Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls — Classic Amish Candy Recipe

Crispy Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls are a classic Amish holiday candy made with just a few simple ingredients: creamy peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, and Rice Krispies. The mixture is shaped into small balls and coated in chocolate for a crunchy, creamy bite.

These chocolate-covered peanut butter balls with Rice Krispies are quick to prepare and make a wonderful addition to any cookie or candy platter.

Enjoy them all year round — shape them as eggs for Easter or keep them round for holidays and gatherings.

How to Make Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies

This no-bake recipe combines a smooth peanut butter filling with the light crunch of Rice Krispies, then wraps it all in chocolate. It’s simple, forgiving, and perfect for making ahead.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the peanut butter mixture:
   • In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, creamy peanut butter, and powdered sugar. Stir until smooth and fully combined.
2. Add Rice Krispies:
   • Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until evenly distributed throughout the peanut butter mixture.
3. Chill the mixture:
   • Refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes, or until firm enough to handle. Chilling makes it much easier to shape the balls.
4. Shape into balls:
   • Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, divide the mixture into about 25 portions. Roll each portion between your hands to form smooth, round balls and place them on a parchment-lined tray.
5. Firm up the balls:
   • Freeze the balls for 15–20 minutes or refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm. They can also be chilled overnight if preparing in advance.

Chocolate for Dipping

Once the peanut butter balls are thoroughly chilled, coat them in melted chocolate. Chocolate almond bark or wafers designed for melting work best for a smooth coating.

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate bark gives a nice contrast to the sweet peanut butter center, but milk or white chocolate are excellent alternatives. If using chocolate chips, choose a quality brand and add 1 teaspoon of shortening or vegetable shortening if needed to smooth the texture. Avoid using wet utensils when melting chocolate, as water causes chocolate to seize.

Melt chocolate in the microwave in 20–30 second intervals, stirring between each interval, or melt gently over a double boiler.

Dipping Rice Crispy Peanut Butter Balls into Chocolate

If you don’t have specialized dipping tools, a fork and toothpick work fine. Drop each chilled ball into the chocolate to coat it fully, lift it out with a fork, and tap gently to remove excess chocolate. Slide the coated ball off the fork with a toothpick onto a parchment-lined tray.

While the chocolate is still soft, add sprinkles or decorations if desired. Once dipped, refrigerate the balls for about 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden. Store finished candies in an airtight container in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator.

Chocolate Dipping Troubleshooting

• Too thick or not smooth: Add 1 teaspoon of shortening to thin chocolate to a better dipping consistency. Add a little more if needed.
• Chocolate hardening too quickly: Work quickly and reheat the chocolate for a few seconds in the microwave or keep it warm over a double boiler (do not let water touch the bowl).
• Filling sticking to tools: If the filling sticks, it may be too cold; let the balls sit a few minutes at room temperature. If the chocolate is too hot, allow it to cool slightly before dipping.

Amish Homemade Christmas Candy

Homemade chocolates are a holiday tradition in many Amish families. Candy-making days with relatives produce a variety of treats — peanut butter balls, cracker peanut butter sandwiches, and chocolate-covered pretzels are common favorites.

These peanut butter balls are part of that tradition and pair well with other homemade confections such as truffles, caramels, and fudges during the holidays.

More Amish Christmas Treat Recipes

• The Best Amish Caramel Popcorn Recipe
• Layered Finger Jello Recipe
• Soft and Chewy Amish Gingersnap Cookies
• Date and Nut Pinwheel Cookies
• Sand Tart Cutout Cookies

Homemade Rice Crispy Peanut Butter Balls