Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies

There’s something magical about a recipe that’s been passed down for generations, and these Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies—affectionately known as Telephone Cookies in our family—hold a special place in my heart. For over 60 years, these sweet, crunchy treats have been a staple in our home, each bite brimming with nostalgia. If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you know I’ve called these “Telephone Cookies” forever. This year, I finally learned their official name, and I’m thrilled to share our family’s twist on this classic recipe, complete with a perfected coconut glaze that won’t pool at the bottom!

Why “Telephone Cookies”

This vintage peanut butter balls with Rice Krispies brings back some of my earliest memories of cooking with my mom. My mom made these when she was growing up. I recall making these with her when I was 3 or 4 years old. She had me mixing these cookies by hand. I see her genius in hand mixing because it kept me occupied and out of trouble. These cookies have a unique origin story, which accounts for our family’s name of “Telephone Cookies”.

The Party Line Story

Years ago, my Grandma had to share a phone line with the neighbors due to the farm’s distance away from the nearest town. The shared line was referred to as a “Party Line”. Being the inquisitive person she was, my Grandma would occasionally eavesdrop on the neighbor’s calls. For shame.

One day, as she was listening in, she heard one of the neighboring ladies (who happened to be an excellent cook), sharing a recipe with someone else. My Grandma managed to jot down the ingredients and instructions but missed the recipe’s name. This is how these cookies were first introduced to our family. No one knew what they were called, so everyone called them “Telephone Cookies.”

The Name That Stuck

For over 60 years, our family has been calling these cookies “Telephone Cookies”. You might think we could have come up with a more descriptive name like “Peanut Butter Balls” (which is what they ARE actually called) or even something creative like “Snowballs”. But the name “Telephone Cookie” has stuck around. My sister and I agreed we should rename them, but it’s impossible. So, they will forever be Telephone Cookies in our home. If you see any reference to telephone cookies on Pinterest, Gooseberry Patch cookbook, etc. that is why.

The classic peanut butter balls recipe is a simple yet delicious combination of peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, rice krispies, and chocolate or almond bark coating. For many years (when we were operating off of my Grandma’s recipe she got eavesdropping), we enjoyed them plain without any coating, or with a simple glaze and rolled into shredded coconut. Today, I have several finishing options below.

Tips for Making Perfect Peanut Butter Balls

1. Use a Stand Mixer: It gives a smoother, more consistent dough, though hand-mixing works if you want to channel my childhood!
2. Chill Thoroughly: Cold dough is easier to roll and helps the glaze stick without sliding off.
3. Adjust Dough: If the chilled dough is too sticky, add a bit more powdered sugar and Rice Krispies.
4. Uniform Balls: A cookie scoop ensures evenly sized balls for a polished look.
5. Test the Glaze: Coat 1–2 balls first to check glaze consistency. It should coat lightly without pooling.
6. Fine Coconut: Finely shredded coconut sticks better and looks neater.

Variations to Try

While the classic peanut butter balls recipe is a crowd favorite, you can put your own spin on these treats with different variations and customizations. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Crunchy Peanut Butter: Swap creamy for crunchy peanut butter for extra texture.
2. Chocolate Coating: Dip in 1 cup (200 g) melted milk, dark, or white chocolate instead of glaze.
3. Plain and Simple: Skip the coating—they’re delicious on their own!
4. Add-Ins: Mix in mini chocolate chips, chopped dried fruit, or ¼ cup shredded coconut.
5. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free Rice Krispies or a similar cereal.

Storing and Serving Peanut Butter Balls

Store these treats in an airtight container in the fridge (especially with the coconut glaze) for up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge. For make-ahead prep, shape and freeze the balls uncoated, then glaze or dip later.

These Telephone Cookies are perfect for summer, holiday parties, potlucks, or gifting. Package them in cute tins with ribbons for a heartfelt homemade gift.

NOTE: If you coat the cookies in glaze and shredded coconut, they are best stored in the refrigerator. Sometimes, I shape the peanut butter balls, freeze them, and then coat them at a later date.

A Sweet Tradition

Every time I make these Peanut Butter Balls, I’m transported back to my mom’s kitchen, mixing dough with my little hands. The “Telephone Cookies” name carries all the memories of my Grandma’s curiosity and our family’s love for simple, delicious treats. I hope this recipe becomes a tradition in your home, whether you call them Telephone Cookies or Peanut Butter Balls!

Have you tried these before, or do you have a quirky family recipe name? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories!

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