even granola as a substitute.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies are an easy-to-make, delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The crunchy Rice Krispies combined with the creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate coating make these little bites of heaven irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or as an everyday treat, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. Simple, customizable, and satisfying, these peanut butter balls are a fun and indulgent dessert that will quickly become a favorite!

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