Every Christmas growing up, my mom and I would make the same Christmas goodies– peanut butter balls and cut-out cookies. I loved helping my mom make and bake these special cookies at Christmastime. I always look forward to traveling home and making this peanut butter balls recipe with my mom. They’re the best peanut butter and chocolate treat in my opinion.
Now, I realize that some of you call these “Buckeyes” or “Buckeye Balls” even though my version involves completely covering them in chocolate and true Buckeyes are bare on top, but I grew up calling them peanut butter balls, so peanut butter balls they are.
I made these bad boys for our annual Christmas party this past weekend. I also made spinach dip with Hawaiian bread and peppermint chocolate cookies. And while it isn’t seasonal, I had a request from our friend who was visiting from out-of-state to make my famous peach cobbler, so I dug out some of the peaches I froze this summer.
Funny story, when one of our guy friends bit into one he started to giggle. Yes, imagine a grown man giggling with delight while eating a peanut butter ball. Success. (He may have had a few drinks in him, but I still consider it a success.)
These peanut butter balls are a huge hit! They're no bake, easy to make, and require only 5 ingredients!
- 3 c. crisped rice cereal measure out 3 c. then crush
- 2 c. smooth peanut butter
- 3/4 c. butter softened
- 3 3/4 c. powdered sugar
- 1 pound melting chocolate OR almond bark
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Mix together: 2 c. smooth peanut butter and 3/4 c. butter
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Add: 3 3/4 c. powdered sugar 3 c. crushed crisped rice cereal
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Chill mixture for 1-2 hours. Use cookie scoop to make uniform balls. Roll into balls. Melt 1 lb. of chocolate. Dip balls into chocolate. Remove with a toothpick. Place on foil or wax paper until cool.
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Yields 3-4 dozen peanut butter balls, dependent on size. Store in airtight container at room temperature. Best when eaten fresh or within 2-3 days.
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NOTES: If you're having a hard time getting the balls out of the chocolate with a toothpick, try a fork. Or refrigerate the balls for an hour before dipping. Do not substitute margarine for butter.
Some Peanut Butter Balls Notes:
I highly suggest using Peter Pan creamy peanut butter for these peanut butter balls. I’ve used other brands of peanut butter with this recipe, but PP is my favorite. I also suggest using this chocolate coating. I’ve never had any issues with it.
After hand mixing the peanut butter ball mixture for years, I’ll never go back after using this amazing piece of machinery. And I LOVE this accessory. Seriously, put them on your Christmas or birthday wish list.
I recommend putting the peanut butter mixture in the fridge for 1-2 hours before rolling. If you find that the balls aren’t rolling very well and seem to be sticky, add a little more confectioners sugar and crushed cereal. Also, I’ve found it’s easier to dip the balls if they’re refrigerated for an hour before dipping them in the melted chocolate. Simply roll them, place them on a baking sheet lined with wax paper or foil, and set them in the fridge. I also recommend using one of these to make the balls uniform in size. Best kitchen tool ever!
moosenoose says
I’m making some candy cane chocolate chunks for friends and family this year, and now I will def. be making some of your peanut butter balls to go with them – yuuuuuum!
patti says
My mother called them bon bond. One recipe she had used p.b. & dates. She also made the rice krispies ones, but used chunky p.b. She melted baking chocolate, chocolate chips & parafin wax for dipping. Just mixed up a 3rd batch.
mary hillegas says
we put chopped figs in ours.
Kim @ NewlyWoodwards says
I’ve gotta try these this year! Yummy!
DecorandtheDog says
These look fabulous! My MIL is a peanut butter ball pro so I leave that to her. 😛
Cassie says
Looks soooo yummy! I need to make these! Definitely fixing to share this on facebook & twitter. =D
HereBeDragons says
Definitely “peanut butter balls” – but no crisp rice in mine!
JEN says
EEEEXXXACCTLLLLYYYY!!!!!!
Rachel says
MMmmmmm, you’ve done it again! These look delicious! I love peanut butter treats. I think, though, this is destined to become another one of your “pretty” recipes that I completely demolish. It’ll taste just as good when they’re less perfectly-shiny-ballish and more creepy-lumpish though, I’m sure.
And thanks again for the guest post 🙂
the girl in the red shoes says
We call them peanut butter balls too…and yours look amazing!
Fashion Meets Food says
Oh yum! These look and sound amazing. I know what I am making tonight! xo
Holly says
You know as good as they taste and as much as I love PB and chocolate, I’ve never made these before. I need to change that. Thanks for sharing the recipe 🙂
Meg O. says
GET IN MAH BELLY. Now!!!
MomsFunMoney says
I have made these for years but instead of rice krispies I put in a cup of graham cracker crumbs. Also, I put parafin wax in with the melting chocolate to give them a shine. Yummy!
Joyce Ritchie says
Read your comment. My mom used to make these too and I know she used paraffin wax. How much do you use? She’s passed now and had no recipe so I have no idea how much she put in there with the chocolate.
Erin K says
I know I’m not the original poster, but my mom and I have made these since I can remember. We use a half a bar of the paraffin wax to 1 16oz bag of semi sweets!
Vanessa says
My recipe calls for a walnut sized chunk of wax.
CONNIE Sanders says
I use one fourth bar of parafin wax to 1 bag of milk chocolate chips.
Cecelia says
Yep !!! That’s right parafin wax……!!!
natasha {schue love} says
Love the addition of the crispy rice cereal!! We have an annual Christmas party too and these look like a great contender! 🙂 Thanks so much for linking up and sharing Chelsea!
Kristina says
I made these little bits of yummy for everyone last Christmas.
The Arizona Russums says
yes, i call them peanut butter balls too! i’ve never made them before because i would always just eat the ones my best friend’s mom made, but now that i’ve moved i am going to try your recipe!
Amber says
I love these and I’m either making these or cheesecake for christmas this year
Heidi says
Oh yum yum yum…I must make these today!! I would love for you to come link this up at our link party…junkintheirtrunk.blogspot.com/2011/12/link-it-up-wednesday-7.html
mrs. c says
My youngest brother stands at the door on Christmas until I bring in his jar filled with Buckeyes! I have not added Rice Krispies before but I am going to try it!
Laura S. says
Hi, I am making this receipe & I noticed that at the top you mention 1 1/2 sticks of butter but in your printable receipe you have 1 1/2 cups which is 3 sticks of butter. Since I used the printable receipe & my batter is very soft I think it’s probably 1 1/2 sticks, but just checking. Thanks!
Chelsea @ {twotwentyone} says
Ah! I’m so sorry Laura! Thanks for bringing that to my attention. I’ll fix the recipe card and upload it as soon as I get back from our Christmas travels.
Jazmine says
Hi! My boyfriend has been begging me to make him these, he’s a huge peanut butter fan. In all the other buckeyes receipes, they first put the balls in the fridge before dipping them in chocolate- is that necessary with this receipe?
Colleen M says
OMG! Just went through the comments and found out about the butter…no wonder I had soooooo much goo (filling)! they were still good although I have a ton left that I froze or I’d still be dipping peanut butter balls!!
Corrina says
Parrafin wax or just a tea. of vegetable oil to chocolate chips before melting gives the chocolate a nice shine after being dipped
shazrules says
OMG from two Peanut Butter Cup lovers thank you – I cant wait to make these. Also, Moosegoose – can I have your recipe for candy cane chocolate chunks please??? Thanks in advance 🙂
Kelly @ View Along the Way says
OMG. This is exactly the kind of recipe that would make me giggle with delight. Thanks for linking it up! Totally pinned.
Gwen says
I could totally eat my weight in those! But that would NOT be good, would it???
Thanks so much for sharing it at our Heirloom Recipe party! Amazeballs….
Debi @ Adorned From Above says
These look delicious. I have a Blog Hop tomorrow and would love to have you share this recipe. It’s called Wednesday’s Adorned From Above Blog Hop.. The link is
http://www.adornedfromabove.com
have a great week.
Debi
MamaBreedie says
Hi I’m am making these and wondering why the filling is so wet and sticky, it hold to roll.
Debbie says
I know them as Mississippi Mud Balls – peanut butter balls
Chrish says
Hi,
These Sounds like Yummy..!!
This Christmas Peanut Butter Balls look delicious and adorable.
I love this. I really excited to eat this.
Thanks For sharing….
Jen says
I LOVE peanut butter balls!!!! We plan to make these this weekend when we get together with my mom and sister to celebrate Thanksgiving.
And oh my, that snl skit is hilarious!!
Thanks for your recipe 🙂
Colleen says
I can’t wait to try and make these for the office. I noticed in the picture of your food products there is the almond bark package. Is this chocolate that you melted? Thank you
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Hi Colleen! Yeah, I always use almond bark for the chocolate coating.
Linda says
These look so yummy! Thanks for the recipe!
Nicole Anderson says
Yum, these look so good !! I’m from Australia and we don’t have butter bars, can you tell me how many oz is in a butter bar!
Thanks Nicole
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Hi Nicole! I’m a little confused by your question. Do you mean peanut butter?
Nicole Anderson says
Sorry I mean the sticks of butter – how many oz are they?
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
4 oz. 🙂
Nicole Anderson says
Sorry I mean the sticks of butter – how many oz are they?
McClain says
How many balls does this recipe make? Thanks!
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Depends on how big you make them. But you can get around 3-4 dozen out of this recipe.
Donna says
we call them mice cookies here in Newfoundland but we also add 4 cups of rice crispies and get 5 dozen cookies out of then you can shape them oval to look like mice or into balls we get more if you roll them into balls
makes these every year even 2 batches my kids love them excellent for freezing but they don’t last long enough at my house to freeze lol
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
That’s so fun, Donna! To be honest, they never stick around long enough for us either so we’ve never had to freeze them. 🙂
Christie says
Can these be frozen?
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
I’d be afraid the crisped rice would get soggy when thawed.
Wendy k says
You can freeze them. I do it all of the time. The rice cereal is not anymore soggy from the freezer than it would be coating it in peanut butter…
ellen g says
My family have made these for years also, they originated from my best friends family. Our’s are almost identical except we don’t use the cereal and we use more powdered sugar. They are delicious and are better than Reeses peanut butter cups. They can be frozen. We traditionally make these, frosted Christmas cookies and strawberry jam and share them with friends and family.
Tami says
I just made these for the very first time, and wow, they are rich! My batch made about 3.5 dozen and I was afraid the 1 lb of chocolate wasn’t going to be enough, but it was…with a bit left over. I couldn’t find Peter Pan peanut butter at my local grocery store, so I bought a low fat peanut butter and halved it with a regular peanut butter. *Someone had mentioned that their dough was “very” sticky. Mine wasn’t. I rolled into balls and set them back into the fridge while I heated the chocolate. This recipe is a keeper! =)
Caroline says
Hello , I made these today and they are delish…I had some trouble dipping them in the melted chocolate and getting them to look as nice as yours…could you put a picture of how you did that part? These are now a new addition to my Christmas baking list. Thanks for a great recipe!!
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Glad you like them!
Put them in the chocolate. Cover them with chocolate using a spoon. Stab with a toothpick and remove from the chocolate. If you have a hard time getting them out of the chocolate they’re either not dense enough or your chocolate isn’t thin enough. You can thin chocolate with a little bit of vegetable oil, but don’t go overboard or the chocolate won’t set up. Hope this helps!
Tara (@MissActress04) says
Hi!! I making these for Christmas and and am super excited for it!! I too was confused by the two different amounts of butter you said so I went back and read through the comments…and am still confused…exactly how much butter do we need?
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Go by the recipe card. I fixed it in the post text though. It’s 3/4 c. butter (1 1/2 sticks).
Tara (@MissActress04) says
I get confused easily so its not completely your fault lol…thanx!! i will let yo know how they turn out!!
Kari/SourdoughNative says
Thanks so much for the easy recipe, my teenage daughters are going to make these this afternoon! Can’t wait to try one!
Leon says
These look great! I think I would substitute the butter for coconut oil tho.
pam sheedy says
We always called them “buckeyes”, but when my daughter was small, she always thought we said “bug eyes”. So now that she is grown,, She traditionally makes ‘bug eyes.?
Andie says
My mom and I make fudge every year. 🙂 this year I’ll be making it on my own since my mom lives in IL and i live in TN
Susan says
I make these every year also and I use PP peanutbutter. I also use Kellog’s rice krispies as I find they stay crispy better then store brand. Love them!
Kandi says
My daughter has asked me to make these for her wedding reception. I want to make these in advance. Does anyone know if I can freeze them and take them out to thaw? Do they taste as good?
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
I have no idea since I’ve never put them in the freezer. Maybe make a batch, freeze them for a week or two, thaw, and sample.
Jennifer says
These have been my “secret ” recipe for yrs. I got it from a neighbor but once I started making them everyone associates them with me now and requests them every yr. They are the best! I use some parrifin wax in mine to give the chocolate a little shine. My sister makes the jalepeno popper dip! So we have a bit in common 😉
Conny says
You. are. awesome. (that is all – thank you)
Tina says
Hi! My son has dairy allergy. I was wondering if I could use safe chocolate chips instead of a melting chocolate? Or does it specifically have to be a melting chocolate? Something like ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate chips are safe, so it doesn’t have to be anything that is too out of the norm. Thanks!
Raquites says
that will work fine. 🙂 I use chocolate chips as well. I find I need to add about 1 tablespoon of oil to the chips when I melt them so that it is smooth and coats nicely.
Bobbi Johnson says
A couple questions… About how many balls does 1 batch make? And if I wanted to double the recipe is that ok?
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
About 5 dozen. I don’t see how doubling the recipe would alter it at all.
Gina says
Ours have always been a favorite in our home as well… but we use chopped graham crackers (best if you chop up your own so they’re not so finely chopped) in the place of rice crispy cereal. and because I prefer peanuts in mine, I use crunchy PB. I’ve never tried the rice crispy. We’ll have to try them next time. Buuuuut… Just like yours, ours are called Peanut Butter Balls too. Besides, A Peanut Butter Ball by any other name just isn’t the same! 😉
Tanya says
My husband’s great grandma makes these every year, and we can’t wait for the package to arrive. I don’t think she uses Peter Pan PB so we’ll definitely give that a try.
Wanda Castro says
I tried your recipe and they are soooooo good! I shaped mine into mini bars because we’re doing a Walking Dead theme at our office. So, I made “Morgan’s Peanut Butter bars.” Any ways, these were a big hit with everyone!
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Hah! That’s awesome! Although after the mid-season finale Morgan is currently my least favorite person.
Rebecca says
Do I really have to save this recipe until Christmas !!!! LOl Love peanut balls and am pinning this to make often. Thanks for sharing. PS-They must be soo good if you can make a grown man giggle !!!
Shreyashi Ganguly says
Hey Chelsea,
How do you know a recipe is gold? Cause after so much time people still get excited to see it pop up. Found your recipe on Something To Talk About party. I was planning on making some treats for the up-coming holiday season to give as home-made gifts to my family. These would be so perfect.
Thank you for sharing the recipe.
Cheers!
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
You’re welcome! Enjoy!
Lux says
I super love chocolate and peanut butter combo. Thanks for sharing. I hope to try this for Christmas.
