The Christmas baking season is in full swing and these Peanut Butter Balls are a fairly new tradition — and happily so! — in our family.
The recipe comes from my blogger friend, Val, over at Corn, Beans, Pigs and Kids and reminds me of a similar cookie (are these cookies?) my Grandma Doris used to make.
When Val originally shared the recipe a few years ago, I knew I had to make them — and since then, I’ve included them on my Christmas cookie list each year. (Joe is definitely not mad about that – these are a favorite!)
This recipe is incredibly easy and no bake — plus a perfect way to get kids involved in your Christmas baking traditions. They could help mix, roll out the balls, and even decorate the tops.
Pro tip: make sure you have a big enough bowl to do the mixing as there is quite a bit of dough here and it can get messy if your bowl isn’t large. (Just saying.)
What ingredients are needed?
- Creamy peanut butter
- Powdered sugar
- Crispy rice cereal (like Rice Krispies)
- Butter (salted or unsalted)
- Chocolate almond bark (or sometimes called candy coating like this product from Target)
What is almond bark?
Almond bark is a confectionery coating that mainly consists of vegetable fats, flavors and colors.
Is almond bark the same as candy coating?
Pretty much! I use both interchangeably … although I love the Target Chocolate Candy Coating because it comes in its own microwave tray that can double as your dipping tray to cover these Peanut Butter Balls!
Can I use white almond bark?
Absolutely — the vanilla flavored (white) Almond Bark / Candy Coating would be delicious!
How do I store Peanut Butter Balls?
Store these Peanut Butter Balls in a zipped plastic bag or plastic airtight container on the counter or refrigerator. (My family loves these cold!)
Can I freeze Peanut Butter Balls
Absolutely! These Peanut Butter Balls freeze beautifully in an airtight container!
If you make these fun treats – at Christmas or anytime – let me know what you think. And be sure to Pin the recipe to Pinterest if you love it!
Peanut Butter Balls
Equipment
- large mixing bowl
- 1 cup measuring cup
- Spoon and/or fork
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 18 ounces Creamy Peanut Butter If you can only find a 16 ounce jar, you'll be fine; perhaps add an extra scoop or so of peanut butter to the bowl
- 2 cups Powdered sugar
- 4 Tablespoons Butter softened
- 5 cups Crispy rice cereal
- 1.25 packages Almond bark / candy coating
Instructions
- Combine first four ingredients so that the mixture sticks together (but doesn't cover your hands with peanut butter).
- Roll mixture into balls about 1-inch wide (or the size of a quarter).
- Dip balls in almond bark / candy coating. I use a spoon to swirl the ball around in the almond bark/candy coating and then transfer it to a fork to drain off the excess before placing the covered ball on the parchment paper.
- Add any sprinkles you would like (or just keep them plain).
- Let the almond bark/candy coating set before moving to a storage container. (I set mine out in my very cool garage to expedite the process!)
- Store in the refrigerator or freezer.
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