Peanut butter balls made with Rice Krispies and dark chocolate are a simple, no-bake treat perfect for the holidays and gifting. Mix the ingredients, shape into balls, and dip in chocolate. A light sprinkle of flaky Maldon sea salt on each ball before the chocolate sets creates a delicious sweet-and-salty contrast. Follow this easy method to make crunchy, chocolate-covered peanut butter balls.
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These retro-style peanut butter balls blend nostalgic flavors with a touch of sophistication. The peanut butter and crisp rice cereal recall childhood favorites, while the glossy dark chocolate and flaky sea salt elevate the candy into a refined holiday bite.
Why you’ll love these easy peanut butter balls
- Quick and easy—no oven required.
- No-bake candy: the only heating step is melting the chocolate.
- Great holiday project to make with kids.
- Can be made ahead and packaged for gifts.
- Makes about 50–70 bites depending on size, ideal for parties and gifting.
Note: These are very addictive. The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and sea salt makes them hard to stop at one.
Ingredients for Rice Krispie peanut butter balls
- Peanut butter – crunchy or creamy, your preference.
- Butter – softened to room temperature.
- Salt – kosher or iodized, to taste.
- Vanilla extract – pure vanilla for best flavor.
- Powdered sugar – adds structure and sweetness.
- Rice Krispies or another crisp rice cereal.
- Dark chocolate melting wafers (or good-quality dark chocolate).
- Flaky sea salt (Maldon recommended) for finishing.
How to make peanut butter balls
- Beat peanut butter and room-temperature butter together until smooth using a hand mixer.
- Add salt and vanilla, mixing to combine.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until fully incorporated.
- Fold in the crisp rice cereal with a spatula, then use clean hands to ensure the cereal is evenly distributed.
- Scoop portions (a 2–3 teaspoon mini cookie scoop works well) and roll into smooth balls.
- Melt the dark chocolate according to package directions and dip each ball, tapping off excess.
- While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over each candy.
- Let the chocolate set completely, then store or package for gifting.
Pro-Tips:
#1 Use a rubber spatula to fold the cereal into the thick peanut butter mixture, then finish mixing with clean hands for an even result.
#2 A mini cookie scoop that holds 2–3 teaspoons creates uniformly sized balls and speeds up the process.
Swaps & Variations:
- Use milk or white chocolate instead of dark for a sweeter coating.
- Top with chopped peanuts in place of flaky sea salt for extra crunch.
- Add festive sprinkles, silver dragées, or colored jimmies for a holiday look alongside the sea salt.
How to store chocolate covered peanut butter balls
- Store in a well-sealed airtight container. Place parchment between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
- Keep at room temperature for best texture and shine.
- Avoid refrigeration: chilling can cause sugar bloom, a whitish haze that affects appearance though not flavor.
FAQ’s
Use good-quality dark chocolate bars or semi-sweet chocolate chips. Chop the bar into pieces and melt at 50% power in short increments, stirring frequently until smooth for dipping.
You can make them 3–4 days ahead and store at room temperature in an airtight container.
It’s not recommended after coating because freezing and thawing can cause sugar bloom. You can freeze the uncoated dough for up to two months, then thaw completely before rolling and dipping.
How do they taste?
These peanut butter balls strike a delightful balance of sweet and salty, with rich dark chocolate, nutty peanut butter, and a satisfying crunch from the crisp rice cereal. They’re a crowd-pleasing holiday treat and make thoughtful homemade gifts.
How to package them for gifting:
Package the peanut butter balls in small food-safe gift boxes that hold 6–8 candies. Use paper liners or parchment to keep each piece separate. Avoid using loose cellophane bags, as candies can shift and stick together.
More sweet peanut butter treats:
- Peanut butter sauce for ice cream
- Halloween peanut butter balls
- Salty n’ Sweet Ritz Fluffernutter cookies
- Classic peanut bars
- Chewy peanut butter cookies
- Peanut butter banana ice cream
More candy recipes you’ll love:
- Pistachio truffles
- Southern-style pecan pralines
- Coconut & rum cookie truffles
- Homemade candied citrus peel
- Chocolate bourbon gingerbread truffles
- Sweet n’ salty harvest snack mix
- Dark chocolate truffles
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls with Sea Salt
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups crunchy peanut butter (or creamy)
- ½ cup butter at room temperature
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups crisp rice cereal (Rice Krispies)
- 12 ounces dark chocolate melting wafers
- flaky sea salt (for sprinkling)
DIRECTIONS:
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In a large bowl, beat together the peanut butter and softened butter until smooth. Add kosher salt and vanilla and mix to combine.
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Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing completely after each addition until fully incorporated.
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Stir in the crisp rice cereal and use clean hands to blend it evenly into the peanut butter mixture.
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Use a mini cookie scoop to portion the mixture, then roll into balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Melt the dark chocolate wafers according to package directions until smooth.
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Dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, shake off excess, return to the parchment-lined sheet, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt while the chocolate is still wet.
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Allow chocolate to harden completely, then store in an airtight container.
NUTRITION:
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