Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls are a fun and delicious treat that combine the classic crunch of Rice Krispies cereal with rich, melted chocolate and peanut butter. These bite-sized delights are easy to make and perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth in no time. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these indulgent treats that are perfect for parties, snacks, or as a quick dessert.
Ingredients
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- In a large bowl, mix together the Rice Krispies cereal, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each interval until smooth and fully melted.
- Stir in the vanilla extract to the melted chocolate mixture and mix well.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal mixture and stir gently until the cereal is fully coated with the chocolate mixture.
- Shape the mixture into small balls, about 1-2 inches in size, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate the balls for at least 30 minutes to allow them to set and firm up.
- Enjoy your Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Nut-Free Version: Skip the peanut butter and use a different binding agent like almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
- Add-ins: Feel free to add extras like mini marshmallows, dried fruit, or chopped nuts to the cereal mixture before adding the chocolate mixture for extra texture and flavor.
- Different Chocolate: You can swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate or dark chocolate, depending on your preference.
- Coconut Coating: After shaping the balls, roll them in shredded coconut for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the balls for longer storage. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: These treats are best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. However, if you prefer them softer, you can microwave them for 5-10 seconds.
10 FAQs
- Can I make these without peanut butter?
Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with any nut or seed butter (like almond butter or sunflower seed butter) for a similar texture and flavor. - Can I use different cereals for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Rice Krispies are traditional, you can use other cereals like cornflakes or any puffed rice cereal for a variation in texture. - Can I add chocolate chips to the Rice Krispies mixture?
Yes, adding some mini chocolate chips to the cereal mixture before adding the chocolate will give you extra pockets of chocolate throughout the balls. - Do I have to refrigerate the balls?
Yes, refrigerating them helps the chocolate harden and set, ensuring they stay in ball shape. - How big should I make the balls?
You can make them as small or as large as you’d like, but about 1-2 inches in diameter is a perfect size for bite-sized treats. - Can I use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate?
Yes, white chocolate chips can be used if you prefer a sweeter, milder chocolate flavor. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different. - Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, these can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze well for longer storage. - Can I add more cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor?
Yes, feel free to adjust the amount of cocoa powder to your taste. Adding more will make the chocolate flavor stronger, but it might alter the texture slightly. - What can I use instead of powdered sugar?
If you don’t have powdered sugar, you can use granulated sugar, but powdered sugar will provide a smoother texture. - Are these gluten-free?
Yes, Rice Krispies are typically gluten-free, but make sure to check the package for confirmation if you’re following a strict gluten-free diet.
Conclusion
Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls are a deliciously simple and satisfying treat that combines the perfect balance of crunch, chocolate, and peanut butter. These bite-sized delights are perfect for any occasion, from a quick snack to a dessert at a party. With easy prep and versatile options for customization, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household.
PrintChocolate Rice Krispie Balls
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Description
These indulgent Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls are a perfect sweet treat! With a rich combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and crispy Rice Krispies cereal, these little bite-sized snacks are a great addition to any dessert table.
Ingredients
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the Rice Krispies cereal, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal mixture and stir until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- You can use dark chocolate chips if you prefer a richer taste.
- For a twist, add a handful of mini marshmallows to the mixture before forming the balls.
- If you prefer, you can roll the balls in extra powdered sugar or cocoa powder before refrigerating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes