Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls

There’s something truly magical about the holiday season — the twinkling lights, cozy traditions, and of course, the sweet aromas wafting from the kitchen. One of my most cherished recipes to make this time of year is Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls. These festive, bite-sized treats are the perfect combination of creamy peanut butter, crunchy cereal, toasted nuts, and coconut, all enrobed in a smooth chocolate shell. They’re a nostalgic holiday favorite that makes every cookie tray feel a little more special.

I first started making these with my mom when I was a little girl, standing on a stool in the kitchen with chocolate smudges on my cheeks and Rice Krispies stuck to my fingers. They’ve become a non-negotiable part of our holiday traditions — easy enough for kids to help with, delicious enough to earn a permanent spot at any party. Whether you’re baking for family, gifting homemade goodies, or contributing to a festive dessert spread, these Rice Krispie Balls never disappoint.

Why You’ll Love Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls

• Festive and fun — perfect for holiday cookie platters or edible gifts
• No baking required — just a bit of mixing, forming, and dipping
• Great texture — creamy, crunchy, and coated in luscious chocolate
• Customizable — add sprinkles, switch nuts, or use different chocolate
• Make-ahead friendly — keeps well in the fridge or freezer
• Kid-friendly — little hands can help roll and dip

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Filling:

• ½ cup peanut butter – smooth or crunchy works well
• 3 tablespoon butter, softened – adds richness and helps the mixture hold together
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances flavor depth
• 1 cup Rice Krispies cereal – gives a crispy, light crunch
• ½ cup chopped pecans, toasted (optional) – adds nuttiness and texture
• 1 cup shredded coconut – sweetened or unsweetened, adds chewiness and flavor

For the Coating:

• 1 package chocolate chips – milk, semi-sweet, or dark, depending on your preference
• 1 square sweet chocolate – stabilizes and adds shine to the coating

Tip: Use high-quality chocolate chips for the smoothest melting and best flavor. Toast pecans for added depth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

2. Add the Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, shredded coconut, and toasted pecans (if using). Stir until the mixture is fully combined. It should be sticky but hold its shape well when pressed together.

3. Shape the Balls

Scoop out small portions using a cookie scoop or your hands (about 1 inch in diameter), and roll into balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If the mixture is too sticky, dampen your hands slightly.

4. Chill the Balls

Pop the tray into the freezer for about 20 minutes. This helps the balls firm up and makes them easier to dip in chocolate later.

5. Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and sweet chocolate square in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until completely smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler to gently melt the chocolate without scorching.

6. Dip in Chocolate

Remove the chilled balls from the freezer. Using a fork or dipping tool, lower each ball into the melted chocolate, turning to coat evenly. Tap gently to remove excess chocolate.

7. Set and Chill

Place each coated ball back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Optionally, sprinkle with crushed candy canes, festive sprinkles, or a pinch of sea salt. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until chocolate is fully set.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Serve chilled or at room temperature. These chocolate-covered delights are rich, flavorful, and utterly irresistible.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Presentation: Display on a holiday platter with other cookies and candies, or wrap individually for gift-giving.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: Freeze in layers with wax paper between each. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
• Serving tip: Let them sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Helpful Notes

• Nut-free version: Omit the pecans or substitute with sunflower seeds for crunch.
• Flavor boost: Add a pinch of sea salt to the peanut butter mixture for a sweet-salty balance.
• Chocolate variety: Try white chocolate, dark chocolate, or peppermint-flavored chips for a seasonal twist.
• Holiday sprinkles: Decorate the tops with red and green sprinkles or crushed peppermint for a festive look.
• Size variation: Make mini versions for bite-sized party treats, or larger ones for gifting.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! These store beautifully in the fridge or freezer, making them ideal for holiday prep.

2. Can I use natural peanut butter?

You can, but it may be too runny. If using, make sure it’s well-stirred and thick in texture.

3. How do I keep the chocolate smooth when dipping?

Melt chocolate slowly and stir frequently. You can add a teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening to keep it fluid.

4. What if my mixture is too dry or too wet?

If it’s too dry, add a little more peanut butter. If too wet, mix in more cereal or coconut until firm enough to roll.

5. Can I skip the coconut?

Yes, you can omit the coconut entirely or replace it with more Rice Krispies or finely crushed graham crackers.

Final Thoughts

Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls are a holiday must-have in our home. They’re easy to make, incredibly satisfying to eat, and versatile enough to fit any celebration. Whether you’re building a dessert board, creating edible gifts, or simply enjoying a treat by the fireplace, these little bites of joy bring sweetness to the season.

With a balance of creamy peanut butter, crispy cereal, toasty coconut, and a glossy chocolate coating, they hit all the right notes. They’re festive, fuss-free, and always a hit — the kind of recipe you’ll come back to year after year. So grab your mixing bowl, turn on some holiday tunes, and whip up a batch of these classic Christmas treats!