Crispy Peanut Butter Balls are a healthier spin on a classic peanut butter ball, with natural peanut butter, peanuts, walnuts and brown rice crispy cereal. They’re vegan and gluten-free, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup. No powdered sugar or butter!
*This post was originally published in November 2017 and has been updated to include adjustments to the recipe to make it vegan, as well as new text and photos.
What comes to mind when you think of classic Christmas cookies?
Obviously, gingerbread, shortbread and anything peppermint top the list. But around here, Christmas is not complete without peanut butter balls. And I definitely eat my fair share this time of year.
This recipe for crispy peanut butter balls is dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan, and leaves out the usual ingredients of butter and powdered sugar. So, a little on the healthier side, but still a decadent treat!
Why you’ll love these chocolate peanut butter balls
- They’re no-bake and super easy to make.
- You can make them now and freeze them for the holidays. In fact, they store best in the freezer.
- No special equipment required. Just a few bowls and a cookie scoop.
- Did I mention they’re healthier? While not low calorie, they’re made with fewer refined ingredients.
Ingredients to make crispy peanut butter balls
- Peanut butter
- Maple syrup
- Brown rice crispy cereal
- Walnuts
- Peanuts
- Coconut
- Vegan chocolate chips
- Coconut oil
- Toppings such as sprinkles or nuts
How to make peanut butter balls without powdered sugar
- In a large bowl, stir together the peanut butter and maple syrup. Add the crispy cereal, nuts and coconut and stir until well coated.
- Line a baking sheet with wax paper, and use a small cookie scoop to place scoops of the peanut butter mixture onto the baking sheet. (The mixture is soft and sticky so I don’t recommend rolling it into balls with your hands). You should get about 12-15 balls.
- Place the peanut butter balls in the freezer for 30 minutes, or until they are frozen. This will make them easier to dip in chocolate.
- Melt your chocolate chips and coconut oil in the microwave and stir together until smooth.
- Remove the peanut butter balls from the freezer and use a fork to dip the balls into the chocolate. Be sure to let any excess chocolate drip off before placing the balls back on the baking sheet. Sprinkle on your desired toppings as you go.
- Return the balls to the freezer for 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has fully set.
Frequently asked questions
- How do you store crispy peanut butter balls? You can store these peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days, or for up to 3 months in the freezer. They should not be left at room temperature.
- Can you freeze peanut butter balls? Absolutely. Before they’re dipped in chocolate, just freeze them in a single layer in an airtight container. When you’re ready to dip them in chocolate, just take them out of the freezer. If they’re already dipped in chocolate, just wait for them to fully set before transferring them to an airtight container. Arrange in a single layer or in between sheets of wax paper, and store in the freezer.
- Can you use honey in place of maple syrup? I haven’t tested this recipe using honey, but the results should be pretty similar. Just keep in mind that if you use honey these peanut butter balls will no longer be vegan.
- Can you use shelf stable peanut butter instead of natural? I’ve only made this recipe using natural peanut butter. Shelf stable peanut butter has a different texture so it may not work in this recipe.
Additional tips and substitutions for making no-bake peanut butter balls
- Your peanut butter should be brought to room temperature so it mixes easily with the maple syrup. If it isn’t soft enough, you can warm it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
- I used natural, salted peanut butter. If your peanut butter is unsalted, you may wish to add a dash of salt to the peanut butter ball mixture.
- Make sure your peanuts and walnuts are chopped into small pieces. Larger pieces will not mix in well.
- If you don’t have walnuts, you can use all peanuts.
- This recipe makes a small batch (about 12-15 balls depending on the size of your cookie scoop), but you can easily double the recipe for a larger batch.
- To keep these peanut butter balls vegan, use vegan chocolate chips, sprinkles and crispy cereal. And to keep them gluten-free, make sure your sprinkles and crispy cereal are gluten-free.
Other chocolate peanut butter treats you might enjoy
- Peanut Butter Banana Protein Donuts are loaded with peanut butter, a hint of banana and topped with a rich chocolate peanut butter glaze.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Nice Cream Cake is made with just 7 ingredients with a creamy banana ice cream filling, chunks of chocolate peanut butter and a no-bake hazelnut crust.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Chia Pudding is a chocolate peanut butter treat that’s topped with chia jam and caramelized bananas. It can be enjoyed for breakfast or dessert.
- Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola involves just 8 ingredients, and bakes up sweet and salty, with natural peanut butter and chocolate chunks in the mix.
If you make these Crispy Peanut Butter Balls, I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below!
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PrintCrispy Peanut Butter Balls (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy Peanut Butter Balls are a healthier spin on a classic peanut butter ball, with natural peanut butter, peanuts, walnuts and brown rice crispy cereal. They’re vegan and gluten-free, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup. No powdered sugar or butter!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter, creamy and salted, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup vegan, gluten-free brown rice crispy cereal
- 1/4 cup raw chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup raw chopped peanuts
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 3/4 cup vegan dark chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, virgin and cold-pressed
- Optional: sprinkles and nuts for topping
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with wax paper and set aside.
- In a large bowl, add the peanut butter and maple syrup and stir until well combined.
- Add in the crispy cereal, nuts and coconut and stir until everything is well coated.
- Using a small cookie scoop, place scoops of the peanut butter mixture onto the baking sheet. (It’s too sticky to roll with your hands). This will yield about 12-15 balls, depending on the size of your scoop.
- Place the balls in the freezer for about 30 minutes, or until frozen.
- In a small microwave safe bowl, add the chocolate chips and coconut oil and microwave for 30 second intervals until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Be sure to stir the chocolate in between intervals. (This will take 2-3 intervals).
