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A delicious plate of Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls

Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls with Peanut Butter

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 20 servings
Course: Desserts and Sweets
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

  • For the Filling:
  • - ½ cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
  • Whether you prefer smooth or crunchy peanut butter, both will work well, adding a luscious consistency or a bit of extra crunch.
  • - 3 tbsp butter, softened
  • Softened butter ensures easy mixing and a smooth texture in the mixture.
  • - 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • This adds a warmth and depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
  • - 1 cup Rice Krispies cereal
  • The key to the delightful crunch in every bite.
  • - ½ cup chopped pecans, toasted (optional)
  • Toasting the pecans brings out their full, rich flavor, adding a delightful nutty note.
  • - 1 cup shredded coconut
  • For a tropical twist and extra texture, you can opt for sweetened or unsweetened coconut depending on your preference.
  • For the Coating:
  • - 1 package chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate)
  • Use your favorite type of chocolate to customize the sweetness and richness of your coating.
  • - 1 square sweet chocolate
  • This helps balance the flavors, especially if using a darker chocolate variety for the chips.

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and creamy. This mixture is the foundation of your Krispie Balls, providing both flavor and structure.
  2. Add the Rice Krispies cereal, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut to the bowl. Mix gently until all ingredients are well incorporated. Be careful not to crush the cereal to maintain that desirable crunch.
  3. Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into bite-sized balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. The size is up to you, but I find that about 1-inch balls are perfect for popping into your mouth.
  4. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and sweet chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted. Be patient and stir frequently to avoid burning the chocolate.
  5. Dip each Rice Krispie ball into the melted chocolate coating, ensuring it is fully covered. Use a fork to lift and allow excess chocolate to drip off. This step can be a bit messy but it’s worth every chocolatey finger!
  6. Place the coated balls back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until the chocolate hardens. This ensures a nice, crisp coating that holds up well during serving.
  7. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a festive and crunchy treat. The choice is yours; chilled offers a firmer bite, while room temperature gives a softer, gooey experience.

Notes

  • Toast pecans lightly in a dry skillet to bring out their nutty flavor before adding to the mixture.