Easy Peanut Butter Balls

Enjoy a healthier twist on a holiday favorite with these crispy peanut butter balls! Made with just 7 simple ingredients, this vegan and gluten-free recipe is perfect for holiday gifting or snacking.

If you’re curious about the most popular holiday dessert in our family, it’s undoubtedly these delicious chocolate peanut butter balls (second place would be my Healthy Peanut Butter Blossoms).

Crispy peanut butter balls were always my favorite dessert on the Christmas table—I would grab a handful and savor them throughout the night because they were just that good.

The original version wasn’t made with the healthiest ingredients, so I set out to create a healthier peanut butter ball recipe that tastes just as indulgent, if not better.

If you haven’t tried them yet, you don’t know what you’re missing. These treats couldn’t be easier to prepare; they are completely foolproof!

Plus, the combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter is simply unmatched, and the addition of cocoa rice crisps gives them the perfect crunch.

Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Balls

• Better-for-You Ingredients — this easy recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free, making it a guilt-free indulgence for everyone in the family.
• Amazing Flavor — enjoy the rich, indulgent taste similar to Reese’s, but even better!
• Fool-Proof Recipe — these peanut butter balls are incredibly easy to make—anyone can make it!
• Perfect For Gifting — homemade gifts are always a hit, especially when they involve chocolate! You can easily make these chocolate peanut butter balls ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to share them as gifts.

Peanut Butter Balls Ingredients

Scroll down to the recipe card to get the full recipe with measurements.

• Peanut Butter — the star ingredient of this recipe! Choose your favorite natural peanut butter for the best flavor and creaminess.
• Almond Flour — this nut-based flour helps thicken the mixture while adding fiber and nutrients.
• Chocolate Rice Crispy Cereal — I use this gluten-free chocolate rice crisp cereal. If you are not gluten-free, you can substitute with regular Rice Krispies or your preferred crispy rice cereal.
• Maple Syrup — this all-natural sweetener adds just the right amount of sweetness while keeping the recipe refined sugar-free.
• Vanilla Extract — enhances the overall flavor.
• Vegan Chocolate Chips — I love using Hu Kitchen Chocolate Chips which are vegan and refined sugar free. Use my discount code: BOOBOO to save on your purchase!
• Coconut Oil — make sure to use refined coconut oil as it’s neutral flavored and doesn’t taste like coconut. 

How To Make Peanut Butter Balls

1. Mix the Base. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, almond flour, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined, then gently fold in the cocoa rice crispy cereal until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
2. Shape the Balls. Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking tray.
3. Chill to Firm Up. Transfer the tray to the freezer and let the peanut butter balls chill for about 30 minutes, or until they are firm.
4. Dip in Chocolate. Once firm, dip each ball into melted vegan chocolate until fully coated. Place in the refrigerator until the chocolate sets. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Best Peanut Butter Balls

• Choose Quality Peanut Butter. Opt for natural, creamy peanut butter without added sugars or oils for the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust Sweetness. Feel free to adjust the amount of maple syrup based on your sweetness preference.
• Use a Cookie Scoop. For uniformity, use a mini cookie scoop to portion out the mixture. This ensures all your peanut butter balls are the same size, making them perfect for sharing (or not!).
• Wet Your Hands if Needed. If the mixture is sticking to your hands while rolling, simply wet your hands with a little water. This will help prevent the mixture from sticking.
• Don’t Skip the Chilling Step. This step ensures they firm up and hold their shape when you dip them in chocolate.

How to Store Easy Peanut Butter Balls

Store your peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 7-10 days.

For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. Just let them thaw in the fridge before enjoying!

Frequently Asked Questions

Find all of my dessert recipes here and more Christmas recipes here.

If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a comment and ★★★★★ star rating below letting me know how you liked it! This helps others find my recipes. I appreciate your support, as always. xo, Megan