- Remove the peanut butter balls from the freezer and use a fork to dip the balls into the chocolate, letting any excess chocolate drip off before placing the balls back onto the baking sheet. The chocolate sets up fast, so sprinkle on your desired toppings as you go.
- Return the balls to the freezer for 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has fully set.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Notes
- The peanut butter should be brought to room temperature so it mixes easily with the maple syrup. If it isn’t soft enough, you can warm it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
- The recipes calls for natural, salted peanut butter. If your peanut butter is unsalted, you may wish to add a dash of salt to the peanut butter ball mixture.
- Make sure your peanuts and walnuts are chopped into small pieces. Larger pieces will not mix in well.
- If you don’t have walnuts, you can use all peanuts.
- To keep these peanut butter balls vegan, use vegan chocolate chips, sprinkles and crispy cereal. And to keep them gluten-free, make sure your sprinkles and crispy cereal are gluten-free.
Tasia ~ two sugar bugs says
I have a feeling I would have a hard time staying away from these!! The crispy rice cereal texture has to be amazing in these peanut butter balls. They sure would be a welcome addition to any holiday treat tray!
Leanne says
Thanks very much Tasia! We do have a hard time resisting them! 😉
Cheese Curd In Paradise says
Oh my goodness I love these! I love the rice cereal in the peanut butter balls! It is such a yummy little crunch!
Leanne says
Thanks Ashley!
Milena says
I love the addition of brown rice crispies – some crunch is definitely high on my list of desirable qualities in holiday sweet treats. As always, I love how everything you touch somehow becomes so much healthier:) As a sugar lover I very much appreciate your creativity. Pinned.
Leanne says
Thanks so much Milena! The crunch is a must! 😉
Angi says
Oh my goodness, these look amazing. Peanut butter and chocolate is a favorite combination around here. I bet my family will love these!
Leanne says
Thanks Angi! They’re a hit with my family for sure!
Kathie says
Peanut butter is probably my favorite thing of all time – can’t wait to try these for myself and for giving too!
Leanne says
It’s my fave thing of all time, so I hope you enjoy these as much as I do!
Grace says
Yum- these are a classic!
Leanne says
Thanks!
Katherine | Love In My Oven says
I know I commented on these way back in 2017 (how has it been 2 years)!?!? BUT they deserve another comment because these could be my favourite treat ever. Love, love chocolate and peanut butter! Since they’re mounds, they’d be even more irresistible!
Leanne says
Thanks Katherine! I know! As I’m updating older posts, I can’t believe how fast time is going by! Hope you get to make these soon!
Pavani says
Wow, those peanut butter balls look so inviting — crunchy, peanutty and chocolaty – yummy!! They are very festive with the sprinkles on top. Great holiday snack/ dessert.
Leanne says
Thanks Pavani! I couldn’t resist adding the festive sprinkles! 😉
Matt - Total Feasts says
I used to love peanut butter balls growing up, you’ve inspired me to add them to my Christmas baking list!
Leanne says
I’m so happy to hear that! Thanks Matt!
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen says
Peanut butter balls are a tradition in my family in December so I love this healthier spin on them! I’ll have to make a batch of these to go along with our regular recipe! Happy Thursday, Leanne!
Leanne says
They’re a tradition for us too! Thanks Kelsie!
annie@ciaochowbambina says
Chocolate and peanut butter? Match made in heaven! This is a special treat, for sure!!
Leanne says
Thanks Annie!
Terry says
Peanut butter balls are one of my all time favourite Christmas cookies! Easy to make but so delicious.
I love the fact you put a healthier spin on this, great idea!
Leanne says
We have something in common! Thanks Terry!
Jenna @ A Savory Feast says
Oh wow, these sound AMAZING! There is not much I love more than peanut butter and chocolate. Definitely pinning these to try this holiday season.
Leanne says
You should definitely try them! They are quick and easy, and probably my favourite cookie I’ve made so far this holiday season! But I’m addicted to peanut butter, so probably a bit biased ;)!
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen says
These are exactly like one of my family’s favorite recipes, but healthy. We call them “walking balls” because you have to go for a walk after you eat them to burn off the calories. My mom, who doesn’t eat refined sugar, will be so happy she’s allowed to have these!
Leanne says
Haha! That’s such an awesome name for cookies Kelsie! Yay! So glad your mom can eat these. Hope you get a chance to make them!
Kim | The Baking ChocolaTess says
OMG! I want to ‘gobble’ these down! 🙂 I love dark chocolate and peanut butter together! Perfect treat for everyone for sure!! Happy Holidays Leanne!
Leanne says
Thanks Kim! Right now they’re mostly a treat for me! I’m not doing a good job of sharing :). Happy Holidays to you too!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
How bout I swap you some of my truffles for some of these yummy bites?! You can’t beat the chocolate peanut butter combo! Fabulous Leanne!
Leanne says
Thanks Mary Ann! That sounds like a plan. Love a good cookie swap ;)!
Bethany says
These look like such delicious treats!
Leanne says
Thank you Bethany! They are super addictive! My favourite treat these days!! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Katherine | Love In My Oven says
The chocolate and peanut butter combo is undeniable! I love that these are bite-sized, but I just know I would be popping them back all too easily!! I am loving this recipe Leanne! Happy Sunday! XO
Leanne says
Thanks Katherine! I’ve been storing these cookies in the freezer, allowing myself one per day. They are so darn addictive! At this rate, I’m going to have to make these 10 times before Christmas gets here!!!