Catherine says
I am not a huge peanut butter fan, however I have 2 people in my family who LOVE peanut butter. Totally making these as Christmas gifts for them! Thanks 🙂
Kathryn Doherty says
Such a classic! I love peanut butter balls – always my first stop on a cookie exchange table 🙂 Something about that combination… yum!
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Right? I have to give most of them away or I’ll eat the entire batch.
Sue's Akorn Shop says
Definitely making these!
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
You’ll love them!
Tara says
This is my 2nd time making these…. Is it okay to refrigerate the pb mix overnight?
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Yep! Enjoy!
Linda says
These look so delicious! I need to try to make these. Mmmmmmm…peanut butter and chocolate.
Stephanie says
My grandmother’s best friend and neighbor, both passed now, use to make these every Christmas. I remember sitting on my grandma’s step stool in her kitchen and eating the entire bin of them every year. I haven’t had them since being a child but not despite my best efforts to recreate! I’m hoping this recipe is the one as I remember her’s having riced cereal inside! Can’t wait for baking next weekend!
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
What a great memory! I hope they’re similar!
Megan says
My grandma used to make these! So addicting. I found out later though that her recipe had paraffin in the chocolate coating so I definitely will be replacing it with yours.
Tami says
Does anyone know how many balls this recipe will make?
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Depends on how big or small you make them. You’ll get a few dozen.
Tami says
and what kind of chocolate do you use?
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
I use almond bark. http://amzn.to/1IZvOid
Michelle says
Just made these. Didn’t refrigerate the pb before rolling in the chocolate. It was awful. Couldn’t pick them up with the toothpick. Not enough chocolate to cover them all. Is that because I didn’t refrigerate?
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Probably. It can also depend on the type of peanut butter you use. Some are oilier than others so you may need to add more crisped rice and powdered sugar to make them bind better.
Carmen says
Hi! I was looking for a peanut butter ball recipe and found yours on Pinterest. The recipes I got from friends and family are just basic, peanut butter, butter and confectioners sugar. I’m just wondering, what does the crushed crisp rice cereal do? Is it mainly for texture?
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Yep, texture.
Rose says
hi, I am a baking newbie and was just wondering if you use unsalted or saltened butter?? does it matter? thanks!
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Salted 🙂
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Salted 🙂
Angie says
Mine fell apart?
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Were they too dry or too gooey? Too dry, add more peanut butter. Too gooey, add more crisped rice and powdered sugar. The type of PB can also make a difference.
Sara says
These are way too sweet. The powdered sugar was way to overpowering. I used only 2 1/2 cups and it was still way to sweet. Also added a little more peanut butter the next time and it did seem to dull out some of the sugar taste. Any suggestions? Im afraid if i reduce the sugar anymore the consistency will be off??
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Some of it depends on the type of peanut butter and chocolate you use. I find that almond bark makes them a lot less sweet than if you were to use melting chocolate or melting chocolate chips. You can also try to reduce the sugar and increase the crisped rice cereal.
Leanne says
I love peanut butter balls and yours look delicious! I wish I had some right now so I guess I’ll need to make some for the family this week.
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Thanks, Leanne!
Michael says
Making them right now … and I might just end up eating the “dough” before I roll and dip. Very good.
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
No shame in that. Happy rolling, dipping, and eating!
Bill says
I just made these, they are amazing! I added espresso powder to the chocolate (1tbsp) to amplify the chocolate taste…wow! Thanks for sharing.
tatjana says
I will definitely try those! I am always craving sweet stuff but don’t have an oven at home to bake cookies or cakes. These peanut butter treats are a perfect alternative! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
dawn says
Loved these! But after making way too many batches, I had to try another way to coat chocolate. After MANY attempts, the best was using a metal whisk (open bendable). Insert one ball dip, shake and then open whisk and drop onto wax paper. Not only was this SO much faster , made a much nicer even coating than any other method AND ALOT less chocolate waste. (I did freeze the balls first and now only use the good dark chocolate to coat these-no wax/shortening)
Rachel Kessinger says
Can I swap graham cracker crumbs instead of crispy cereal? If so same amount, 3 cups??
