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
