Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats
Jul 14, 2024, Updated Oct 07, 2024
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My recipe for chocolate Rice Krispie Treats are easy to make and a delicious chocolate version of a classic cereal treat. Made with mini chocolate chips, this no bake dessert is perfect for chocolate lovers. After making these on a regular basis, I have some tips that will help you achieve the best chocolate cereal treats.
My rice krispie chocolate treat recipe is one my kids ask me to make on a regular basis. We do enjoy the classic, original version, but this chocolate version is next level.
After several rounds of recipe testing, we all agreed that this version using Cocoa Krispies makes the best chocolate treats. The extra chocolate flavor from the cereal really gives them the best flavor.
Looking for more no-bake desserts? Try these Rice Krispie Treats with marshmallow fluff, avalanche cookies and coconut balls.
Why this recipe is the best
Simple – This easy recipe can be made in about 20 minutes from start to finish with just a few ingredients. A great recipe that even the kids can help make.
No Bake – You have to love a no-bake dessert that doesn’t require turning on the oven.
Chewy – This recipe makes delicious thick, chocolatey krispie squares.
Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats ingredients
Gather up your ingredients to make this easy recipe. You will need:
- Cocoa Rice Krispie Cereal – These have a nice chocolate flavor with the same crunch as the original crispy rice cereal.
- Marshmallows – I like using large marshmallows for this recipe. It helps make them extra gooey and delicious. This recipe uses 60 large marshmallows. ***You can substitute with 5 cups of mini marshmallows if you have those on hand.
- Butter – Unsalted butter is used for this recipe.
- Vanilla Extract – This is optional but adds a nice hint of warm sweetness.
- Chocolate Chips – I am using mini semi-sweet chocolate chips. You can substitute with milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips.
How to make chocolate Rice Krispie Treats
Scroll to the bottom for a full, printable recipe and video.
Step one: Melt butter over low heat in a large pot or saucepan. Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips in with the melted butter and stir to melt the chocolate.
Step two: Pour in marshmallows and continue to stir until marshmallows are melted. Remove from heat and pour in vanilla extract.
Step three: Add in cocoa krispies and stir until coated. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips.
Step four: Line a 9×9 dish with parchment paper, lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray. Place cereal mixture into prepared dish. Use the butter wrapper or put a little water on your finger tips and gently press mixture into the baking dish.
Heather’s recipe tips
- Use parchment paper to line the baking dish. This makes it easier to remove the treats from the dish.
- Use large, fresh marshmallows. I find the larger marshmallows give a better texture.
- Make sure not to press too hard. Gently press the cereal mixture into the dish. This helps keep them soft and “fluffy”.
- If you have a crowd, they can be made in a 9 x 13 dish. The treats will be a little thinner.
- Like sweet and savory? Add a few pinches of flaked salt to the top.
Variations
This is a fun recipe to let your creative side run wild. There are several ways to add color and more flavor to your homemade Rice Krispie Treats.
- Sprinkles: Top with colorful sprinkles to add a splash of color to your treats.
- Frosting: Try toping them with a thin coat of frosting like this simple chocolate frosting.
- Chocolate: Give them even more chocolate by dipping them in melted white chocolate or melted chocolate. If you don’t want to dip them, you could also drizzle melted chocolate on top.
- Candy melts: Dip or drizzle with melted colorful candy melts.
How to store
These treats can be stored covered in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last about a week.
Did you make this chocolate rice krispie treat recipe? Let me know below in the comments.
Common questions
I like to let mine sit for about 30 minutes before cutting them.
The possible reason for this is melting the marshmallows over high heat. I recommend melting them over medium-low to low heat for the best result.
I would not recommend using stale marshmallows.
More easy chocolate desserts
- Hot chocolate fudge
- 32 Fudge recipes
- Chocolate covered espresso beans
- Chocolate covered potato chips
- Easy brownies
Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 50 large marshmallows
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips divided
- 6 cups Cocoa Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Melt butter over low heat in a large saucepan. Add in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips and stir to melt.
- Pour in marshmallows and continue to stir until marshmallows are melted. Remove from heat and pour in vanilla extract.
- Add in chocolate Rice Krispies and stir until coated. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips.
- Line a 9×9 dish with parchment paper, lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray. Place cereal mixture into dish. Use the butter wrapper or put a little water on your finger tips and gently press the cereal into the dish.
Video
Notes
- Use parchment paper to line the baking dish. This makes it easier to remove the treats from the dish.
- Use large, fresh marshmallows. I find the larger marshmallows give a better texture.
- Make sure not to press too hard. Gently press the cereal mixture into the dish. This helps keep them soft and “fluffy”.
- If you have a crowd, they can be made in a 9 x 13 dish. The treats will be a little thinner.
- Add colorful sprinkles after putting in the dish to add some fun color.
- Like sweet and savory? Add a few pinches of flaked salt to the top.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
how many just regular sized marshmallows?
You would need about 40 regular size marshmallows. Thanks!