These Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls are a fun and delicious twist on the classic Rice Krispies Treats. Perfect for parties, gifts, or a sweet treat to enjoy anytime, these little bites of crispy, chocolatey goodness are a crowd-pleaser. They combine the crunch of Rice Krispies with the richness of chocolate and are coated in a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth layer of chocolate for extra flavor.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate chips, depending on your preference)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (or almond butter for a twist)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 bag (10 oz) mini marshmallows
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or sprinkles (optional for decoration)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Rice Krispie Mixture:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the peanut butter and stir until smooth.
- Add the marshmallows to the saucepan and stir constantly until the marshmallows are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt for extra flavor.
- Combine the Rice Krispies:
- Add the Rice Krispies cereal to the melted marshmallow mixture and gently stir until all the cereal is coated evenly.
- Form the Balls:
- Allow the mixture to cool for about 5 minutes. Once it is cool enough to handle but still slightly warm, grease your hands with a little butter or cooking spray.
- Take a small amount of the mixture and roll it into balls, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Place each ball onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Coat the Rice Krispie Balls:
- In a separate heatproof bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate chips) in the microwave, stirring every 20 seconds to avoid burning. Once smooth, dip each Rice Krispie ball into the melted chocolate, coating it completely.
- Place the chocolate-covered balls back onto the parchment paper to set.
- Optional Decorations:
- Before the chocolate coating sets, you can decorate the Rice Krispie balls with mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or any decoration of your choice for extra flair.
- Let the Chocolate Set:
- Allow the chocolate to harden completely, which will take about 30 minutes. You can place the tray in the refrigerator for faster setting.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the chocolate is set, your Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls are ready to serve! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Cook Notes:
- Texture Tip: If you want a smoother finish on your Rice Krispie balls, let the marshmallow mixture cool down a bit more before rolling it into balls. This prevents them from being too sticky.
- Peanut Butter Variations: If you’re allergic to peanuts, you can use almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or cashew butter instead.
- Chocolate Coating Alternatives: Try white chocolate chips, or for a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips to coat the balls. You can even drizzle extra chocolate on top for a more decadent look.
Variations:
- Mint Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the melted marshmallow mixture for a minty twist. Coat with dark chocolate for an extra festive touch.
- Coconut Rice Krispie Balls: Roll the balls in shredded coconut instead of sprinkles or mini chocolate chips for a tropical flavor.
- Nutty Rice Krispie Balls: Mix in some chopped nuts, such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts, into the Rice Krispie mixture for added crunch and texture.
Keto / Low Carb Version:
For a lower-carb version, substitute the Rice Krispies cereal with a keto-friendly option like keto puffed rice or crushed pork rinds. Use sugar-free chocolate chips and a low-carb sweetener like erythritol instead of regular sugar to keep the carb count low.
Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls are the perfect bite-sized treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or just craving something indulgent, these balls are simple to make and customizable to suit any taste. Their crispy texture, chocolatey coating, and endless variation options make them a guaranteed hit every time.
