If you have a soft spot for that irresistible combo of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate, then this Peanut Butter Bon Bons Recipe is about to become your new go-to treat. These little balls of joy combine the perfect balance of smooth peanut butter, crunchy cereal, and a luscious, glossy coating of semisweet chocolate or butterscotch that will have you sneaking one (or three) before anyone else even knows they’re there. Trust me, once you try this Peanut Butter Bon Bons Recipe, you’ll be hooked and ready to share these bite-sized delights with everyone you love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role. From the creamy peanut butter that gives you that classic flavor, to the crunchy rice cereal adding fun texture, each component is simple yet essential. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each one matters.
- Peanut butter (2 cups): The heart of the bon bons, creamy or crunchy both work beautifully and deliver that iconic peanut flavor.
- Butter (½ cup): Adds richness and helps the mixture bind together for the perfect chewiness.
- Powdered sugar (3 ½ to 4 cups): Sweetens and thickens the mixture, allowing you to get that perfect shape without it sticking everywhere.
- Crispy rice cereal (4 cups): Brings a delightful crunch and keeps the bon bons light instead of dense.
- Semisweet chocolate and/or butterscotch chips (22 ounces): The show-stopper coating that seals in the flavor and adds a smooth finish.
- Vegetable oil or melted shortening (1 to 2 teaspoons, optional): Helps create a silky, shiny coating when melting the chocolate or butterscotch chips.
How to Make Peanut Butter Bon Bons Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by lining two baking sheets with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This simple set-up step ensures your bon bons won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. Having everything ready ahead keeps things moving smoothly.
Step 2: Melt the Peanut Butter and Butter
In a medium saucepan over low heat, gently melt the peanut butter and butter together. Stir occasionally until the mixture is warm and perfectly smooth. The low heat prevents burning and blends the flavors so they marry beautifully.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine 3 ½ cups of powdered sugar with the crispy rice cereal. This mix forms the foundation of your bon bons, providing sweetness and texture before the wet ingredients come in.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the melted peanut butter and butter mixture over the cereal and powdered sugar blend. Use a wooden spoon to mix it all together first, then dive in with your hands. Knead the mix until it holds together when squeezed. If it feels too sticky or wet, sprinkle in a little more powdered sugar but never more than 4 cups in total, so it stays just right.
Step 5: Shape the Bon Bons
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls, about the size of golf balls. Place each one onto the lined baking sheets. This step is where the fun begins but don’t skip the chill—freeze the balls for 45 minutes or refrigerate for at least an hour. This resting time firms them up, making them easier to coat with chocolate later.
Step 6: Melt the Chocolate and/or Butterscotch Chips
Use separate double boilers to melt the semisweet chocolate and butterscotch chips over low heat. Stir frequently and be watchful—any little drop of water can cause the chocolate to seize and become unusable, so keep things dry and slow.
Step 7: Coat Each Bon Bon
Place a peanut butter ball on a spoon and dip it carefully into the melted chocolate or butterscotch. Make sure it’s completely covered, then transfer it to your prepared baking sheet. This is the moment these bon bons truly transform into the delightful treats you’ll love.
Step 8: Chill to Set
Pop the coated bon bons into the refrigerator for about 2 hours to let the coating harden fully. Once set, transfer your bon bons to airtight containers. You can keep them in the fridge or at room temperature, ready for snacking whenever the craving hits.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Bon Bons Recipe
Garnishes
While these bon bons are stunning on their own, you can get creative with garnishes like a light dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of sea salt on top, or even chopped peanuts for extra crunch. These small touches add visual appeal and an extra taste twist.
Side Dishes
Peanut Butter Bon Bons pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or even a fresh fruit salad if you want a refreshing contrast. They’re the perfect sweet bite to end a simple meal or brighten an afternoon snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the plate—try serving the bon bons in decorative mini cupcake liners or arrange them in a pretty box as a thoughtful homemade gift. During holiday seasons, wrap them individually with festive cellophane and ribbons for a charming presentation that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, no worries! Store your Peanut Butter Bon Bons in an airtight container either at room temperature or in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks, making them a convenient treat to have on hand.
Freezing
You can freeze these bon bons to keep them fresh for longer periods. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can last up to three months frozen without losing their flavor or texture.
Reheating
These bon bons are best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer them slightly softer, simply let them sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the coating unevenly and change the texture.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a lovely bit of crunch inside the bon bons, providing extra texture that some people really enjoy. Both creamy and crunchy work beautifully in this recipe.
What if I don’t have butterscotch chips?
No problem at all. You can coat all of your bon bons with just semisweet chocolate, or even white chocolate if you prefer. Butterscotch chips add a rich caramel flavor, but it’s completely optional.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free crispy rice cereal as some brands may contain gluten. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this treat a great option for gluten-sensitive friends.
Do I have to use a double boiler to melt the chocolate?
While melting chocolate in a double boiler is the safest method to prevent burning or seizing, you can also melt chocolate gently in the microwave in short 15-second bursts, stirring in between. Just be careful not to overheat.
Can these be made vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and choose dairy-free chocolate chips. Just ensure the peanut butter and cereal do not contain animal products, and you’re good to go with your vegan Peanut Butter Bon Bons Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Bon Bons Recipe is such a delightful treat that’s sure to bring smiles and satisfy sweet cravings with its perfect peanut butter and chocolate harmony. Whether for a party, a gift, or just an anytime snack, these bon bons are easy to make, fun to share, and downright addictive. Dive in and enjoy making this beloved recipe—you won’t regret it!
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Peanut Butter Bon Bons Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 50 servings
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Peanut Butter Bon Bons featuring a perfect blend of creamy peanut butter, crispy rice cereal, and a smooth chocolate or butterscotch coating. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or as a sweet homemade gift, with a delightful crunch and rich flavor.
Ingredients
Bon Bon Mixture
- 2 cups peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- ½ cup butter
- 3 ½ to 4 cups powdered sugar (about 1 pound)
- 4 cups crispy rice cereal (like Rice Krispies)
Coating
- 22 ounces semisweet chocolate and/or butterscotch chips (two 11-ounce packages)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons vegetable oil or melted shortening (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy removal and cleanup.
- Melt Peanut Butter and Butter: In a medium saucepan over LOW heat, melt together the peanut butter and butter, stirring occasionally until the mixture is warm and smooth. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 3 ½ cups powdered sugar with the crispy rice cereal. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the cereal and stir with a wooden spoon until combined as much as possible, then use your hands to knead the mixture until it holds together when scrunched. If too wet, add powdered sugar gradually up to 4 cups total.
- Shape Bon Bons: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls, approximately the size of a golf ball, and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets. Freeze for 45 minutes or refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up.
- Melt Coating Chips: Using separate double boilers over LOW heat, melt the semisweet chocolate and/or butterscotch chips, stirring frequently until smooth. Avoid any water contact to prevent seizing. Optionally stir in 1-2 teaspoons of vegetable oil or melted shortening for a shinier coating.
- Coat Bon Bons: Place a peanut butter ball on a spoon and dunk it into the melted chocolate or butterscotch coating until fully covered. Lift and transfer the coated bon bon to a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil.
- Set Coating: Refrigerate the coated bon bons for about 2 hours or until the chocolate sets completely and is firm to the touch.
- Store: Once dry, transfer the bon bons to airtight containers. Store covered in the refrigerator or at room temperature to maintain freshness and texture.
Notes
- Using creamy peanut butter creates a smoother texture, but crunchy peanut butter adds additional crunch.
- If the mixture is too sticky to roll, add powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until manageable.
- Vegetable oil or shortening in the melted coating helps to thin the chocolate, making it easier to coat and giving a glossy finish.
- Freeze time can vary; the mixture should be firm but not frozen solid before coating.
- Store the bon bons in a cool, dry place to avoid melting or sticking.
- For a variety, try mixing semisweet chocolate and butterscotch chips together when melting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
