There are treats I only make at Christmas time and Peanut Butter Balls are one of them. Even though everyone loves to eat them, well, they are kind of a pain in the ass to make. This year, though, Hannah helped me and they worked up very quickly. I think this is probably a recipe that everyone has already since it’s an oldie (my mom made them when I was a kid and I think I’ve had them as part of Christmas for about 40 years now) but it’s also a goodie so I’m going to share it here.
Plus, it gives me an excuse to show you how I made them extra pretty this year.
Peanut Butter Balls
3 cups Rice Krispies
3 1/2 cups of powdered sugar
2 cups of peanut butter
1 stick of melted butter.Combine all of the above ingredients. I find the easiest way is to mix the cereal, powdered sugar and peanut butter together and then slowly add the melted butter. I do all of this in my stand mixer and it goes together pretty quickly – plus the mixer crushes the cereal a bit and that’s a good thing.
Once the ingredients are all mixed then form the mixture into small balls. I use my smallest scoop, I think it’s a teaspoon size, to make the balls quickly and then I roll them with my hands to make them smooth.
Melt 2 cups (or more if necessary) of chocolate chips in the top of a double boiler. I also thin the chocolate with a bit of shortening to make it more . . . dippable. And yes, that is so a word. Dip each peanut butter ball completely in the chocolate and put on a waxed paper lined baking sheet to set up.
Once the chocolate has set you can melt some white chocolate and then drizzle it over the top. I did this by putting it in a small sandwich bag and then making a teeny tiny snip in one corner. Then I just went back and forth over the rows with the white chocolate and then I sprinkled them with green sugar. This little extra effort really makes them look Christmas-y and special for the season.
Enjoy!
Seanna Lea Said,
I love these. I remember making them with instructions to add paraffin to the chocolate. I obviously wouldn’t do that anymore!
margene Said,
Smith would love them!!
Marilyn Said,
Sounds yummy and I didn’t have this recipe yet!
Jo-Ann Said,
Those look super pretty
I might give those a try!
Kym Said,
YUM! I have a friend who makes some for me every year, so I’ve never actually made them myself. . . Yours are lovely!
Donna Said,
I love these. They will be on the agenda for this weekend. And now I don’t have to go look up the recipe. Thanks!
Robby Said,
Oh, yum! Haven’t had these in ages, but remember them fondly. And yours are extra pretty. They got consumed so fast decorating them never happened when I was a kid.
Patty Said,
I haven’t made these in years either! (But I did make your sugar cookies last night!) Could be on the list for the weekend, thanks Carole!
Tmk45 Said,
Yum! Can’t wait to try them
Mary K. in Rockport Said,
Ummm-mmmm! We have a similar recipe, although no peanut butter and oatmeal instead of rice krispies, that we call Gorilla Noses. (They had an original name that was very rude.) I guess they’re not so similar after all! People do seem to love peanut butter and chocolate together, while there is an aversion to oatmeal, so perhaps we’ll give your recipe a try.
Marcy Said,
My MIL has always made the peanut butter balls (same recipe) but she’s gone now. I decided to surprise my husband with a batch. The dipping part was a major pain in the patootie, so next time I will try your hint of putting in a little shortening. Thanks! I guess it’s also time to invest in a double boiler. You can tell I’m not much of a baker! Right now I’m carmelizing onions…..not much good in a cookie recipe. Happy Holidays.
Jo Said,
Okay, I am wierd. I love chocolate. i love peanut butter. However, the two together…not so much. Anyway, your Peanut Butter Balls are beautiful!
Judy Said,
They look beautiful! I am so happy you turned on your snow again this year!
Suzanne Said,
They look yummy! May have to make some of these.
Laurie Said,
Yes, and SNOW!