Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies: A Cozy Treat for Any Season
There’s something wonderfully comforting about a homemade treat that takes you back to simpler times, isn’t there? The memories of rainy afternoons spent in the kitchen, with laughter echoing as we mixed together delicious ingredients, always warms my heart. One of my favorite childhood snacks were these delightful Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies, a recipe that’s built on family traditions and cozy moments. Creamy peanut butter wrapped in a golden, sweet coating of Rice Krispies—it’s pure bliss in every bite.
Whether you’re snuggling on the couch during a chilly night or looking for a quick sweet fix, these little bites of joy are perfect for any occasion. Plus, they’re an easy weeknight treat that kids and adults alike will swoon over. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, these no-bake treats can be ready in no time.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in, these peanut butter balls are always a hit.
- Family-Friendly: Kids can help roll them into balls, making it a fun kitchen project for everyone.
- Endless Variations: From zesty flavors to different toppings, there are countless ways to customize these bites.
- Nutritious and Delicious: Packed with protein from the peanut butter, they make for a wholesome yet satisfying snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies
Here’s what you’ll need to gather to create these creamy delights:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup chocolate chips or mini marshmallows for added sweetness
How to Make Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies
Let’s conjure up some kitchen magic together! Follow these simple and cozy steps:
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Add Rice Krispies: Gently fold in the Rice Krispies until they are evenly coated with the peanut butter mixture. The crunch of the cereal combined with the creamy peanut butter will make your heart sing!
Chill the Mixture: Place the mixture in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. This makes it easier to roll into balls (and gives you just enough time to sneak a taste!).
Form the Balls: Once chilled, take the mixture out and roll it into bite-sized balls—about 1 inch in diameter. If you fancy a little extra indulgence, roll them in crushed nuts or sprinkles!
Refrigerate Again: Place the finished peanut butter balls in the fridge for another 30 minutes to set.
Enjoy: These little gems can be enjoyed right away, but they store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator!
Delicious Variations to Try
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few fun ways to customize your Peanut Butter Balls:
- Chocolate Delight: Mix in chocolate chips or dip the balls in melted dark chocolate for an indulgent treat.
- Coconut Bliss: Add shredded coconut to the mixture or roll the balls in it for a tropical twist.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for an extra crunch and protein boost.
- Zesty Lemon: Mix in the zest of a lemon for a refreshing citrus burst!
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
Here are some of my favorite secrets for achieving perfect Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies:
Make Ahead: These treats can be made ahead of time and store well in the fridge for up to two weeks. Perfect for parties or a quick snack!
Ingredient Swaps: If you wish to cut down on sugar, you can use unsweetened nut butter and adjust the honey/maple syrup accordingly.
Easier Rolling: Lightly moisten your hands with water or coconut oil when rolling the balls. This will keep the mixture from sticking to your hands.
Freezing Notes: These treats freeze well too! Simply place them in a freezer-safe container, and they can last for up to three months.
Nutrition Information per Serving
Here’s a simple breakdown of the nutrition in each serving (based on 12 servings):
- Serving Size: 1 Peanut Butter Ball
- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugars: 6g
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 65mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s answer some common queries about these tasty treats:
Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! These peanut butter balls can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
Can I use different ingredients? Yes, feel free to switch out honey for maple syrup or use crunchy peanut butter for an exciting texture.
How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge or freeze them for later. They’ll stay fresh longer that way!
How long does it last? In the fridge, these balls can be enjoyed for up to two weeks; in the freezer, they can last up to three months.
Wrapping It Up
Whether you’re sharing these Peanut Butter Balls with friends during a cozy gathering or keeping them as a quick snack for yourself, these little bites of joy are incredibly satisfying. The warmth they bring to my kitchen is truly special, and I hope they do the same for you! Save this Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat. Happy rolling!
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Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful no-bake peanut butter balls coated in Rice Krispies, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup chocolate chips or mini marshmallows
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in the Rice Krispies until they are evenly coated with the peanut butter mixture.
- Place the mixture in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes to chill.
- Roll the chilled mixture into bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Refrigerate the finished balls for another 30 minutes to set.
- Enjoy these treats immediately or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
These peanut butter balls can be made ahead of time and stored well. They’re great for parties or quick snacks.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 peanut butter ball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: peanut butter, no-bake, dessert, snack, easy recipes, kids recipe, family-friendly