Description
Peanut Butter Snowballs are a delightful no-bake dessert combining creamy peanut butter, crispy rice cereal, and a smooth white chocolate coating. These bite-sized treats are perfect for holiday celebrations or anytime you crave a sweet, crunchy indulgence with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups crispy rice cereal
Coating
- 2 cups white chocolate chips or white candy melts
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smoother melting)
Decoration (Optional)
- Sprinkles or shredded coconut
Instructions
- Mixing the base: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter and softened butter until smooth and well combined. Add the vanilla extract, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar until the mixture is fully incorporated and forms a thick dough. Stir in the crispy rice cereal until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Forming the snowballs: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the peanut butter mixture and roll each portion into a smooth ball with your hands. Arrange the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch. Place the tray in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes, allowing the snowballs to firm up and hold their shape.
- Melting the coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using). Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth without lumps.
- Dipping the snowballs: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted white chocolate, ensuring it is completely coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before returning the coated snowball to the parchment-lined tray. If desired, sprinkle with sprinkles or shredded coconut immediately before the coating sets to decorate.
- Setting the coating: Place the coated snowballs in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the white chocolate to harden and set properly. Once set, they are ready to serve or store.
- Storage: Store the peanut butter snowballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh for up to one week.
Notes
- You can swap white chocolate for dark or milk chocolate to change the flavor profile.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure your rice cereal and chocolate chips are certified gluten-free.
- If you prefer a firmer texture, freeze the snowballs longer before dipping.
- The optional coconut oil helps create a smoother, shinier chocolate coating but can be omitted if unavailable.
