Joanna Gaines’ Beloved Peanut Butter Balls Are So Delicious, I’ve Already Made Two Batches in the Past Week

With December quickly approaching, I’m building up my roster of all-star sweets to make this holiday season. Every year, my mom hosts a cookie exchange party, and I take pride in ensuring that my platter of treats always shines. In the past, I’ve tried to flex my pastry skills by bringing extravagant desserts like chewy coconut macaroons or delicate Florentines that require meticulous sugar work. And while those were delicious, I’ll be honest, they took a lot of labor. This year, I’m hoping to limit any stress; that way, I can actually enjoy all the festivities. So when I stumbled upon Joanna Gaines’ recipe for a six-ingredient cookie that doesn’t require an oven, I knew I had to try it.

Get the recipe: Joanna Gaines Peanut Butter Balls

First, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Next, combine softened butter with crunchy peanut butter in a medium-size bowl. Then, add confectioners’ sugar and mix until it forms a paste-like consistency. Finally, pour in Rice Krispies and stir to combine. Use a tablespoon to scoop out the dough and shape it into balls.

Next, place a small metal bowl over a double boiler and heat the chocolate almond bark and oil until it turns into a sauce — or you can melt it in the microwave! Dip each ball into the chocolate, then place it on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top of the peanut butter balls. Let the cookies set for about 15 minutes before serving. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days.

I made this recipe in under 15 minutes, from mixing the dough to taking my first bite. I used a shortcut by melting the chocolate almond bark in the microwave instead of over a double boiler. These peanut butter balls taste like a Reese’s cup but even better. The combination of Rice Krispies and peanut butter gives them a smooth and crunchy texture that’s irresistible. What I love most about these treats is that they are customizable — you can experiment with different chocolate coatings, fillings, or toppings (more on that later!). But honestly, the recipe is already perfect as is, so you might not feel the need to change a thing.

• Have fun with the chocolate coating. Instead of dark chocolate almond bark, choose one made with white or milk chocolate. Alternatively, you can melt a chocolate pistachio or cashew bar for a different coating.
• Swap the peanut topping. To balance the sweetness of this dessert, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top. For a spicy kick, drizzle hot honey over these peanut butter balls. To add a crunchy element, crush some toffee for a garnish.
• Use a different flavor of Rice Krispies. To enhance the flavor of these peanut butter balls, use cocoa or frosted Rice Krispies instead of plain ones in the filling.

Get the recipe: Joanna Gaines Peanut Butter Balls