Description
Celebrate the holidays with these Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls a delightful combination of creamy peanut butter, crunchy cereal, toasted pecans, and sweet coconut all coated in rich chocolate. These bite-sized festive treats are perfect for cookie exchanges, dessert platters, or as a make-ahead sweet to share with family and friends. They’re irresistibly crunchy, chocolatey, and full of holiday cheer in every bite!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Filling:
- ½ cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 3 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup Rice Krispies cereal
- ½ cup chopped pecans, toasted (optional)
- 1 cup shredded coconut
For the Coating:
- 1 package chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate)
- 1 square sweet chocolate
Instructions
- Mix the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Add Crunch: Add the Rice Krispies cereal, chopped pecans (if using), and shredded coconut. Gently fold the ingredients until evenly coated.
- Shape the Balls: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form bite-sized balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and sweet chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth. (You can also use a double boiler for better control.)
- Coat Each Ball: Dip each Rice Krispie ball into the melted chocolate, turning until fully coated. Lift with a fork and let the excess chocolate drip off.
- Set and Chill: Return the coated balls to the lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate hardens.
- Serve: Enjoy chilled for a snappy bite or let them sit at room temperature for a softer, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Notes
- Melting Chocolate Gently: Always melt chocolate over low heat or in short microwave bursts. Chocolate can scorch easily, especially sweet varieties, so constant stirring ensures a smooth and glossy finish.
- Chill Time Matters: Don’t rush the chilling process — it’s key for achieving that crisp, firm coating. Let the chocolate fully set in the refrigerator before serving to prevent smudging and ensure the best texture.
- Even Coating Tip: Use a fork or a dipping tool when coating the balls to allow excess chocolate to drip off evenly. This prevents clumps and gives each piece a professional, glossy look.
- Size Consistency: Keep the balls uniform in size for even coating and balanced flavor. A small cookie scoop works wonderfully to maintain consistency and speed up the process.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Candy, No-Bake Treats
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: chocolate peanut butter balls, rice krispie treats, christmas dessert, holiday candy, no bake sweets