If you are looking for a way to occupy kids, let them help make peanut butter balls. Of course, that might double your prep and clean up time, but it will be fun, I promise. When I asked 6-year-old Breckyn what she would like for a special treat, she told me peanut butter balls. Her 2-year-old brother, Colton, likes them too. If I can make two kids happy with one easy recipe, I’m all in. Their mom, Kelsey, gave me this recipe.
Breckyn likes to knead the dough. She also showed me how to make them into a “bean bag chair” by pressing her thumb into the center.
In a taste test, Breckyn and Colton both preferred the ones made with creamy peanut butter and Rice Krispies, whereas I preferred mine with chunky peanut butter and mini chocolate chips. I’ve listed the ingredients of our favorites, but you can do other variations as well. My second favorite variation used chunky peanut butter without Rice Krispies or mini chocolate chips.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Total time: 70 minutes
- Nothing special for this one
Makes 20 to 25 peanut butter balls
Ingredients for Kid’s Favorite
- 1 cup powdered milk (dry)
- 1/2 cup Rice Krispies (regular or gluten free)
- 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tsp vanilla
Ingredients for Mary’s Favorite
- 1 cup powdered milk (dry)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 2/3 cup chunky peanut butter
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tsp vanilla
Directions
Mix all ingredients in a bowl, using a fork to stir until smooth. Knead them by hand if desired (or delegate that task to your young helpers.) Roll into bite-sized balls. Cool in refrigerator for an hour before serving.
What ADORABLE CHILDREN! I happen to be very familiar with this recipe and highly recommend it:)
These were an excellent dessert that Mary made us recently!!! Just the right amount of sweet and after eating a couple, my after dinner sweet tooth was satisfied. Thanks Mary!!!
When you shared both kinds of the peanut-butter balls for our writing group, they were delicious. Now, seeing the kids and their thumbprints in the balls, this recipe is also a source of smiles and laughs. Another winner, Mary, and a great dessert distraction while we’re all isolated!