Peanut Butter Balls

Love peanut butter and chocolate together? These peanut butter balls are the perfect little treat—no baking needed!

You get creamy peanut butter, sweet sugar, and crispy rice cereal all rolled up and dipped in rich chocolate. Every bite is crunchy, sweet, and dreamy.

Perfect for holidays, parties, or snack time. They’re easy to mix, fun to roll, and even better to eat!

Grab a bowl and let’s get rolling—peanut butter ball magic is just minutes away!

Would you like the full step-by-step instructions too?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Kid-Friendly Favorite: Easy to make, fun to roll, and great for little helpers.
• No-Bake & No Fuss: No oven required, and they come together fast.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a batch now, freeze some for later.
• Customizable: Easily tweak the coating or filling to suit allergies or flavor preferences.
• Perfect for Gifting: Great for cookie trays, parties, and edible holiday gifts.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 30–60 minutes
Total Time: Around 1 hour (including chilling)
Yield: About 36 bite-sized balls

Difficulty: Easy — no baking required. Just mix, roll, chill, and dip.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large mixing bowl
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• Baking sheet
• Parchment or wax paper
• Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
• Fork or dipping tool
• Measuring cups

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Balls

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this simple and satisfying recipe (see measurements in the recipe card at the end):

• Creamy Peanut Butter: Smooth texture binds everything together.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps firm up the mixture.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the peanut butter filling.
• Crisp Rice Cereal: Gives that light, crispy texture in every bite.
• Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Melted for coating, balancing the sweetness with a deeper cocoa flavor.

Variations for Peanut Butter Balls

• Add a Crunch: Fold in chopped nuts or pretzels for texture.
• Switch the Chocolate: Use dark, milk, or white chocolate, or drizzle instead of fully dipping.
• Flavor It Up: Add a splash of vanilla or a pinch of sea salt to enhance the richness.
• Use Almond Butter or Sunflower Seed Butter: A great alternative for nut allergies.
• Add a Topping: Sprinkle with sea salt, crushed candy canes, or holiday sprinkles before the chocolate sets.

How to Make Peanut Butter Balls: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and softened butter. Stir until smooth and fully blended.
Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, mixing until a thick dough forms.
Gently fold in the crisp rice cereal, making sure it’s evenly distributed but not crushed.

2. Shape the Balls

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a smooth ball.
Place each ball onto a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper.
Once all the balls are shaped, transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes. This will firm them up and make dipping easier.

3. Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate chips in 20–30 second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth and fully melted.
Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate over a double boiler for a slower, controlled melt.

4. Dip the Balls

Using a fork or dipping tool, lower each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, coating it completely.
Let the excess chocolate drip off, then return the coated ball to the parchment-lined sheet.
If desired, sprinkle with sea salt, sprinkles, or crushed nuts immediately while the chocolate is still wet.

5. Let Them Set

Allow the chocolate coating to firm up completely at room temperature or refrigerate again for faster results.
Once set, your Peanut Butter Balls are ready to serve, gift, or store for later.

Serving and Decoration

Peanut Butter Balls are wonderful served in mini cupcake liners for a polished look.
Arrange them neatly on dessert trays, gift boxes, or holiday platters.
You can drizzle extra melted chocolate over the tops for a decorative finish or mix up the coatings for a colorful variety tray.

Storing Peanut Butter Balls

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Keep them layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freezer: Freeze Peanut Butter Balls for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Room Temperature Butter: Soft butter blends more easily with the peanut butter, creating a smoother filling.
• Don’t Overmix the Cereal: Fold gently to maintain the crispy texture inside the balls.
• Chill Thoroughly Before Dipping: A cold, firm ball holds its shape better and doesn’t fall apart in the warm chocolate.
• Work in Batches: If your kitchen is warm, keep half the balls chilling while you dip the others to prevent them from getting too soft.
• Use Quality Chocolate: A good semisweet chocolate makes a noticeable difference in taste and coating texture.

Nutrition Information (Per 1 Peanut Butter Ball)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	110
Fat	7g
Carbohydrates	10g
Protein	2g
Sugar	7g

Note: Nutrition may vary based on specific ingredients and portion size.

Peanut Butter Balls FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, but the texture will be a bit chunkier and slightly harder to roll smoothly.

How long do Peanut Butter Balls last?
They stay fresh for up to 2 weeks in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer.

Can I make these without rice cereal?
Yes. If you skip the cereal, the balls will be denser and creamier, similar to buckeye candies.

Can I use almond or cashew butter instead?
Absolutely. You can swap peanut butter with almond, cashew, or even sunflower seed butter for a different flavor or allergy-friendly option.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Balls are one of those recipes that are simple but deeply satisfying.
With a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey goodness, they’re a treat that never goes out of style.
Whether you’re making a batch for a party, the holidays, or just because you deserve something sweet, these little bites are always a good idea.

Give them a try — they might just become your new favorite no-bake dessert.