I’m about to share one of my favorite holiday treats that’s sure to be the star of your dessert table. These festive peanut butter balls, decorated as adorable snowmen and reindeer, combine the irresistible combo of peanut butter and chocolate with a playful twist. They’re no-bake, super simple to put together, and guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. The best part? You don’t need any special baking skills to create these little works of art, just a bit of patience and creativity. Wonder what makes them so special?
Why You’ll Love these Festive Peanut Butter Balls
Cuteness meets deliciousness in these adorable holiday treats. I’m telling you, these peanut butter balls aren’t just tasty—they’re conversation starters at any holiday gathering. Who doesn’t love the classic combo of peanut butter and chocolate?
The best part? They’re deceptively simple to make. No baking required, just mix, roll, dip, and decorate. Kids can join in the fun too, especially for the decorating part.
Plus, that sweet-salty crunch from the rice cereal gives these treats a texture that’ll keep everyone coming back for more. Perfect for gifting or serving at parties!
What Ingredients are in Festive Peanut Butter Balls?
These adorable snowman and reindeer treats come together with just a handful of simple ingredients you might already have in your pantry.
- 2 cups puffed rice cereal, crushed
- 1 cup natural peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (white for snowman, dark for reindeer)
- 1.5 teaspoons coconut oil
- Decorative items: black icing, candy eyes, M&Ms, Twizzler pieces (for snowman), and pretzel pieces (for reindeer antlers)
When shopping for these ingredients, I recommend using natural peanut butter for the best flavor, though any kind will work in a pinch—just know that the consistency might vary slightly depending on what type you choose.
How to Make these Festive Peanut Butter Balls
Making these adorable holiday treats is surprisingly simple, and the process is just as fun as eating them. Start by combining 1 cup of natural peanut butter with 3 tablespoons of honey and 1/8 teaspoon of sea salt in a large mixing bowl. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined and smooth—this mixture should look glossy and well-blended. The peanut butter provides that rich, nutty base we all love, while the honey adds just the right touch of sweetness.
Next, fold in 2 cups of crushed puffed rice cereal, mixing until everything is evenly incorporated. The mixture might seem a bit sticky, but that’s exactly what we want for proper shaping. Using a high quality food processor can make crushing and mixing these ingredients much more efficient. Using your hands (slightly dampened to prevent sticking), roll the mixture into bite-sized balls, about an inch in diameter. Place these on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
While they’re firming up, melt 1 cup of chocolate chips (white for snowmen or dark for reindeer) with 1.5 teaspoons of coconut oil, either in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.
The final step is where the magic happens—decoration time! Dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, then quickly add your decorations before the chocolate sets. For snowmen, use candy eyes, black icing for the mouth, and colorful M&Ms for buttons. For reindeer, broken pretzel pieces make perfect antlers when pushed into the sides. Working fast is key here; those decorations won’t stick if the chocolate hardens too quickly. And there you have it—festive peanut butter balls that are guaranteed to disappear from any holiday gathering faster than you can say “Rudolph!”
What to Serve with Festive Peanut Butter Balls
Holiday gatherings deserve more than just standalone treats, and our festive peanut butter balls practically beg for delicious companions. I like to serve mine with warm apple cider or hot chocolate—the rich sweetness balances perfectly with the peanutty goodness. For a truly impressive spread, add gingerbread cookies and candy cane bark nearby.
Need something less sweet? A cheese board with sharp cheddar creates a lovely sweet-savory contrast. And don’t forget the milk for the kids, or maybe a creamy eggnog or spiced wine for the adults. The combinations are endless, just like holiday magic.
Leftovers and Storage for these Festive Peanut Butter Balls
After planning your perfect pairings, let’s talk about what happens when the party’s over. These adorable snowmen and reindeer can hibernate in your refrigerator for up to a week in an airtight container.
Want them to stick around longer? Pop them in the freezer for up to three months.
I recommend separating layers with parchment paper to prevent your little creatures from sticking together, which would be quite the tragic snowman pile-up. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just thaw in the fridge overnight. Couldn’t be simpler, right?
Festive Peanut Butter Balls Substitutions and Variations
Three simple tweaks can transform these festive peanut butter balls into treats that work for nearly any dietary need or flavor preference.
For gluten-free friends, simply verify your cereal is certified GF and you’re good to go. Need a nut-free version? Swap in sunflower seed butter—the texture’s nearly identical.
Craving different flavors? Try adding cinnamon, orange zest, or even a dash of cayenne for grown-up palates.
The beauty of these little delights is their flexibility. No pretzels for reindeer antlers? Graham crackers work in a pinch. Versatility at its finest, don’t you think?
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply want to make someone smile, these peanut butter balls offer a charming way to spread joy. There’s something magical about watching kids’ faces light up when they spot these adorable snowmen and reindeer treats on the dessert table.
I love how such a simple recipe can transform into something so festive with just a few decorative touches. The combination of crunchy cereal, creamy peanut butter, and sweet chocolate creates the perfect bite-sized treat. For more festive options, consider trying a flaky puff pastry snowflake design with goat cheese and pesto. Why not make this a new holiday tradition? A little creativity in the kitchen, some willing helpers, and voilà—edible art that’s delicious too.