Crunchy Chocolate-Dipped Peanut Butter Balls

Yield: about 4 dozen

Ingredients

• 2 cups crunchy peanut butter, smooth or crunchy
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 to 4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 2 cups crispy rice cereal
• 16 ounces chocolate candy coating (CandiQuik) or 2 (12 ounce) packages semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Combine peanut butter and butter together in a large mixing bowl and mix until well combined.
2. Stir in vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add confectioners' sugar, 1/2 cup at a time until mixture is smooth and you can easily form balls.
4. Stir in crispy rice cereal.
5. Shape into 1 inch balls and refrigerate for 30 minutes on a wax paper lined baking sheet or freeze for 20 minutes.
6. If using candy coating, melt following melting directions on package. If using chocolate chips, in a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate on HIGH for 2 minutes. Melt in 30 second increments, stirring each time, until completely melted.
7. Dip the peanut butter balls into the chocolate using a wooden pick.
8. Transfer to wax paper. Let candy stand until the chocolate is firm.
9. Store in an airtight container.