It’s that time of year again—when the kitchen fills with warmth, the air smells of chocolatey goodness, and every recipe feels like a little holiday magic! Today, I’m sharing one of my all-time favorite Christmas treats: Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls. These bite-sized delights are the perfect balance of creamy peanut butter, crunchy Rice Krispies, and rich chocolate, all dressed up for the holiday season.
Trust me, these are not just festive—they’re irresistible! Perfect for gift-giving, holiday parties, or just a cozy night in with a warm cup of cocoa. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls
- Festive and Fun: With a sprinkle of red and green decorations, these little bites are like edible Christmas ornaments!
- Simple to Make: You don’t need fancy skills or tools—this is a no-fail recipe even for beginners.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re gifting them or serving them at a gathering, they’re always the first to disappear!
- Customizable: Want to make them nut-free? Prefer dark chocolate over milk? This recipe is endlessly adaptable.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make them ahead of time, and they’ll be ready whenever you need a festive treat.
What Do They Taste Like?
Imagine biting into a sweet, creamy peanut butter center with bits of crunchy Rice Krispies and nutty pecans, all wrapped in a velvety layer of chocolate. Every bite is a mix of textures—crispy, creamy, and chocolatey—with a hint of toasted coconut for extra depth. They’re indulgent yet light enough to keep you coming back for more (and more, and… you get the idea!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Filling
- ½ cup peanut butter: Smooth or crunchy, your choice!
- 3 tbsp butter (softened): Helps everything bind together beautifully.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor.
- 1 cup Rice Krispies: For that irresistible crunch.
- ½ cup chopped pecans: Toasted if you want extra flavor.
- 1 cup shredded coconut: Adds a lovely chewy texture.
For the Coating
- 1 package chocolate chips: Milk or semi-sweet, depending on your preference.
- 1 square sweet chocolate: Enhances the richness of the coating.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate
- Parchment paper-lined tray
- Fork or dipping tool for coating
- Refrigerator
How to Make Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls
Mix the Ingredients
Start by combining peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla in a large bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy. Add the Rice Krispies, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut, stirring until everything is evenly incorporated.
💡 Pro Tip: If the mixture feels sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle when shaping the balls.
Shape the Balls
Take about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball using your hands. For a festive touch, you can roll the balls in red or green sprinkles before chilling.
Place the balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate them for 1 hour to firm up.
Melt the Chocolate
Melt the chocolate chips and sweet chocolate together using a double boiler, or microwave them in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Be careful not to overheat, as chocolate can seize up.
Coat the Balls
Using a fork or a dipping tool, dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Lift it out, letting any excess chocolate drip off, and place it back onto the parchment paper.
While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the balls with festive decorations—think tiny holly leaves, gold stars, or classic Christmas sprinkles!
Chill and Serve
Let the coated balls set in the refrigerator until the chocolate is firm. Serve them immediately, or store them for later.
What to Serve with Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls
- A warm mug of hot chocolate with whipped cream.
- Add them to a platter with other holiday cookies and treats for a stunning dessert spread.
- Serve alongside salty snacks like pretzels or popcorn to balance the sweetness.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls
- Chill for Easy Handling: Don’t skip chilling the filling before shaping—it’ll make the process much smoother.
- Toast the Pecans: For a deeper, nuttier flavor, toast your pecans in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before adding them.
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: A good-quality chocolate makes all the difference in flavor and texture.
- Customize Decorations: Don’t stop at sprinkles—crushed candy canes or edible glitter can add a fun twist!
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store the balls in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Freezer: These freeze beautifully! Place them in a freezer-safe container and enjoy them for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these nut-free?
Absolutely! Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and skip the pecans. They’ll still be delicious!
Can I use white chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Yes! White chocolate makes for a beautiful snowy coating—just be careful not to overheat it while melting.
Can I skip the coconut?
If you’re not a fan of coconut, replace it with an additional ½ cup of Rice Krispies for extra crunch.
Final Thoughts
These Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls are the kind of recipe that brings people together. Whether you’re making them with family, gifting them to friends, or keeping a stash in the fridge for yourself (no judgment!), they’re guaranteed to bring a little extra joy to your holiday season.
If you’re looking for more sweet holiday inspiration, check out this Cheesecake Fudge Recipe—a Decadent No-Bake Treat or this Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll Recipe for something equally indulgent!
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, turn on your favorite Christmas tunes, and let’s get rolling!
If you make these, I’d love to hear how they turned out. Leave a comment below, or share your creations on Pinterest—don’t forget to tag me so I can see your holiday magic in action!
Happy holidays, and may your season be full of sweet treats and even sweeter memories. 🎁✨
Nutritional Information (per ball, approximate)
- Calories: 125
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 9g
Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls
Description
These Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls are the ultimate holiday treat! With a creamy peanut butter center, crunchy Rice Krispies, and rich chocolate coating, they’re festive, easy to make, and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for gifting, holiday parties, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- ½ cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 3 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup Rice Krispies
- ½ cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
- 1 cup shredded coconut
For the Coating:
- 1 package chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)
- 1 square sweet chocolate
Optional for Decoration:
- Red and green sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or edible glitter
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, mix peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add Rice Krispies, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut. Stir until evenly combined.
- If the mixture feels sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for easier handling.
- Shape the Balls:
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball.
- For a festive touch, roll the balls in red or green sprinkles.
- Place the balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up.
- Melt the Chocolate:
- Melt the chocolate chips and sweet chocolate together using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
- Coat the Balls:
- Use a fork or dipping tool to dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Let any excess chocolate drip off before placing it back onto the parchment-lined tray.
- Decorate with festive sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the coated balls until the chocolate is set.
- Serve immediately or store for later.
Notes
- Nut-Free Option: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and skip the pecans.
- White Chocolate Variation: Use white chocolate for a snowy, festive coating.
- No Coconut?: Replace the coconut with an additional ½ cup of Rice Krispies.
- Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.