Description
These Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls are a festive, no-bake treat combining crunchy Rice Krispies, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate coating. Enhanced with pecans, shredded coconut, and a touch of vanilla, these bite-sized delights are perfect for holiday celebrations and easy to make ahead.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Mixture
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 3 tbsp butter (softened)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup Rice Krispies cereal
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup shredded coconut
Chocolate Coating
- 1 package (about 12 oz) chocolate chips
- 1 square (about 1 oz) sweet chocolate
- Holiday sprinkles or mini festive decorations (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the base mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Add the Rice Krispies cereal, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes to firm up and make it easier to shape.
- Form the balls: Remove the chilled mixture from the refrigerator. Use your hands to roll the mixture into bite-sized balls approximately 1 inch in diameter. For added festivity, roll each ball in red or green sprinkles if desired. Chill the formed balls again before coating.
- Melt the chocolate: Using a double boiler method, gently melt the chocolate chips and the sweet chocolate square over low heat. Stir occasionally until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Remove from heat to prevent burning.
- Coat the balls with chocolate: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each Rice Krispie ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring full coverage. Place the coated balls on a sheet of parchment paper. While the chocolate is still soft, decorate each ball with holiday sprinkles or mini festive decorations for visual appeal.
- Set the coating: Place the chocolate-coated Rice Krispie balls into the refrigerator and allow the chocolate to set for at least one hour. For longer-term storage, these balls can be frozen to preserve freshness.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the chocolate has fully hardened, these sweet, crunchy Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls are ready to be served and enjoyed as a festive treat.
Notes
- Refrigeration helps the mixture firm up for easier rolling and better texture.
- The double boiler method is best for melting chocolate gently without burning.
- Use festive sprinkles to add color and holiday cheer to your treats.
- Store the balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
- Peanut butter can be substituted with almond butter for a different flavor.
- Make sure the chocolate coating is fully set before serving to avoid messiness.
