Classic Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

Classic Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

Introduction
There’s a moment when the kitchen fills with a warm, nutty aroma and the first bite melts—silky chocolate gives way to creamy peanut butter and a light, snappy crunch. These Classic Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls are tiny comfort bombs: sweet, salty, and satisfyingly textured. They’re the kind of treat that makes you smile before you even taste them—perfect for cozy afternoons with a mug of coffee, holiday cookie platters, bake sales, or an after-school snack that both kids and adults reach for.

If you love simple, no-bake treats you can whip up in minutes, you might also enjoy this no-bake version that leans into the same delicious pairing.

At a Glance

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Total Time: 15–30 minutes (including refrigeration)
• Servings: about 24 balls
• Difficulty Level: Easy — no baking equipment needed

Nutrition Highlights
Nutrition estimates per serving (one ball). Values are approximate and were calculated using USDA FoodData Central and common manufacturer label averages; actual numbers will vary by brand and exact portion size.

• Calories: ~119 kcal
• Protein: ~3.2 g
• Carbohydrates: ~10.7 g
  • Sugars: ~7.7 g
  • Fiber: ~1.1 g
• Fat: ~8.1 g
• Sodium: ~51 mg

These numbers reflect the full recipe (1 cup peanut butter, 1/4 cup honey, 3 cups Rice Krispies, 1 cup chocolate chips, 1 tbsp coconut oil) divided into 24 portions. For dietary concerns or precise tracking, consult package labels or USDA FoodData Central entries for each ingredient.

Why You’ll Love It

• The irresistible mix: creamy peanut butter and chocolate is a classic for a reason—there’s a perfect balance of sweet and salty, and the chocolate shell adds a clean snap.
• Quick and shareable: no oven, minimal hands-on time, and they travel well—ideal for parties, potlucks, or a last-minute gift platter.
• Flexible and nostalgic: these bites evoke childhood favorites while letting you tailor texture and sweetness—add crunchy cereal, swap in maple syrup, or roll them in toasted coconut.
• Mindful indulgence: portion-controlled and made with familiar pantry staples, they’re an easy way to enjoy a treat without going overboard.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Ingredients

• 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1 cup chocolate chips (semisweet or milk chocolate)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional; helps thin the chocolate for coating)

Optional ingredients & substitutions:

• Use almond or sunflower seed butter for nut-free variations.
• Swap honey for maple syrup to keep it vegan (also switch to vegan chocolate chips).
• Use gluten-free puffed rice if you need a certified gluten-free snack.

Method

1. In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup) until smooth and well combined.
2. Stir in the Rice Krispies until fully incorporated and the mixture holds together.
3. Form the mixture into small, bite-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Melt the chocolate chips with the coconut oil in 20–30 second bursts in the microwave, stirring between intervals, or melt gently in a double boiler until glossy and smooth.
5. Dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, using a fork to lift and let excess chocolate drip off, coating evenly.
6. Return the coated balls to the baking sheet and refrigerate for about 15–30 minutes, or until the chocolate sets.
7. Serve and enjoy your delicious treats!

Practical tips:

• Chill the formed peanut-butter balls briefly (10 minutes) before dipping to help them keep their shape.
• If the chocolate thickens while dipping, rewarm gently in short bursts—avoid overheating, which can seize chocolate.
• For neater results, use two forks to dip and lift; tap the fork edges on the bowl to remove excess chocolate.

Best Pairings

• With beverages: Serve alongside freshly brewed coffee, a creamy latte, or a cold glass of milk for a classic combo.
• As part of a platter: Pair with fruit, salted nuts, and a selection of shortbread or tea cookies for variety.
• For gifting: Package in small boxes with parchment paper and a sprinkle of sea salt or crushed peanuts on top.
• Snack ideas: Enjoy plain, or warm a couple in the microwave for 5–7 seconds for a gooey center.

Keeping it Fresh

• Room temperature: Up to 2 days in an airtight container, in a cool, dry place.
• Refrigeration: 10–14 days in an airtight container; refrigeration helps the chocolate stay firm.
• Freezer: Up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag or container; thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

Chef’s Advice

• Texture control: If you like more crunch, stir in a handful (1/4–1/2 cup) of finely chopped toasted nuts or extra cereal.
• Peanut butter choice matters: Natural peanut butter yields a looser texture and more pronounced peanut flavor; commercial creamy peanut butter makes a firmer center. Adjust amount of cereal slightly if mixture seems too wet or dry.
• Chocolate tempering: For a shiny, crisp shell, temper the chocolate (or add the optional coconut oil sparingly). Avoid water contact—moisture causes chocolate to seize.
• Portion consistency: Use a small cookie scoop to make uniform balls so they set evenly and present beautifully.

Creative Twists

• Vegan & nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter + maple syrup + dairy-free chocolate chips; ensure your puffed rice is vegan.
• Salted caramel swirl: Stir 2–3 tablespoons of soft caramel into the peanut butter mixture, or drizzle caramel over the coated balls and finish with flaky sea salt.
• Spiced chocolate: Add 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne to the melted chocolate for warmth and depth.
• Keto-friendly: Replace rice cereal with crushed pork rinds or almond flour (batch and texture will change) and use sugar-free chocolate chips and a low-carb sweetener instead of honey.

All Your Questions Answered
Q: Can I make these without chocolate?
A: Yes—roll the balls in cocoa powder, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts for a no-coating option.

Q: My mixture is too sticky to form balls. What do I do?
A: Chill the mixture for 10–15 minutes to firm up. If still too sticky, add a little more Rice Krispies (a tablespoon at a time) until it holds shape.

Q: How can I make these healthier?
A: Use natural peanut butter (no added sugar), switch honey to pure maple syrup or a smaller amount, and choose dark chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage. Keep portions small.

Q: Will these melt in warm weather?
A: The peanut butter center is stable, but the chocolate shell can soften. Keep refrigerated when not serving, especially in summer.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely—just mix in a larger bowl and work in batches when forming and dipping to keep everything manageable.

Conclusion

I hope these Classic Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls inspire you to make an easy, crowd-pleasing treat that brings a little comfort and nostalgia to your day. If you try the recipe, snap a photo and share your variations—there’s endless fun in experimenting with coatings, spices, and fillings. For another take on the classic pairing, check out this Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls recipe from She Wears Many Hats, and if you love vintage-style confections, take a look at the Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls on Deep South Dish.

Classic Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

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• Author: recipechangegmail-com
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 24 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

No-bake chocolate peanut butter balls that are sweet, salty, and satisfying—perfect for cozy afternoons or snack time.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1 cup chocolate chips (semisweet or milk chocolate)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup) until smooth and well combined.
2. Stir in the Rice Krispies until fully incorporated and the mixture holds together.
3. Form the mixture into small, bite-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Melt the chocolate chips with the coconut oil in 20–30 second bursts in the microwave, stirring between intervals, or melt gently in a double boiler until glossy and smooth.
5. Dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, using a fork to lift and let excess chocolate drip off, coating evenly.
6. Return the coated balls to the baking sheet and refrigerate for about 15–30 minutes, or until the chocolate sets.
7. Serve and enjoy your delicious treats!

Notes

Chill the formed peanut-butter balls briefly before dipping to help them keep their shape. Feel free to experiment with mix-ins or coatings!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 ball
• Calories: 119
• Sugar: 7.7g
• Sodium: 51mg
• Fat: 8.1g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10.7g
• Fiber: 1.1g
• Protein: 3.2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg