Looking for the ultimate festive treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat? Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls are the answer to your holiday sweet tooth dreams! These bite-sized, no-bake delights bring together creamy peanut butter, crispy cereal, and a rich chocolate shell, all crowned with colorful sprinkles. They’re little balls of joy that everyone—kids and adults alike—will want to devour at every Christmas party or family gathering. If you’re eager for a merry kitchen project that’s sure to become a tradition, you’ll love how Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls come together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls, every ingredient plays a starring role in making these treats unforgettable. You’ll need just a handful of basics, each adding a unique touch—from sweet chocolatey richness to festive crunch. Let’s break down exactly what goes into this merry masterpiece!
- Rice Krispies Cereal: These light, crispy puffs are the backbone of each ball, delivering that signature crunch you crave with every bite.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: The heart and soul of the filling, peanut butter adds a creamy, nutty depth that pairs perfectly with the chocolate shell.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted together with peanut butter, it makes the mixture extra smooth and helps the balls hold their shape.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melting these provides a luscious, shiny coat—just the right balance of sweet and chocolatey for the perfect finish.
- Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the mixture without the graininess of regular sugar and makes each ball irresistibly tender within.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla amps up all the cozy flavors and adds a subtle warmth to each bite.
- Salt: Don’t forget this pinch—the secret ingredient that brings out the full depth of the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
- Holiday Sprinkles (optional): For a true Christmas touch, top your balls with colorful sprinkles that sparkle on your dessert table.
How to Make Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls
Step 1: Mix the Base
Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl and pouring in the Rice Krispies cereal and powdered sugar. Give them a quick toss together. This creates a sweet, fluffy base ready to soak up all that peanut-buttery magic. Don’t worry if things look a little powdery at first—it all comes together beautifully in the next step.
Step 2: Melt and Combine
Now, in a saucepan over low heat, gently melt the creamy peanut butter and unsalted butter until completely smooth and combined. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt for extra flavor. This glossy, nutty mixture is what gives Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls their signature melt-in-your-mouth richness!
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Pour the warm peanut butter blend over your cereal mixture. Using a sturdy spatula or even your hands (once it cools down a bit), mix until every crispy puff is coated. Don’t be shy—make sure there are no dry pockets left! Let the mixture cool until you can comfortably handle it, which makes the next part way less sticky.
Step 4: Shape Into Balls
Scoop up about a tablespoonful of mixture and roll it between your palms to form 1-inch balls. Place each festive orb onto a parchment-lined baking sheet so they don’t stick. This is the step where fun gets hands-on—get the family involved for a joyful assembly line!
Step 5: Dip in Chocolate and Decorate
Next, melt your semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth and glossy. Using a fork or dipping tool, roll each ball in the melted chocolate until fully coated. Set each chocolate-dipped ball back onto the parchment. If you’re adding holiday sprinkles, sprinkle them on right away before the chocolate sets. Let everything sit at room temperature or pop them in the fridge until the coating is firm and set.
How to Serve Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls
Garnishes
For that classic Christmas sparkle, holiday sprinkles are hard to beat! Try crushed candy canes, a dusting of edible glitter, or festive colored sugars for even more whimsy. Each topping not only looks gorgeous, but adds a hint of holiday cheer to every bite of your Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls.
Side Dishes
Serve these alongside mugs of hot cocoa, a plate of fresh fruit, or a bowl of mixed holiday nuts for a perfectly balanced dessert tray. The gentle crunch and chocolate of the balls pair especially well with creamy or tart flavors, making them an ideal companion to your Christmas sweets spread.
Creative Ways to Present
If you love giving edible gifts, arrange the Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls in festive tins, layered between sheets of parchment for a delightful surprise. For party tables, stack them on a three-tiered cake stand or skewer them onto lollipop sticks for a playful, portable treat. Their whimsical look makes them the star of any dessert display!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow manage to have leftovers, simply store your Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They’ll stay crisp-just-baked fresh, and the chocolate coating ensures they don’t get soggy or sticky.
Freezing
Planning ahead for a busy season? These treats freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just let them cool at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving.
Reheating
No need to reheat Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls—they’re meant to be enjoyed straight from the fridge or at room temperature. If you like your chocolate extra soft, set them out for a few minutes before serving for that perfectly tender bite.
FAQs
Can I use a different nut or seed butter?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a peanut-free version. You’ll still get the creamy texture with a slightly different flavor—perfect for anyone with peanut allergies.
Do I have to use holiday sprinkles?
Nope—feel free to get creative! Plain chocolate-dipped balls are just as delicious, or you can use any sprinkles you like, crushed cookies, chopped nuts, or even a pinch of sea salt for added flair.
Can kids help make Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls?
Definitely! This recipe is a wonderful hands-on project for little helpers. Kids can shape the balls, dip them in chocolate (with supervision), and go wild with the sprinkles. Just be sure to handle the hot ingredients yourself.
Can I double the recipe?
You sure can! The recipe easily doubles or even triples for parties or gift giving. Just make sure you have plenty of space to set all the finished balls as they set—prepare a few trays if needed!
How can I add extra holiday flavor?
Try mixing in a dash of cinnamon, a little orange zest, or some crushed candy canes into the cereal mixture before rolling for a fun holiday twist. These little touches make your Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls even more festive.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like sharing a plate of homemade Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls during the holidays—they capture all the magic and joy of the season in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a party, gifting them to friends, or sneaking a few for yourself with cocoa by the fire, this recipe is guaranteed to become a cherished Christmas tradition. Give them a try—you’ll be surprised how quickly they disappear!
Print
Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (includes cooling)
- Yield: 24 balls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls are a delightful holiday treat that combines the crunch of Rice Krispies with the rich flavors of chocolate and peanut butter. Perfect for festive gatherings or as a homemade gift, these no-bake treats are easy to make and always a hit.
Ingredients
Rice Krispie Balls:
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Peanut Butter Mixture:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Chocolate Coating:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Holiday sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
- Prepare Rice Krispie Balls: In a large bowl, combine Rice Krispies and powdered sugar.
- Melt Peanut Butter Mixture: In a saucepan over low heat, melt peanut butter and butter. Stir in vanilla extract and salt.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour peanut butter mixture over Rice Krispies and powdered sugar, mix well.
- Form Balls: Scoop and roll into 1-inch balls, place on a baking sheet.
- Coat in Chocolate: Melt chocolate chips, dip each ball, coat, and top with holiday sprinkles.
- Set: Let chocolate set at room temperature or refrigerate until firm.
Notes
- You can substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a peanut-free version.
- Add crushed candy canes or mini marshmallows for a festive twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
