Chocolate Rice Krispies Treats are a delicious and easy-to-make snack that combines the crispy texture of Rice Krispies cereal with the gooey sweetness of marshmallows and the rich taste of chocolate. This simple recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings in no time. Whether you’re preparing a treat for a party, an afternoon snack, or a special dessert, these chocolatey, marshmallow-packed bites are sure to be a hit. With minimal ingredients and just a few easy steps, you can enjoy a fun, homemade treat that’s both comforting and satisfying. Plus, these treats are versatile—feel free to get creative with different add-ins or coatings, and you’ll have an unforgettable treat every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a perfect balance of crispy, chocolatey, and gooey. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring no baking and minimal ingredients, making it ideal for anyone, even beginner bakers. The combination of chocolate chips and mini marshmallows gives these treats a rich, indulgent flavor, while the Rice Krispies cereal adds that signature crunch that everyone loves. Plus, the recipe is highly customizable—whether you want to make them bigger, smaller, or add extra toppings like sprinkles, peanut butter, or nuts, you can easily adapt it to your tastes. These chocolate Rice Krispies treats are a quick, no-fuss dessert or snack that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- Rice Krispies cereal
- Mini marshmallows
- Chocolate chips
- Butter
Variations
- Peanut Butter Version: Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the chocolate and butter mixture for a peanut butter-chocolate flavor.
- Add-ins: Mix in chopped nuts, sprinkles, or even dried fruit to make these treats even more exciting.
- Marshmallow Swirl: Instead of mixing the marshmallows into the chocolate, you can swirl them through the mixture for a fun, marble-like effect.
- S’mores Variation: Add crushed graham crackers to the mixture to give your treats a s’mores twist.
- Mint Chocolate: Add a few drops of mint extract to the melted chocolate for a refreshing mint-chocolate flavor.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Melt Chocolate and Butter
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
Step 2: Add Marshmallows
Add the mini marshmallows to the melted chocolate mixture. Stir gently until the marshmallows are fully coated with the chocolate.
Step 3: Mix in Rice Krispies
Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal. Be sure to mix carefully so that the cereal is evenly coated with the chocolate and marshmallow mixture.
Step 4: Shape the Treats
Once the mixture is well combined, use your hands or a spoon to form small balls of the mixture. Place each ball onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to keep them from sticking.
Step 5: Refrigerate
Refrigerate the treats for at least 30 minutes to allow them to set. This helps them hold their shape and become firm enough to enjoy.
Step 6: Serve
Once set, remove the treats from the refrigerator and serve. Enjoy the perfect combination of crunch, gooey marshmallow, and rich chocolate!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overheat the Chocolate: When melting the chocolate, be sure to microwave in short intervals to prevent it from burning.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper will make it much easier to remove the treats once they’ve set.
- Form the Balls Quickly: The mixture will firm up as it cools, so it’s best to form the balls while the mixture is still warm and pliable.
- Adjust the Size: You can make these treats as big or small as you like, just adjust the size of the balls accordingly.
- Try Different Cereal: You can use other cereals like Cocoa Krispies or Cornflakes for a fun variation.
How to Serve
Chocolate Rice Krispies Treats are best served chilled or at room temperature. They make a fun snack for kids and adults alike and are perfect for picnics, parties, or lunchboxes. They’re also great for sharing with friends or gifting in a decorative box for birthdays, holidays, or other celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Chocolate Rice Krispies Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be kept in the refrigerator to extend their freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze these treats for up to 1-2 months. Place the treats in a freezer-safe container or bag, with layers of parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. To serve, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a few minutes.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat these treats—they’re best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. However, if you want to warm them slightly, microwave for a few seconds, but be careful not to melt the chocolate.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Yes, you can use regular marshmallows, but you’ll need to cut them into smaller pieces so they mix more evenly into the chocolate.
2. Can I substitute butter with margarine?
Yes, you can use margarine instead of butter, but butter will provide a richer flavor.
3. Can I add other toppings to the treats?
Absolutely! You can top them with sprinkles, crushed candies, or even drizzle extra melted chocolate on top.
4. How do I know if the chocolate is melted properly?
The chocolate should be smooth and creamy. Stir it well after each interval to ensure it’s fully melted.
5. Can I make these treats without chocolate chips?
While chocolate chips add flavor, you can substitute with other types of chocolate, such as chopped chocolate bars, or leave out the chocolate altogether for a simpler version.
6. Can I use a different type of cereal?
Yes, you can substitute Rice Krispies with other cereals like Cornflakes or Cocoa Krispies for different textures and flavors.
7. Can I add peanut butter to this recipe?
Yes, adding peanut butter to the chocolate and butter mixture will give the treats a rich peanut butter flavor that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.
8. How can I make these treats more festive?
You can add colored sprinkles, mini candies, or use different food coloring for the chocolate to make them more festive for holidays and celebrations.
9. Can I make these treats without refrigerating them?
Refrigerating the treats helps them firm up, but you can skip this step if you prefer a softer, gooier texture.
10. Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Yes, dark chocolate will give a slightly different, more intense flavor, but it works just as well in this recipe.
Conclusion
Chocolate Rice Krispies Treats are a simple, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and a little time in the refrigerator, you can enjoy a delicious treat that’s both crunchy and gooey. Customize them with your favorite add-ins or toppings, and enjoy these fun, easy-to-make bites that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth! Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a quick snack, these treats are always a crowd-pleaser.
PrintChocolate Rice Krispies Treats
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 balls 1x
Description
These Chocolate Marshmallow Rice Krispies Balls are a fun and delicious treat. With a perfect balance of gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate, and crispy cereal, they are a quick and easy snack everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted.
- Add the mini marshmallows to the melted chocolate mixture and stir until marshmallows are fully coated.
- Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set before serving.
Notes
- You can use any type of chocolate chips, but semi-sweet chocolate provides a nice balance with the sweetness of the marshmallows.
- For added texture, you can add crushed nuts or sprinkles to the mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes