Valentine’s Day No Bake Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies

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If you’re looking for a classic chocolate no bake peanut butter balls recipe, this is it! It’s the perfect combination of chocolate and peanut butter in one easy recipe, and it’s great for any treat-giving opportunity.

If you're looking for a classic chocolate peanut butter balls recipe, this is it!  It's the perfect combination of chocolate and peanut butter in one easy recipe, and it's great for any treat-giving opportunity.

Easy Candy Recipe

When I tasted the first batch of this candy, I knew I would be making another almost immediately. My family loves chocolate and peanut butter treats, so it was truly a no brainer to save this no-bake recipe.

These traditional peanut butter balls have just 5 simple ingredients. They don’t take much time to make; so simple to prepare (and even easier to eat!). Think no bake peanut butter balls meets Rice Krispie treats – these treats are crunchy and fluffy and oh, so good!

Secret Ingredient for this Classic Treat

Some variations of peanut butter balls use powdered sugar, but I use marshmallow fluff for these chocolate peanut butter treats. I love the flavor it adds and it’s a great way to hold them together.

You’ll mix the peanut butter with marshmallow fluff and Rice Krispie cereal, then dip into melted chocolate. The Rice Krispies add a nice crunch to the center of the peanut butter filling.

Valentine's Day chocolate treats

I love to bake treats during the holiday season, and this is definitely a treat to whip out for any season or holiday! They are easy to top with nonpareils or other types of decorations to customize. These ones are decorated for Valentine’s Day, but you can decorate them with sprinkles or a chocolate drizzle for any kind of theme year-round.

Easy Peanut Butter Balls: What You’ll Need

These treats are sweet, without being too sweet. It will take about 30 minutes to prep, and yield about 36 pieces.

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
  • 7 ounces Marshmallow Fluff
  • 1 ½ cups Rice Krispie cereal
  • 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips (your choice)
  • 4 tsp coconut oil or vegetable shortening
no bake peanut butter balls ingredients

How to Make No Bake Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies

Directions:
  • In a large mixing bowl, stir the marshmallow fluff together with the creamy smooth peanut butter until it is completely blended
  • Gently fold the Rice Krispie cereal into the peanut butter mixture, being very careful to not crush the cereal. Some will be crushed, it’s unavoidable, but do your best!
  • Prepare a cookie sheet or two with waxed paper or parchment paper
  • Using a small cookie scoop, portion into 1 tbsp amounts and roll in your hands to smooth the ball
  • Place the balls on the prepared trays
  • Next, you’ll melt the chocolate in the microwave, which is much easier than using a double boiler. In a medium bowl, place the chocolate chips along with the coconut oil or vegetable shortening and microwave on 30 second intervals, stirring in between each cycle until the chocolate is smooth
  • Use a fork or a skewer to dip the Peanut Butter balls into the chocolate. Tap the fork on the side of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate
  • Place the chocolate covered balls on the prepared cookie tray
  • If desired, now’s the time to put sprinkles on top of the balls, before chocolate hardens
Chocolate no bake peanut butter balls
  • Set the trays in the refrigerator until the chocolate is set
  • Store in an airtight container with wax paper between the layer

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use the Marshmallow fluff?

The marshmallow fluff is what keeps these treats held together better, and adds to the flavor. It is an essential ingredient (don’t worry, you won’t regret it!).

How do I store these peanut butter Rice krispie balls?

They can sit on the counter at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. However, I like them better when kept in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator; they’ll last for up to 7 days in the refrigerator. 

You could also store them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge when you’re ready to serve. Be warned that you may deal with condensation on the chocolate when storing this way.

What is the best way to cover these with Chocolate?

I find the best way to do this is to use a two fork method. I can hold the candy on the fork tongs and brace it with the other fork. You can then use the second fork to gently move the candy off of the first fork.

If you want to get fancy, or know you’ll be doing a lot of work with dipping chocolate, you might consider picking up a dipping tool set to make the job even easier.

Could I use chunky Peanut Butter?

You can and this will give the candy an extra crunch and flavor. stay away from natural peanut butter though, as it can separate and won’t hold together as well.

could I use candy melts or chocolate almond bark instead of chocolate chips?

Sure! You could use white chocolate, dark chocolate, or chocolate melts for the chocolate coating. I think these turn out a little softer with the chocolate chips (and it’s a bit cheaper). Using a good quality chocolate is key.

chocolate peanut butter balls with rice krispie treats

Enjoy These Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls

Print out the recipe card below and enjoy this sweet treat! It’s one of those simple recipes you’ll always want to have on hand for when you’re in need of the perfect treat or gift, at Christmas time or year-round.

If you’ve tried the recipe, please leave a review below! And share a pic, tagging @sweetchocolateobsessions so I can see your creation.

No Bake Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies

No Bake Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies

Yield: About 3 dozen
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow fluff
  • 1 ½ cup crispy rice cereal
  • 1 ½ cups semisweet or milk chocolate chips (your preference)
  • 4 teaspoons vegetable shortening or coconut oil

Instructions

    1. In a large bowl, stir together the peanut butter and marshmallow fluff until well blended. Carefully fold in the cereal, avoiding too much crushing.
    2. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper.
    3. Using a small cookie scoop, portion the cereal mixture into 1 tablespoon balls. Roll the balls in your hand to smooth the outside. Place the balls on the prepared sheet.
    4. In a medium bowl, pour the chocolate chips and shortening or coconut oil. Microwave on high for 1 minute and stir vigorously to allow the chocolate to continue melting from the residual heat. Return to the microwave only if needed, stirring after every 15 seconds to avoid overheating the chocolate.
    5. Dip the balls in the chocolate, allowing the excess to run back into the bowl, and place on waxed paper. Decorate with sprinkles while wet, if desired.
    6. Place the balls into the refrigerator to set prior to packaging or storing.

    Notes

    Crunchy Peanut Butter Balls can be stored in the freezer and thawed in the refrigerator.

    Nutrition Information:
    Yield: 36 Serving Size: 1
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 92Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 46mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 2g

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