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Crunchy PB Rice Balls are a no-cook treat that mix smooth peanut butter and yummy chocolate with crispy Rice Krispies. They're super simple to whip up and work great on holiday platters, as gifts, or just when you want something sweet. Their nutty taste and fun texture will make them a hit with everyone in your house.
What Makes These Munchies Special
These Crunchy PB Rice Balls bring back memories but with an awesome twist. Adding Rice Krispies gives you that satisfying snap that makes them better than regular peanut butter balls. You don't need to turn on your oven, they come together fast, and you can change them up however you want. Make them days ahead for parties, they keep really well and kids love helping roll them too.
What You'll Need for PB Balls
- Creamy Peanut Butter: 2 cups, this makes up the tasty base.
- Butter: ¼ cup softened, gives the right consistency.
- Powdered Sugar: 3 cups, adds sweetness and holds everything together.
- Rice Krispies Cereal: 2 cups, creates that awesome crunch.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, boosts the overall taste.
- Chocolate Chips: 16 ounces, for covering the balls (pick milk or dark).
- Shortening: 2 tablespoons, makes the chocolate smoother for dipping.
Steps to Create PB Balls
- Blend the Foundation
- Grab a big bowl and mix peanut butter, soft butter, and vanilla until it's all smooth and uniform.
- Mix in the Dry Stuff
- Slowly add powdered sugar while stirring until everything's combined. Your mixture will get pretty thick.
- Throw in the Crunch
- Stir in Rice Krispies carefully until they're spread evenly through the mix.
- Shape Your Treats
- Roll everything into small 1-inch balls and put them on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Chill them for 30 minutes to firm up.
Adding the Chocolate Layer
- Get Your Chocolate Ready
- Melt your chocolate chips with shortening in the microwave using 30-second bursts, stirring after each until it's all smooth.
- Coat Each Ball
- Use a fork to dunk each cold peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, letting extra chocolate drip away.
- Add Toppings
- Put the chocolate-covered balls back on parchment and sprinkle on any toppings you want before the chocolate hardens.
- Let Them Harden
- Pop them back in the fridge for about 15 minutes until the chocolate completely firms up.
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Keeping Your PB Balls Fresh
Pop your PB Balls in a sealed container in the fridge and they'll stay good for a week. Want to keep them longer? Stick them in the freezer in a proper container for several weeks. They're great to make ahead for gift-giving or just to have around when you need a sweet bite.
Tricks and Twists
* PB Choices: Go with creamy peanut butter for a silky filling or chunky if you want extra bits in there.
* Better Chocolate: Try tempering your chocolate before dipping for a shiny finish.
* Dress Them Up: Throw some extra Rice Krispies, a pinch of sea salt, or fun seasonal sprinkles on top while the chocolate's still soft.
* Smart Freezing: Freeze the balls separately on a tray before putting them together in a container so they won't stick to each other.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I store these treats in the freezer?
Absolutely! Keep them in an airtight container lined with wax paper, and they'll stay fresh for weeks. Keeps them from sticking together too.
- → Why include shortening in melted chocolate?
The shortening helps soften the chocolate, making it easier to coat the treats. It also gives the finish a polished, smooth look and prevents cracks.
- → Can I use the natural version of peanut butter?
Stick with regular peanut butter—smooth or crunchy. Natural ones can be too oily and might mess up the consistency.
- → How much should I crush the cereal?
Break them into smaller pieces, but don't crush them completely. You want a bit of crunch left, not fine crumbs.
- → What's the reason for chilling the balls?
Chilling firms them up so they keep their shape and don't fall apart while dipping in chocolate.