These Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls are the perfect no-bake holiday treat! Packed with peanut butter, crunchy Rice Krispies, and sweet coconut, then dipped in chocolate and topped with festive sprinkles, they’re an irresistible addition to any holiday dessert spread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
- A no-bake recipe, ideal for kids to help with during the holidays.
- Perfect for gift-giving, cookie exchanges, or festive parties.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings or mix-ins.
- A delightful combination of textures—crunchy, creamy, and chocolatey!
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Balls:
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup Rice Krispies
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup shredded coconut
For the Coating:
- 1 package chocolate chips
- 1 square sweet chocolate
Optional:
- Festive holiday sprinkles or mini decorations
Directions
1. Mix the Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract.
- Stir in the Rice Krispies, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut until fully combined.
- Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
2. Shape the Balls
- Roll the chilled mixture into bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 1 hour to set.
3. Melt the Chocolate
- In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and sweet chocolate over low heat. Stir until smooth and glossy.
4. Coat the Balls
- Using a fork, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, rolling to coat evenly.
- Place the coated balls back on the parchment paper.
- While the chocolate is still wet, decorate with festive sprinkles or mini holiday decorations.
5. Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate the balls until the chocolate sets, about 15–20 minutes.
- For longer storage, freeze the balls in an airtight container.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 12 servings
- Calories: ~180 kcal per serving
Variations
- Nut-Free Option: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for an allergy-friendly treat.
- Add Crunch: Mix in crushed pretzels or toffee bits for extra texture.
- White Chocolate: Dip the balls in white chocolate for a snowy, festive look.
- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mix for holiday spice.
- Drizzle: After coating with chocolate, drizzle with contrasting melted chocolate for a decorative finish.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cereal?
Yes, you can substitute Rice Krispies with other crispy cereals like Corn Flakes or Cocoa Krispies.
2. How can I make the balls easier to roll?
Chilling the mixture before shaping helps it firm up, making it less sticky and easier to handle.
3. Can I skip the coconut?
Yes, replace the shredded coconut with extra Rice Krispies or chopped nuts.
4. What’s the best way to melt chocolate without a double boiler?
Microwave the chocolate in 15–20 second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted.
5. Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips for a vegan version.
6. Are there other toppings I can use?
Crushed candy canes, edible glitter, or chopped nuts make great alternatives to sprinkles.
7. Can kids help with this recipe?
Absolutely! Kids will enjoy rolling the balls and decorating them with sprinkles.
8. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture and works just as well.
9. How do I prevent the chocolate from clumping?
Keep the heat low when melting chocolate, and avoid letting water or steam touch it.
10. What can I serve with these treats?
Pair with hot cocoa, coffee, or as part of a holiday dessert platter.
Conclusion
Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls are an easy, festive, and crowd-pleasing holiday treat. With their delightful mix of peanut butter, crunch, and chocolate, these bite-sized desserts are perfect for celebrating the season. Make a batch (or two) and watch them disappear as everyone enjoys the holiday magic!
Print- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Get into the holiday spirit with these Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls! Filled with peanut butter, Rice Krispies, and pecans, then dipped in rich chocolate and topped with festive sprinkles, they’re the perfect no-bake treat for your celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Balls:
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 3 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup Rice Krispies
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup shredded coconut
For the Coating:
- 1 package chocolate chips
- 1 square sweet chocolate
Instructions
1. Mix Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla, Rice Krispies, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut. Mix well and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Form Balls:
- Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls. For a festive touch, roll them in red or green sprinkles. Chill for 1 hour.
3. Melt Chocolate:
- In a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips and sweet chocolate over low heat, stirring until smooth.
4. Coat the Balls:
- Using a fork, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Place on parchment paper and decorate with holiday sprinkles.
5. Chill and Set:
- Refrigerate the chocolate-coated balls until set. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container.
Notes
- Swap pecans with walnuts or omit for nut-free options.
- Add crushed candy canes to the topping for a peppermint twist.
- Perfect for gifting or as a festive dessert for holiday gatherings!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 180 kcal
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