Gluten Free Peanut Butter Balls are a favorite Christmas candy here in the Midwest. We made these with gluten-free crispy rice cereal to give the same delicious crunch as the original version. Tasting like Reeses peanut butter cups- but better – these gluten-free protein balls will become a staple during the holidays!
It is definitely the creamy peanut butter combined with sweet chocolate coating that makes this no-bake dessert a huge hit every year. Is there honestly a better combo than chocolate and peanut butter? We think not! Prepped and ready to serve in just 20 minutes, this is a recipe that we can make last minute if in a pinch or days in advance.
Not only is this recipe one to keep in mind for your next cookie exchange, holiday party or work potluck but for Valentine’s Day. It is the perfect decadent dessert to enjoy at home or gift for friends and family to enjoy when desired.
Our recipe for chocolate peanut butter balls makes up to 26 servings easily adjusted to make a double batch if needed. To get started on this holiday dessert, gather the equipment and ingredients then follow the step-by-step instructions below.
One of the best parts of the holiday season is being able to enjoy classic recipes with friends and family. Along with these peanut butter balls, Gluten Free Scalloped Potatoes, Crockpot Green Bean Casserole (Fresh Green Beans) and Gluten-Free Pecan Pie are staples that we make year after year.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cup gluten free crispy rice cereal
- 1 stick butter, melted
- 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips ✅
- 1-2 tablespoons coconut oil
How To Make
Smashing the crispy rice is the first step to making these buckeye balls. Place the crispy rice cereal into a ziplock bag then use a rolling pin or large can to crush into small pieces.
Combine the peanut butter mixture
In a large mixing bowl add the powdered sugar, peanut butter, smashed rice cereal, and melted butter. Using a hand held mixer, blend until well combined.
Roll into balls
Using a small cookie scoop, roll the peanut butter mixture into balls and place on a parchment lined baking sheet.
Place into the fridge or freezer while you melt the chocolate. Chilling the batter will help to keep the dough from falling apart when dipped into the chocolate.
Melt the chocolate
Place the chocolate chips into the tall glass. Add 1 tablespoon coconut oil and microwave in 30 second increments, stirring in between until melted.
Pro Tip: If the chocolate is too thick, add another tablespoon of coconut oil and stir until melted.
Dip the balls into the chocolate
Using a meat fork for balance, drop a peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate. Holding the glass at an angle, use the fork to coat the peanut butter ball. Scoop the coated ball out of the glass (works best at an angle). Tap the fork on the top of the glass to get rid of excess chocolate. Place the chocolate-coated dough onto the parchment-lined baking sheet using a skewer to carefully remove the ball. Repeat.
Chill and serve
Let the peanut butter balls rest at room temperature until the chocolate hardens. Place in the refrigerator to speed this process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Place the hardened peanut butter balls into a container with a lid and store in the refrigerator.
Yes, freeze for up to 3 months in an air tight container. If these do end up lasting three months, you’ll have to share your secrets with the rest of us because in our experience they don’t even last 3 days!
Yes, peanut butter is a gluten-free food. With all gluten-free foods, check the ingredient label frequently or contact the manufacturer directly to verify as allergen and ingredients often change.
Before letting the peanut butter balls rest, sprinkle the tops with toppings such as sea salt, shredded coconut, chopped pecans, walnuts or peanuts, mini chocolate chips or colored sprinkles for a festive touch.
Kids In The Kitchen
Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.
- To smash the crispy Rice, place into a Ziploc bag or stasher bag and carefully press out all of the air from the bag. Then, use a rolling pin or a can of vegetables to smash the pieces.
- Use a handheld mixer or a spatula to mix the peanut butter blend together.
- Adding coconut oil helps to melt the chocolate chips into a smooth consistency.
- Two spoons or a toothpick can be used in place of the meat fork if needed.
More No Bake Desserts
No bake desserts are great to make when you need a quick treat or when kids want a fun afternoon of baking. Check out a few of our favorites!
- No Bake Marshmallow Fudge
- 70 No-Bake Recipes For Kids
- Oatmeal Peanut Butter Balls
- Christmas Story Fudge
- Vegan No Bake Christmas Almond Balls
- Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.
The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.
Gluten Free Peanut Butter Balls
Equipment
- rolling pin or large can
- large mixing bowl
- hand held mixer or stand mixer
- Small cookie scoop
- tall microwave safe glass
- skewer or toothpick
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cup gluten free crispy rice cereal
- 1 stick butter, melted
- 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips ✅
- 1-2 tablespoons coconut oil
Instructions
- Smash the crispy rice. Place the crispy rice cereal into a ziplock bag. Use a rolling pin or large can to crush into small pieces.1 1/2 cup gluten free crispy rice cereal
- Combine the peanut butter mixture. In a large mixing bowl add the powdered sugar, peanut butter, smashed rice cereal, and melted butter. Using a hand held mixer, blend until well combined.2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1 1/2 cups peanut butter, 1 1/2 cup gluten free crispy rice cereal, 1 stick butter, melted
- Roll into balls. Using a small cookie scoop, roll the peanut butter mixture into balls and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Place into the fridge or freezer while you melt the chocolate.
- ⭐️ Melt the chocolate. Place the chocolate chips into the tall glass. Add 1 tablespoon coconut oil and microwave in 30 second incriments, stirring in between until melted. If the chocolate is too thick, add another tablespoon of coconut oil and stir until melted.1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips, 1-2 tablespoons coconut oil
- Dip the balls into the chocolate. Using the meat fork for balance, drop a peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate. Hold the glass at an angle. Use the fork to coat the peanut butter ball. Scoop the coated ball out of the glass (works best at an angle. Tap the fork on the top of the glass to get rid of excess chocolate. Place onto the parchment lined baking sheet using a skewer to carefully remove the ball. Repeat.
- Chill and serve. Let the peanut butter balls rest until the chocolate hardens. Place in the refrigerator to speed this process. Place the hardened peanut butter balls into a container with a lid and store in the refrigerator.
Notes
Storage
Place the hardened peanut butter balls into a container with a lid and store in the refrigerator. Freeze for up to 3 months in an air tight container.Toppings
Before letting the peanut butter balls rest, sprinkle the tops with toppings such as sea salt, shredded coconut, chopped pecans, walnuts or peanuts, mini chocolate chips or colored sprinkles for a festive touch. Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten. Kids Cooking Instructions: The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.Nutrition
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