This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
These peanut butter balls are an easy no-bake treat that’s perfect for peanut butter lovers. They’re made with only 5 simple ingredients and dipped in chocolate making them impossible to resist.Â
We love anything that combines peanut butter and chocolate, like The Best Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe and Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Mix Brownies.
Peanut butter balls are an old favorite recipe of mine that tastes just like a peanut butter cup. They’re an easy homemade candy that I often make around the holidays – but to be totally honest – I’ll happily enjoy them all year long. Because with peanut butter and chocolate you definitely can’t go wrong.
PEANUT BUTTER BALLS RECIPE
My recipe for peanut butter balls is very similar to buckeyes – however, you’ll notice that I covered the entire peanut butter ball in melted chocolate. As well, we’re adding crispy rice cereal to the peanut butter mixture too, which helps to hold them together and adds a delicious crunch.
INGREDIENTS IN PEANUT BUTTER BALLS:
To get started, you’ll only need 5 ingredients:
- butter
- peanut butter – I don’t recommend using natural for this recipe
- powdered sugar
- Rice Krispies
- chocolate chips or almond bark
HOW TO MAKE PEANUT BUTTER BALLS
- First, beat the butter until soft using an electric mixer. Then mix in the peanut butter and powdered sugar. You can add a little more or a little less powdered sugar depending on how sweet you like it. Then mix in the Rice Krispies. If you prefer, you could also swap the Rice Krispies with graham crumbs.
- Then it’s time to assemble the balls. Form the mixture into balls about 1 inch in diameter (I like to use a cookie scoop for this) and then pop them in the fridge to set. Let them set for at least 20 minutes, or preferably up to an hour.
- Then each ball gets dipped in melted chocolate and placed on a lined cookie sheet to harden. I sprinkle them with a few crushed peanuts on top (which is what you can see in the photos) or some holiday-themed sprinkles around Christmas or Valentine’s Day.
TIPS FOR MAKING PEANUT BUTTER BALLS
- I don’t recommend using natural peanut butter because it can separate and therefore the balls won’t stay together
- Feel free to use salted or unsalted butter.
- You don’t need to sift the powdered sugar, however if yours seems particularly lumpy you may want to.
- If the dough doesn’t want to form into balls – pop it in the fridge.
- If you don’t have time to dip the balls in chocolate right away, you can cover the “dough” and refrigerate for 2-3 days before forming into balls.
- Feel free to use your favorite type of chocolate – semi-sweet, milk, dark, white chocolate
- You can use a fancy candy dipping tool, or simply a fork when dipping the balls in chocolate.
HOW TO STORE PEANUT BUTTER BALLS
These can be stored in the fridge or at room temperature. When chocolate is stored in the fridge, sometimes it can discolor – so typically I store mine in an airtight container on the counter. However, if your kitchen is particularly warm you will want to store them in the fridge to avoid melting.
CAN YOU FREEZE PEANUT BUTTER BALLS?
Yes! These peanut butter balls will freeze quite nicely. Once the chocolate has set, layer the candy in an even layer in the bottom of an airtight container. Top with a layer of parchment paper, then another layer of the candy. Repeat until the container is full, then seal with the airtight lid. Store them in your freezer for up to one month.
For more easy peanut butter treats, try these other favorites:
- Avalanche Cookies
- Peanut Butter Mug Cake
- Peanut Butter Fudge
- Single Serve Microwave Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
- Peanut Butter Crispy Bars
- Peanut Butter Apple Dip

Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup butter
- 2 cups peanut butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 cups rice krispies or 2 cups graham crumbs
- 3 cups chocolate chips or 18 oz almond bark
Instructions
- In a large bowl beat the butter until smooth.
- Mix in the peanut butter and powdered sugar, followed by the rice krispies.
- Form the dough into balls about 1 inch in size. Place on a lined cookie sheet, cover in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or preferably 1 hour.
- Add the chocolate chips to a medium, heat proof bowl. Microwave on medium power for 1 minute, remove from the microwave and stir. Repeat the process until the chocolate is melted.
- Using a fork or candy dipping tool, dip each ball in the melted chocolate. Shake off any excess and place back on the lined cookie sheet.
- Let harden at room temperature for 1-2 hours, or in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
These peanut butter balls look so delicious and crunchy! Can’t wait to try this recipe!