Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

5 from 1 vote
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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.

Piece of square shaped chocolate rice krispie treat.


 

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 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.
Bowl of large marshmallows, mini chocolate chips, butter, and chocolate rice krispie cereal.

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.

Saucepan with melted chocolate and a spatula.

Step two: Pour in marshmallows and continue to stir until marshmallows are melted. Remove from heat and pour in vanilla extract.

Saucepan with large marshmallows, melted chocolate, and spatula.

Step three: Add in cocoa krispies and stir until coated. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips.

Saucepan with chocolate rice krispies.

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.

Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats 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 Rice Krispie Treats

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.

Baking dish with cocoa krispie treats.

Common questions

How long does it take Rice Krispie Treats to harden?

I like to let mine sit for about 30 minutes before cutting them.

Why are my Rice Krispie Treats too hard?

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.

Can you use hard or old marshmallows to make Rice Krispie Treats?

I would not recommend using stale marshmallows.

More easy chocolate desserts

Piece of square shaped chocolate rice krispie treat.
5 from 1 vote

Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

By Heather
Learn how to make delicious chocolate Rice Krispie Treats. Made using mini chocolate chips, this chocolate version of cereal treats is a must try.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
Servings: 12

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

Calories: 264kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 108mg | Potassium: 21mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 1111IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
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