I remember the first time I made Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies—it was one of those evenings when I didn’t have much planned, and dinner felt like a bit of a scramble. My kids had just finished soccer practice, and I wanted something quick, filling, and something I could trust everyone would actually eat. These no-bake peanut butter balls saved the night. What makes this recipe such a winner is how simple it is to throw together with pantry staples, yet it delivers that perfect mix of creamy peanut butter flavor and crispy crunch from the Rice Krispies.
Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies fit right into everyday home cooking because you don’t need fancy ingredients or long prep time. Plus, they’re a fantastic option when you need a snack or a quick dessert that feels homemade. Over the years, this recipe has become my go-to when I want an easy peanut butter treat that my family loves, and I’m always happy to share it with friends who often tell me how much they appreciate a no-fuss dessert.
If you’re a fellow home cook looking for a recipe with come-as-you-are ingredients and consistently delicious results, these Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies are for you. They bring together familiar, comforting flavors and a fun crispy texture that everyone can enjoy. Ready for simple, reliable, and tasty? Let’s get cooking.
What You’ll Need:

- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (You can swap in natural peanut butter if you like it less sweet. Either way works great in Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies.)
- 1/2 cup honey (Found in the baking or syrup aisle. Maple syrup is a budget-friendly swap and gives a slightly different flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (A little magic that brings everything together.)
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal (This is the crispy crunch base—no substitute quite matches the texture in these peanut butter treats.)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (If you want to dial down the sweetness, start with 3/4 cup and add more as you go.)
- Optional: 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (For a little extra fun, mix in some).
This Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies recipe uses ingredients you probably have on hand. Peanut butter, honey, and Rice Krispies are pantry staples for many homes, so there’s no need for a special trip to the store. Plus, these ingredients are reasonable on the budget and make for a snack that feels like a treat without guilt.
If you find yourself short on powdered sugar, you can try finely crushed graham crackers for a slightly different texture, but I really like how the powdered sugar blends smoothly in these crispy peanut butter snacks. For quick prep, just measure out everything as you start. No chopping or cooking needed here.
If you have extras, store the Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or pop them in the fridge if your kitchen is warm. They’ll keep their shape and taste just right whenever you need a quick bite.
Let’s Make It Together:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps your Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and honey. Stir them together until smooth. This simple no-bake peanut butter balls base is where that creamy flavor starts.
- Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar. Mix until fully blended. The sugar will make the mixture thick and manageable for shaping.
- Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal. Use a spatula to combine until the cereal is evenly coated but still light and crispy. Don’t overmix or the cereal will get mushy.
- If you’re adding chocolate chips, stir them in now. It adds a nice little surprise in every bite.
- Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch balls. This part gets a little sticky, but that means your Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies are just right.
- Place each ball on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Once you’ve shaped them all, pop the tray into the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- After chilling, serve or store your Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies in an airtight container.
From start to finish, this Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies recipe takes about 45 minutes, including chilling time. While the balls firm up, you can tidy up the kitchen or prepare a simple side dish. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing when you’re mixing the peanut butter and honey.
Don’t worry if the mixture feels a bit soft at first—chilling helps everything hold together. This is where I used to rush my Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies, but taking your time cooling them down really pays off for the perfect texture.
If you want to speed things up, you can freeze the balls for 15 minutes instead of chilling. Just watch them closely so they don’t freeze solid.
How to Serve & Enjoy:

I usually serve these Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies as a sweet snack after school or a light dessert at a casual dinner. They pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot tea. Their crunchy texture and peanut butter flavor make them a hit for both kids and adults.
For gatherings, these crispy peanut butter snacks are great finger food. I like arranging them on a simple platter with some fresh fruit or even alongside other homemade Rice Krispies desserts to keep things fun.
This recipe shines during the colder months as a cozy treat, but I also love it as a quick fix in warmer weather since it’s no-bake and doesn’t heat up the kitchen. You could try rolling your Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies in crushed nuts or a dusting of cocoa powder for a little extra flair.
If you have leftovers, they freeze beautifully, making for quick grab-and-go bites whenever cravings hit. I’ve even sliced them thin and used them as a crunchy topping on yogurt or ice cream for a creative twist.
For a flavor boost, my friends once suggested drizzling melted chocolate on these chocolate covered peanut butter crunch balls. That’s a great way to turn these crispy peanut butter snacks into a little party dessert.
Your Questions Answered:
Can I make these Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies ahead of time?
Absolutely! They keep well in the fridge for up to a week and freeze nicely for longer storage. Just thaw before serving if frozen.
What’s a good substitute for honey in this recipe?
Maple syrup or corn syrup works as a simple swap, keeping that sticky sweetness intact.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
You can, but the texture will be a bit different—those little peanut chunks add extra crunch to the already crispy cereal. I’ve tried both and still love the classic creamy for smooth Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies.
How do I adjust the recipe for more or fewer people?
It’s easy to scale. Just keep the peanut butter and honey ratio close (1 cup peanut butter to 1/2 cup honey) and add Rice Krispies until the mixture feels right. For smaller batches, I recommend halving the ingredients.
Is powdered sugar necessary?
It helps bind the balls and adds sweetness. If you want to avoid it, try using a bit more peanut butter or honey, but your Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies might be softer.
Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Mini chocolate chips are a favorite in my house, and I’ve also tried shredded coconut or chopped nuts for a twist.
Why are mine sometimes crumbly?
If your mixture feels crumbly, you probably need a bit more honey or peanut butter to help it stick. Add a teaspoon at a time and mix until it holds together well.
If you want to see a similar approach to no-bake peanut butter balls, check out this No Bake Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies recipe for more inspiration.
Final Thoughts:
Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies has earned a special place in my recipe collection because it’s reliable, straightforward, and delicious every time. The combination of creamy peanut butter and crunchy cereal makes it a crowd-pleaser that feels like a small indulgence without the fuss.
My Best Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies Tips:
- Take your time mixing the Rice Krispies in gently to keep the crispy texture.
- Chill the balls well before serving for the best shape and bite.
- Don’t skimp on the powdered sugar—it really helps the balls hold together.
Over time, I’ve tested a few tasty variations. Adding mini chocolate chips was a hit with my kids. Rolling the balls in chopped nuts added a nice crunch I didn’t expect. Once, I swapped peanut butter for almond butter and got a nutty spin that my friends enjoyed at a potluck.
The most requested version? The classic Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies recipe you just made—comforting, quick, and familiar.
I hope you find as much joy making this easy peanut butter recipe as my family does. It’s one of those dependable dishes that delivers every time you need a delicious and doable snack. If you love a good peanut butter cookie bite or the nostalgia of a classic old fashioned peanut butter pie, you’ll appreciate this recipe’s simplicity too.
If you want a taste of something different but still reliable, try this savory easy yaki onigiri grilled rice balls. Cooking friends, I’m cheering you on to make these Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies your new favorite snack. They won’t let you down.
Enjoy every bite!
Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies
Delicious peanut butter balls mixed with crispy Rice Krispies create a natural and delightful no-bake treat perfect for snacking or dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- Optional: 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and mix well.
- Fold in Rice Krispies cereal and chocolate chips if using, until fully coated.
- Using your hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until firm before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, roll the peanut butter balls in crushed nuts or drizzle with melted chocolate before chilling.

