Christmas Peanut Butter Balls are a classic holiday treat that combines the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter with the sweetness of chocolate and a satisfying crunch from crispy rice cereal. These simple, no-bake bites are perfect for holiday parties, gifts, or just enjoying with family and friends. With only a few ingredients, you can create a festive treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 cups crispy rice cereal
- 3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
Directions
- In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and crispy rice cereal until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with wax paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and vegetable shortening together in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth and fully melted.
- Dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, coating it evenly.
- Place the coated balls back on the wax paper and let them set. You can let them cool at room temperature or place them in the refrigerator to speed up the process.
Servings and Timing
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 24 balls
Variations
- Use different chocolate: Try using milk chocolate or white chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate for a different flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt: For a sweet-salty combination, sprinkle a little sea salt on top of the chocolate before it sets.
- Make them festive: Add a little holiday flair by decorating the balls with colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or crushed candy canes.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store the peanut butter balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you prefer them to last longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: You can freeze these peanut butter balls for up to 1 month. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
10 FAQs
- Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter, but it will change the texture slightly. - Do I need to refrigerate these peanut butter balls?
While not necessary, refrigerating the peanut butter balls can help them set faster and keep them fresh longer. - Can I use a different cereal?
Yes, you can substitute the crispy rice cereal with cornflakes or even a gluten-free cereal for a different texture. - Can I make these without vegetable shortening?
The shortening helps make the chocolate coating smoother and shinier, but if you don’t have it, you can omit it or substitute with coconut oil. - How can I make these balls less sweet?
Use less powdered sugar to suit your taste, or opt for a less sweet chocolate, such as dark chocolate. - Can I dip these in chocolate using a fork?
Yes, using a fork is a good method to dip the balls in chocolate. Just make sure to gently tap off the excess chocolate before placing them on the wax paper. - Can I decorate these balls with toppings?
Yes, you can decorate the chocolate-coated balls with sprinkles, chopped nuts, or crushed candy canes for extra holiday flair. - Can I use peanut butter chips instead of chocolate chips?
Yes, peanut butter chips would work as a coating, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different. - Can I make these without the cereal?
If you prefer a smoother texture, you can leave out the cereal, but it will no longer have the crunchy element that makes this treat so special. - How long do these keep?
These peanut butter balls can last up to a week at room temperature or about two weeks in the fridge.
Conclusion
Christmas Peanut Butter Balls are a simple, delightful treat that combines classic flavors in a festive, easy-to-make package. Perfect for holiday parties, gifts, or just a sweet snack during the season, these delicious balls are sure to be a hit with everyone. With minimal time and ingredients, you can make a batch of these treats to enjoy and share with loved ones throughout the holidays.
PrintBirthday Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (or more depending on portion size) 1x
Description
These Birthday Brownies are rich, fudgy, and perfect for celebrating any occasion. With a rich cocoa flavor and a soft, chewy texture, they’re topped off with a festive spirit, making them ideal for birthday parties or any sweet celebration!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9 inch baking pan.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cocoa powder, flour, and baking powder.
- Mix in the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until well blended. Stir in the melted butter until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
- For added flair, you can top the brownies with colorful sprinkles or frosting to give them a true birthday vibe!
- You can also add chocolate chips or chunks to the batter for an extra chocolatey treat.
- Let the brownies cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes