Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls That Disappear Faster Than You Can Make Them
Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls That Disappear Faster Than You Can Make Them
There are some recipes that don’t even pretend to be subtle. They’re rich, indulgent, unapologetically sweet, and somehow tied to every holiday, potluck, and family gathering you’ve ever attended. Chocolate covered peanut butter balls are firmly in that category. They’re the kind of treat that shows up on a tray and vanishes first, leaving behind nothing but a few smears of chocolate and someone asking who made them.
This is not a dainty dessert. This is comfort food candy. The kind that smells like melted butter and peanut butter warming on the stove while you’re standing in the kitchen “just checking” and accidentally eating three before they’re even dipped. They taste like holidays at someone’s house where the kitchen is too warm, the counters are full, and nobody is counting calories because that would be deeply missing the point.
What makes these peanut butter balls so special is the texture. Creamy, slightly crunchy from the graham crackers and rice cereal, wrapped in a smooth chocolate shell that snaps just enough when you bite into it. They’re nostalgic in the best way, reminding you of old recipe cards, handwritten notes, and the kind of desserts people guarded like secrets.
These are the treats you make when you want to feed a crowd, stock the freezer, or just feel prepared for life’s unexpected sweet emergencies. They’re sturdy, generous, and impossible to ignore. And yes, they absolutely deserve to be stored “far away from the children,” which frankly includes most adults.
Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients
20 ounces creamy Peanut Butter
1 pound + 2 Tbsp Butter
2 pounds powder sugar
3 c. crushed graham crackers
3 c. Rice Cereal
2 pounds dark chocolate melting wafers/candy quik/almond bark
Directions
Melt the peanut butter and butter over medium-low heat. Once melted remove from heat and immediately add powder sugar, graham crackers, and rice cereal (I prefer Rice Krispies, they tend to remain crisp much longer). Mix until completely blended.
Form mixture into balls (I use a small, 1 Tbsp. scoop for more uniform balls) and roll quickly in hands to firmly pack. Put on parchment paper lined pans in a single layer. Once all mixture is formed into balls place into freezer for a few hours to chill and set before dipping.
Melt the chocolate per instructions on the package (I use Ghirardelli candy making & dipping chocolate..YUM…but any almond bark will suffice). Dip the peanut butter balls into the chocolate, using a fork, and tap on side of bowl to remove excess chocolate. Place balls back on parchment paper to harden.
Once the chocolate is hardened place candy in layers, separated with paper towels (absorbs any moisture the chocolate might let off), in an airtight container in a cool area, far away from the children – lest they eat all of them!
(CAN BE FROZEN!!!)
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Balls Every Time
The key to these peanut butter balls is working efficiently once the mixture is warm. Rolling and packing the balls firmly helps them hold together during dipping and prevents cracking later. A small scoop keeps the size consistent, which makes dipping much easier and cleaner.
Freezing the balls before dipping is not optional unless you enjoy chaos. Cold centers help the chocolate set quickly and evenly, giving you that smooth, professional-looking finish. If the balls start to soften while you’re dipping, simply pop the tray back into the freezer for a few minutes.
When it comes to chocolate, use what you love. Melting wafers and almond bark are forgiving and easy to work with, especially for large batches. Stir gently and avoid overheating, since scorched chocolate has no interest in cooperating with anyone.
Serving Ideas and When to Make Them
These peanut butter balls are a classic for holidays, especially Christmas, but they’re just as welcome at birthday parties, bake sales, and potlucks. Because they’re rich, they’re best served in small portions, which conveniently makes them feel endless.
They’re excellent paired with coffee, milk, or tucked into dessert trays with cookies and fudge. You can also package them in gift boxes or tins for homemade gifts that people actually want to receive.
And yes, making them “just because” is completely valid. Life is exhausting. Chocolate helps.
Storage and Freezing Tips
Once the chocolate has fully hardened, store the peanut butter balls in an airtight container in a cool place. Separating layers with paper towels helps absorb moisture and keeps the chocolate looking its best.
These freeze exceptionally well. Store them in freezer-safe containers and thaw slightly before serving, or eat them straight from the freezer for a firmer, candy-like texture. Freezing also makes them perfect for long-term storage and advance prep before holidays or events.
Keeping them hidden is strongly recommended if you want them to last more than a day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
You can, but the texture will be more crumbly and less smooth. Creamy peanut butter works best for binding everything together.
Why is the mixture frozen before dipping?
Freezing helps the balls keep their shape and makes dipping much easier by preventing melting and breakage.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they’re ideal for making ahead. They store well in both the fridge and freezer.
Do these travel well?
As long as they’re kept cool, they travel very well and hold up nicely for gatherings and events.
