Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls Recipe
Bring sparkle to your holiday table with Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls – a crowd-pleasing, no-bake treat that tastes as festive as it looks. Imagine creamy chocolate and peanut butter wrapped around crispy cereal, rolled up and coated with colorful sprinkles or a zing of peppermint for that magical, holiday touch. These little bites come together in a snap and are just as fun to make as they are to eat, making them perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or a cozy night-in with family. Plus, they’re always gone in a flash!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of pantry basics to whip up a batch, but each ingredient plays a starring role in making these bites absolutely irresistible. Let’s break down how every component brings flavor, crunch, or festive flair to the Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls.
- Rice Krispies cereal: The main source of crunch, these crisp little bits bring the signature snappy texture.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts into creamy decadence and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Creamy peanut butter: Adds richness and a subtle nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- Unsalted butter: Binds everything together and makes the base extra smooth and luscious.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and helps hold the mixture’s shape for perfect, rollable balls.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances both the chocolate and peanut butter with a warm, cozy undertone.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweet and draw out big flavor in every bite.
- Festive sprinkles or crushed peppermint candies: The essential festive touch for a dazzling holiday presentation!
How to Make Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls
Step 1: Melt and Mix the Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Butter
Start by setting a medium saucepan over low heat and adding the chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and unsalted butter. Stir gently and continuously until everything melts down into a glossy, smooth mixture. Keep the heat low—this helps prevent scorching so you get a silky chocolate base for your Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls.
Step 2: Add Vanilla, Powdered Sugar, and Salt
Once your chocolatey mixture is nice and smooth, remove the pan from the heat. Now’s the flavor-boosting moment: stir in the vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and just a hint of salt. Mix well until everything is fully combined and the mixture starts to thicken slightly.
Step 3: Fold in the Rice Krispies
Next, pour in the Rice Krispies cereal and gently fold until all those crispy pieces are evenly coated with the chocolate-peanut butter mixture. Take your time here to be gentle and preserve the cereal’s crunch—it’s the secret to that magical texture in Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls!
Step 4: Cool the Mixture
Before shaping into balls, let the mixture cool for about 10 to 15 minutes. It should be firm enough to handle but still warm. This waiting period helps everything stick together beautifully in the next step and saves your hands from getting too sticky.
Step 5: Shape and Decorate
Scoop up tablespoon-sized portions (a small cookie scoop works wonders!) and roll them into balls using your hands. Place each ball on a tray lined with parchment paper. While they’re still a little soft, roll or sprinkle them with festive sprinkles or crushed peppermint candies—have fun and get creative with your decorations!
Step 6: Chill Until Firm
Pop your tray of decorated Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling lets them set up to the perfect, poppable texture—ready for snacking, sharing, and gifting.
How to Serve Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls
Garnishes
A finishing touch of classic red and green holiday sprinkles makes these treats instantly festive, but you can go beyond—try white chocolate drizzle, tiny nonpareils, or a dusting of crushed peppermint for a wintery zing. There’s no wrong way to make your Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls shine!
Side Dishes
These sweet bites are fabulous alongside mugs of hot cocoa, warm apple cider, or spiced holiday teas. For a dessert platter, serve with slices of fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—each chilly mouthful pairs deliciously well with the creamy, crispy balls.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile these beauties into a festive tin lined with tissue paper for a cheerful edible gift, or arrange them on a holiday platter for your next cookie exchange. You can even skewer them on sticks to create Rice Krispie “pops”—perfect for little hands and party tables alike!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay delightfully fresh and crispy for up to a week, and their bite-sized shape makes them an easy grab-and-go treat whenever you need a quick holiday pick-me-up.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, you can absolutely freeze these! Arrange the finished balls in a single layer on a baking tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to zip-lock bags or a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just let them thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
No reheating is necessary—these are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so just pop them out of the fridge (or let thaw from frozen) and they’re ready to serve. If you prefer a softer center, let them sit out on the counter for a few minutes before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I use white chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?
Yes! White chocolate will give a sweeter, creamier take on the traditional recipe. Just swap it in place of the semi-sweet chocolate chips, and you can even drizzle some on top for extra flair. The result is a delightful twist on Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls.
What’s the best way to crush peppermint candies without making a mess?
Place peppermint candies in a sturdy zip-top bag, seal tightly, and then give them a few firm whacks with a rolling pin or the back of a heavy spoon. This keeps crumbs contained and gives you pretty, sparkling bits for decorating your Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls.
Can I make these Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls nut-free?
Absolutely! Swap out peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or your favorite nut-free spread. Just make sure the substitute is creamy and not too runny for the best texture and flavor.
Are these treats suitable for a cookie exchange?
They’re a fantastic cookie exchange addition! Their festive look, bite-sized joy, and simple, no-bake process make Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls a perennial favorite everyone loves to take home (if they last that long!).
Can I double the recipe for a big crowd?
Go for it! This recipe doubles (even triples) beautifully. Use a larger saucepan for melting, and enlist helpers for rolling and decorating if you want to speed things up—a great family project for the holidays.
Final Thoughts
With their cravable crunch, chocolatey-peanut butter goodness, and endless decorating options, Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls are destined to become a new holiday tradition. Gather your ingredients, share the fun with loved ones, and let your creativity shine—these no-bake treats are pure festive joy in every bite!
Print
Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 24 balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls are a delightful holiday treat that combines the classic flavors of chocolate, peanut butter, and crispy cereal. Easy to make and perfect for gifting or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Decorating:
- festive sprinkles or crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Melt Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter together, stirring constantly until smooth.
- Combine: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and salt until fully combined.
- Add Cereal: Fold in the Rice Krispies cereal and mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Form Balls: Let the mixture cool slightly until firm, then scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls.
- Decorate: While still warm, roll the balls in sprinkles or crushed peppermint candies.
- Chill: Place on a tray lined with parchment paper, refrigerate for 30 minutes until firm. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can use white chocolate chips or drizzle with melted chocolate for variety.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for longer.
- Great for gifting or cookie exchanges!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
