These Christmas Peanut Butter Balls are a festive treat that combine the delicious flavors of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and crispy rice cereal. Coated in a smooth layer of melted chocolate, these easy-to-make sweets are perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply enjoying with family and friends during the holiday season.

Ingredients

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
3 cups crispy rice cereal
3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon vegetable shortening

Directions

In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and crispy rice cereal until well combined.
Shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with wax paper.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and vegetable shortening together. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted.
Dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, making sure it’s evenly coated.
Place the coated peanut butter balls back onto the wax paper and allow them to set at room temperature, or refrigerate them to speed up the process.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 balls
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add sprinkles: After dipping the peanut butter balls in chocolate, you can decorate them with holiday-themed sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
Use dark chocolate: If you prefer a richer chocolate flavor, substitute the semisweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips.
Flavored chocolate coating: Add a dash of vanilla extract or peppermint extract to the melted chocolate for a fun twist on the traditional flavor.
Roll in crushed candy canes: For a minty touch, roll the chocolate-coated balls in crushed candy canes before allowing them to set.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the peanut butter balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating: These treats don’t require reheating, but if the chocolate coating becomes too soft, you can place them back in the refrigerator to firm up.

10 FAQs

Can I make these peanut butter balls ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare them a few days in advance. Store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy? Yes, crunchy peanut butter will add texture to the balls, giving them a slight crunch.
Can I use another type of cereal? While crispy rice cereal provides the perfect texture, you can substitute it with cornflakes or another type of cereal, though the result may vary slightly.
How do I melt the chocolate without burning it? Microwave the chocolate in short intervals (30 seconds at a time) and stir between each interval to ensure the chocolate melts evenly.
Can I freeze these peanut butter balls? Yes, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just be sure to place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
Can I use a different type of chocolate? Yes, you can use milk chocolate or white chocolate chips as an alternative to semisweet chocolate, depending on your taste preferences.
Can I make the peanut butter balls without shortening? The vegetable shortening helps give the chocolate a smoother consistency, but you can omit it if you prefer, though the coating may be a little firmer.
How do I make the chocolate coating extra shiny? Adding vegetable shortening, as specified in the recipe, helps give the chocolate a glossy finish.
What size should the balls be? Aim for about 1-inch diameter balls. You can make them larger or smaller, but this size ensures even coating and a nice bite.
How long do the peanut butter balls take to set? At room temperature, it usually takes about 30-60 minutes for the chocolate to harden. Refrigerating them will speed up the process to about 15 minutes.

Conclusion

Christmas Peanut Butter Balls are an easy and irresistible treat that blends creamy peanut butter with a sweet chocolate coating. These simple-to-make bites are perfect for holiday gifting or sharing at family gatherings. With their crunchy texture and decadent chocolate finish, they’re sure to become a holiday favorite!