The Best Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls

Name: The Best Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups confectioners' sugar; 2 cups crisp rice cereal; 16 ounces milk chocolate chips or chocolate candy melts; 1/4 cup finely chopped roasted salted peanuts ((optional))

Christmas, Desserts

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Chocolate lovers rejoice! These chocolate covered peanut butter balls are the perfect combination of creamy peanut butter, crispy Rice Krispies, and rich chocolate. A holiday favorite, it’s guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.

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Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls on a plate with a bite taken out of one of the PB balls

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The Best Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls

There’s no better combination than chocolate and peanut butter. When it comes to sweet treats, it’s arguably my favorite!

This recipe for chocolate covered peanut butter balls with Rice Krispies comes from a treasured cookbook my third-grade classmates and I gifted to our parents all the way back in December of 1991.

For more than 30 years, this easy Christmas candy recipe has been a staple in our family’s holiday baking rotation

Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls on a plate with a bite taken out of one of the PB balls and a tray of more treats in the background

And for a good reason! These peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate are so darn delicious you won’t be able to eat just one.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make: With just a handful of ingredients and no baking required, these peanut butter balls are a simple holiday treat.
The perfect combination of flavors: Creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and crispy Rice Krispies give these little treats just the right amount of sweetness and crunch.
Make them ahead: These chocolate peanut butter balls store well in the fridge or freezer, making them perfect for getting a head start on holiday baking.
Great for gifting: Add a few to a Christmas cookie tin or package them in a festive box for a homemade holiday gift.

Ingredients for Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make these easy no-bake peanut butter balls!

Creamy peanut butter: I recommend using regular creamy peanut butter, like Jif or Skippy, for the best texture. Natural peanut butter can make the filling too oily.
Unsalted butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature so it’s easy to mix with the peanut butter.
Confectioners’ sugar: Also called powdered sugar, this helps sweeten and firm up the peanut butter filling.
Rice Krispies: The secret ingredient! These crispy rice cereal pieces add a little crunch to every bite.
Milk chocolate chips or melting wafers: Use your favorite milk chocolate for dipping. Chocolate melting wafers are especially handy for getting a smooth coating.
Roasted salted peanuts (optional): Finely chop a few peanuts to sprinkle on top for a little extra crunch and a pretty finishing touch.

Equipment Needed

How To Make Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls

Ready to make this easy chocolate covered peanut butter ball recipe? Here are the easy step-by-step directions. There’s also a full printable recipe card with all the ingredients and instructions at the bottom of the post.

Step 1: Mix the Peanut Butter and Butter

In a large mixing bowl, use a handheld mixer to beat the creamy peanut butter and softened butter until smooth and well combined.

Peanut Butter Ball Ingredients in a mixing bowl

Peanut Butter Ball Ingredients in a mixing bowl with the Rice Krispies added

Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar and Rice Krispies

Gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar, adding about one cup at a time. (Unless you want an explosion of powdered sugar all over your kitchen!)

Once combined, gently fold in the Rice Krispies with a rubber spatula until they’re evenly distributed throughout the peanut butter mixture.

note from jen’s kitchen

I usually use generic crispy rice cereal, but name-brand Rice Krispies work just as well!

Step 3: Roll the Peanut Butter Balls

Using a cookie scoop to form the peanut butter filling for chocolate covered peanut butter balls

Rolling the peanut butter balls by hand for chocolate covered peanut butter balls

Next, using a medium-sized cookie scoop or your hands, portion the peanut butter mixture and roll it into 1-inch balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with wax or parchment paper.

note from jen’s kitchen

I like using a cookie scoop to keep the peanut butter balls roughly the same size. It also makes the rolling process go a little faster!

Step 4: Melt the Chocolate

The Best Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Balls - Midwest Life and Style Blog

Once you’ve placed all the peanut butter balls on your cookie sheet, it’s time to melt your chocolate.

Place the milk chocolate chips or melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl.

Microwave in 10 to 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.