Laura says
Rachel, just follow the recipe. If you want to replace an ingredient, you can’t expect the author to do it for you. Use your head. Gram cracker crumbs are not as “airy” as crisp cereal. If you want to replace the crisp cereal with graham cracker crumbs, start with one cup and check consistancy. If still too sticky to roll, add more… If you get a recipe from a cookbook, are you asking that author about substitutes too?
Laura says
Rachel, just follow the recipe. If you want to replace an ingredient, you can’t expect the author to do it for you. Use your head. Gram cracker crumbs are not as “airy” as crisp cereal. If you want to replace the crisp cereal with graham cracker crumbs, start with one cup and check consistancy. If still too sticky to roll, add more… If you get a recipe from a cookbook, are you asking that author about substitutes too?
cindy Hanna Harris says
Ok Laura, lighten up on Rachel! haha jeez
Eden Passante says
My mom used to make these for me when I was a kid! They’re so delicious I could eat a handful in one sitting! Love love love this recipe!!
Debbi says
Hello! I’m wanting to make these for Christmas…they look delicious! I’m having trouble finding Peter Pan peanut butter where I live. Has anyone out there used other peanut butters with success?
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Any brand of peanut butter will work, I just prefer Peter Pan. 🙂
Debbi says
Thanks Chelsea! I tried three different grocery stores with no luck. I can’t wait to try them…I’ll let you know in the next coming weeks how it goes.?
Patricia Schroll says
I make peanut butter balls every year for the Holiday. I know alot of people use tooth picks to remove them from the chocolate but I never have good luck by doing that.
You did a beautiful job decorating the porch and I’m sure the family loved your talent.
We wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
Trish says
Hi I am from Australia and my recipe is very similar. I have to put in freezer due to heat here but these treats are a firm favourite at Christmas. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones.
Jacquelyn says
This recipe was straight up aggravating. Followed it exactly and the filling was way too wet. Tried adding more icing sugar and rice crisps in random amounts to get it to hold together. Peanut butter balls would not stay on the tooth pick when dipping in the chocolate. Required way more chocolate as much was wasted on the wax paper. I would not use this recipe as is again.
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Dang, I’m sorry Jacquelyn. What brand of peanut butter did you use?
Jacquelyn says
I used a store brand regular smooth peanut butter (western family). 🙁
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Yeah, I’m thinking that was the issue. You’re going to want a higher quality peanut butter. Like I say in the post, I really prefer, and get the best results, from Peter Pan creamy peanut butter. Certain peanut butters have more oil than others, which can really affect the consistency. I made a batch the other day with Peter Pan and they came out perfectly.
Debbi says
Hi, I haven’t made these yet but was wondering how to store and how long will they keep?
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
I store in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best eaten fresh, but will stay good for 3-5 days. After that time the crisped rice starts to soften, and they lose their crispiness.
cristy jones says
Waw your peanut butter balls are above than awesome.thanks for share this.
Lola says
Thanks for the the tips
Pam says
Thanks for recipe. Made these when kids were younger, love them, lost the recipe. Also found candy making kit at Party City (around $10), made dipping the balls a breeze!
jerolyn says
Made these exactly as you directed and they are fantastic! they will kill a chocolate peanut butter craving instantly. Thank you for sharing this. these will be a huge hit at Christmas.
Olivia says
I’ve never tried it with the Rice Krispies, but my family always makes them with crushed graham crackers. Makes them absolute perfection. People that don’t even like peanut butter think or peanut butter balls are amazing. Reminiscent of butterfingers and Reese’s. You should definitely give it a try. Same recipe, but swap Rice Krispies for crushed graham crackers. You won’t regret it.
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