Begin by lining a spacious baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

In a generously sized mixing bowl, blend together 2 cups of crunchy peanut butter, ½ cup of softened unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined.

Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, adding it half a cup at a time. Continue this process until the mixture is smooth, allowing you to easily form delightful little balls.

Introduce the crispy rice cereal and use your hands if needed to thoroughly integrate it into the peanut butter mixture.

Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Let them chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or opt for a quicker freeze of 20 minutes.

Follow the melting directions on the candy coating package to melt the chocolate.

Dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, using a toothpick or dipping tools.

Transfer the coated balls onto the parchment paper, and immediately sprinkle chopped peanuts or chocolate jimmies on top for that extra touch.

Allow the candy to set until the chocolate coating is firm.