You can also melt the chocolate on the stovetop using a double boiler.

Step 5: Dip the Peanut Butter Balls

If you’re wondering how to dip peanut butter balls in melted chocolate, a fork works perfectly!

In the process of dipping the peanut butter balls in chocolate and topping with chopped peanuts

Gently lower each ball into the chocolate, turning to coat

Allow any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl before transferring the coated peanut butter ball to your parchment or wax paper-lined baking sheet.

Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls ona baking sheet

If desired, sprinkle the tops with finely chopped roasted peanuts while the chocolate is still wet.

Step 6: Chill Until Set

Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chocolate coating is firm.

Once the chocolate has set, your homemade peanut butter balls are ready to enjoy!

Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls on a plate with a bite taken out of one of the PB balls with santa mugs in the background

This recipe makes approximately 30 chocolate covered peanut butter balls and can easily be doubled (or tripled!) for Christmas cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or homemade gifts.

How to Store Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls

These chocolate covered peanut butter balls are easy to store, so you can enjoy them throughout the holiday season!

A plate of chocolate covered peantu butter balls topped with chopped peanuts

In the refrigerator: Store the peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. If stacking them, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
In the freezer: Once the chocolate has completely set, place the peanut butter balls in a freezer-safe container or bag with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to three months for best quality.
To thaw: Transfer the frozen peanut butter balls to the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight before serving.

When to Serve Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls

These chocolate covered peanut butter balls are a staple in our house during the holidays, and there are plenty of ways to share them with family and friends! Here are a few of my favorites.

Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls plated with a baking sheet full of more PB Balls in the background

Christmas Cookie Exchanges: Heading to a holiday cookie exchange? These little chocolate treats are always a hit, and since the recipe makes about 30, you’ll have plenty to share!

Holiday Parties: Add a batch to your Christmas dessert table or arrange them on a festive platter alongside your favorite cookies and candies. They’re the perfect bite-sized treat for guests to grab as they mingle.

Homemade Christmas Gifts: Package a few peanut butter balls in a festive tin or treat box, add a pretty ribbon, and you’ve got a sweet homemade gift for neighbors, teachers, or friends.

Holding a chocolate covered peanut butter ball with a bite taken out of it

The Best Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls

Graphic for Twinkling Lights & Festive Bites featuring the holiday entertaining guide, Christmas styling, bonus materials, and a link to explore the book.

More Christmas Treats You’ll Love

If you enjoyed these chocolate covered peanut butter balls, here are a few more easy Christmas treats to make and share with family and friends this holiday season!

Chocolate Dipped Almond Shortbread Cookies

Double Chocolate Chip Peppermint Cookies

Homemade Hot Cocoa Bombs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make chocolate covered peanut butter balls ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! These are a great make-ahead Christmas treat. You can prepare them several days before your holiday gathering and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Q: What is the best chocolate for dipping peanut butter balls?

A: I like using milk chocolate chips or chocolate melting wafers. Melting wafers are especially handy because they melt smoothly and create a nice coating. You can also use semi-sweet or dark chocolate if you prefer something a little less sweet.

Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes! Crunchy peanut butter will add even more texture to the filling. Just keep in mind that this recipe already includes Rice Krispies, so you’ll get plenty of crunch with creamy peanut butter, too.

Q: Why are my peanut butter balls too soft or sticky?

A: If your peanut butter mixture is too soft to roll, try refrigerating it for 15 to 30 minutes to help it firm up. Make sure you’re using regular creamy peanut butter, since natural varieties can have a different consistency.

Discover More Delicious Holiday Treats

These chocolate covered peanut butter balls have been a Christmas tradition in our family for more than 30 years, and I hope they become a holiday favorite in your home, too!

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a rating or comment on the recipe card below, and don’t forget to pin it so you can make it again next Christmas.

And if you’re looking for even more sweet treats to make this holiday season, you’re in luck! Be sure to scroll past the printable recipe card below to find 15 more delicious Christmas treats from my blogging friends!

Happy holiday baking!