Texas-Style Peanut Butter Balls: A Sweet, Crunchy Texas Treat

Photo bySimply Homemade Recipes

In the heart of Texas, where everything is bigger, even the sweets pack a punch of flavor and texture. These Texas-style Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies bring together the creamy richness of peanut butter and the satisfying crunch of Rice Krispies, all encased in a smooth chocolate shell. Perfect for any gathering or a quick treat, these delicious bites are easy to make, and they hit the sweet spot every time.

A Sweet, Crunchy Texas Treat When you think of Texas desserts, you might envision pecan pies or cowboy cookies, but these peanut butter balls are quickly becoming a Lone Star favorite. The combination of creamy peanut butter, the light crunch of puffed rice, and a luscious chocolate coating is simply irresistible. Adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top not only enhances the sweetness but also gives a nod to the Texas love for bold, contrasting flavors. This treat, simple yet decadent, reflects the state’s tradition of making food that comforts and delights.

Recipe: Texas-Style Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies Ingredients:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (avoid natural peanut butter for a smoother texture)
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 cups Rice Krispies, or more if desired
• 10 ounces semi-sweet chocolate melting wafers (approximately 1 1/2 cups)
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening
• Flake sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Gradually blend in the powdered sugar until fully incorporated and the mixture becomes a dough.
4. Gently fold in the Rice Krispies, ensuring even distribution. You can add more Rice Krispies if you prefer a crunchier texture.
5. Using a small scoop or spoon, form 1-inch balls from the mixture. Roll them between your palms to make them smooth.
6. Arrange the balls on the prepared baking sheet and freeze for 15 minutes to firm up.
7. While the peanut butter balls are chilling, melt the chocolate wafers and coconut oil in a microwave or double boiler, stirring until smooth.
8. Remove the peanut butter balls from the freezer, then dip each ball into the melted chocolate using a fork, allowing excess chocolate to drip off.
9. Place the coated balls back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle a pinch of flake sea salt on top of each.
10. Refrigerate the chocolate-covered balls for 10 minutes, or until the chocolate has fully set.
11. For an extra decorative touch, drizzle any remaining melted chocolate over the set peanut butter balls and sprinkle more sea salt before serving.

The Perfect Texan Treat What makes these peanut butter balls stand out is their balance of textures and flavors. The creamy peanut butter blends perfectly with the crunchy Rice Krispies, while the chocolate coating adds richness. The sea salt sprinkles on top bring out the sweetness and provide a satisfying contrast. Whether you're sharing them at a Texas barbecue, holiday party, or simply enjoying them as a late-night snack, these peanut butter balls are sure to impress.

Texas is known for its bold flavors, and these peanut butter balls are no exception. With every bite, you'll experience the essence of a state that loves its food big, bold, and unforgettable.

Here are a few sources for making Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies, each offering a variation on the classic treat:

1. Insanely Good Recipes describes a simple no-bake version where peanut butter is mixed with Rice Krispies and sugar, then dipped in melted chocolate after chilling. They recommend refrigerating the balls before dipping to ensure they hold their shape during coating​(Insanely Good Recipes).
2. Chocolate with Grace provides a recipe that adds extra sweetness with the combination of powdered sugar and melted chocolate. This recipe also stresses the importance of chilling the peanut butter mixture before coating it in chocolate for a perfect finish​(Chocolate with Grace).
3. Belly Full highlights using Ghirardelli melting wafers or Wilton candy melts for smoother, firmer chocolate coatings. They also suggest adding coconut oil to regular chocolate chips for a better consistency when melting​(Belly Full).
4. If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen offers expert tips, such as freezing the peanut butter balls briefly to firm them up and using good quality chocolate for the coating. They also recommend using confectioners' sugar and avoiding natural peanut butter for better texture​(If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen).

You can explore these sources for more detailed instructions and tips!