Peanut Butter Balls

By MarieR

Ingredients

• Prep: 1 hour + chilling
• 2 cups creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup butter, cubed
• 4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 3 cups crisp rice cereal
• 4 cups (24 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup shortening
• Editor's Note: Reduced-fat or generic brands of peanut butter are not recommended for this recipe.

Preparation

Step 1

In a small saucepan, combine peanut butter and butter. Cook and stir over medium-low heat until smooth. Remove from the heat.
In a large bowl, combine confectioners' sugar and cereal. Pour peanut butter mixture over cereal; toss to coat. Roll into 1-in. balls; place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Refrigerate until chilled.
In a microwave, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Dip balls in chocolate mixture; allow excess to drip off. Return to baking sheets; refrigerate until set. Yield: about 5-1/2 dozen.