Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie cookies have become my absolute go-to for a quick, satisfying treat that always brings smiles. I remember my mom making these for after-school snacks when I was a kid, and the smell of melted butter and sweet vanilla filling the kitchen was pure magic. There’s something so comforting about that familiar crispy crunch combined with pockets of warm, gooey chocolate. This easy chocolate chip Rice Krispie recipe captures that nostalgic joy perfectly, offering a delightful crunch and gooey chocolate chips that are perfect for satisfying any craving. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie Treats
You’re going to adore these delightful treats for so many reasons:
- The perfect blend of crispy cereal and melty chocolate chips offers an irresistible taste sensation.
- They’re incredibly quick to whip up, making them ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dessert needs.
- While not a health food, they use simple ingredients and are a budget-friendly way to satisfy a sweet tooth.
- These homemade chocolate chip Rice Krispie squares are always a huge hit with kids, perfect for lunchboxes or parties.
- The satisfying crunch combined with gooey pockets of chocolate makes every bite a joy.
- You can easily customize them with different chocolate types or add-ins for a personal touch.
- Making these homemade chocolate chip Rice Krispie squares is a fun activity the whole family can enjoy together.
Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie Squares
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful chocolate chip marshmallow crispy treats. You’ll need the essentials:
- 3 cups Rice Krispies Cereal – the crispy backbone of our treats!
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour – this helps bind everything together, giving it structure.
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda – for a little lift.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt – to balance the sweetness.
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened – make sure it’s softened, not melted, for the best texture.
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar – for sweetness and structure.
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar – adds moisture and a caramel-like depth.
- 1 large Egg – at room temperature helps it incorporate smoothly.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract – for that classic warm flavor.
- 2 cups Chocolate Chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate) – the star of the show!
- 1 cup Mini Marshmallows (optional) – for extra gooeyness!
How to Make Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie Bars
Let’s get baking! Following these simple steps will guide you on how to make chocolate chip Rice Krispie treats that are perfectly chewy and packed with chocolatey goodness.
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups All-Purpose Flour, 1 teaspoon Baking Soda, and 1/2 teaspoon Salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the 1 cup Unsalted Butter (make sure it’s softened!), 1 cup Granulated Sugar, and 1/2 cup Brown Sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. You’ll see it become pale and airy.
- Step 4: Add the 1 large Egg and 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Blend until everything is well combined. The aroma of vanilla is starting to bloom!
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt) to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed or stir with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want tender bars!
- Step 6: Now for the fun part! Gently fold in the 3 cups Rice Krispies Cereal, 2 cups Chocolate Chips, and the optional 1 cup Mini Marshmallows. Stir until everything is evenly distributed. You’ll see those delicious chocolate chips peeking through the cereal.
- Step 7: Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie. They will spread a bit as they bake.
- Step 8: Bake for 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be a lovely golden brown, while the centers still look slightly underbaked. This is key to that chewy texture.
- Step 9: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set up slightly. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The smell of freshly baked chocolate chip Rice Krispie treats is amazing!
Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie Confection
Want to elevate your chocolate chip Rice Krispie treats from good to absolutely spectacular? Here are a few insider tricks I’ve picked up:
- For extra gooeyness, don’t overbake! Pull them out when the edges are just golden brown and the centers still look a little soft.
- Using softened butter, not melted, is crucial for achieving that perfect chewy texture. It creates a better dough base.
- Chilling the dough for about 15-30 minutes before baking can help prevent excessive spreading and keep your bars nicely shaped.
- Experiment with different chocolate chip varieties like white chocolate or butterscotch for a fun twist on these classic treats.
What’s the secret to perfect Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie bars?
The key to achieving those wonderfully chewy best chocolate chip Rice Krispie bars is not overbaking. Aim for edges that are just set and golden, while the center still looks slightly soft. This ensures a delightful gooeyness that’s hard to resist. For more baking tips, check out this guide on baking fundamentals.
Can I make Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie treats ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough for these chocolate chip Rice Krispie treats up to 24 hours in advance. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before scooping and baking.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie squares?
A common pitfall is overbaking, which leads to dry, crumbly bars. Make sure to watch them closely. Another mistake is not using softened butter; this affects the texture. Lastly, don’t overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients, as this can make them tough.
Best Ways to Serve Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie Desserts
These delightful chocolate chip Rice Krispie bars are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with other treats! For a fun dessert with chocolate chip Rice Krispie flair, try serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cool, creamy ice cream melting into the warm, chewy bar is pure bliss. You could also serve them as a sweet accompaniment to a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, perfect for a cozy afternoon snack. They also make a great addition to a cookie platter, offering a different texture and flavor profile that guests will love.
Nutrition Facts for Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie Treats
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per cookie for these delicious chocolate chip Rice Krispie treats:
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on dietary guidelines, you can refer to the MyPlate website.
How to Store and Reheat Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie Bars
Proper storage is key to enjoying these delightful chocolate chip Rice Krispie bars for days to come. Once baked, let them cool completely on the wire rack. This is super important – warm bars can get mushy in containers! For the best results, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They make fantastic grab-and-go chocolate chip Rice Krispie snack ideas!
Want to keep them even longer? You can definitely freeze these chocolate chip Rice Krispie treats! Lay them flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can pop a frozen bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes until they’re soft and gooey again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie Treats
Can I use different types of chocolate chips in my Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie treats?
Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, feel free to experiment. Milk chocolate chips offer a sweeter profile, while dark chocolate chips provide a richer, more intense flavor. For something truly decadent, try white chocolate chips for a delightful contrast, creating lovely white chocolate chip Rice Krispie squares.
What makes these Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie squares chewy?
The secret to achieving those wonderfully chewy chocolate chip Rice Krispie squares lies in a few key things. First, using softened butter instead of melted butter helps create a better dough structure. Second, and most importantly, is not overbaking them. Pull them out when the edges are just golden brown and the center still looks a little soft. This ensures a gooey, chewy texture! For more on achieving the perfect texture, consider these dessert tips.
How do I make sure the chocolate chips don’t all sink to the bottom?
To prevent your chocolate chips from sinking, try tossing them with a tablespoon of flour from your measured amount before folding them into the batter. This light coating helps them suspend more evenly throughout the mixture. It’s a simple trick that makes a big difference in how your chocolate chip Rice Krispie bars look and taste.
Are these Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie treats a good option for kids’ parties?
Definitely! These chocolate chip Rice Krispie treats are a huge hit with kids. They’re easy to eat, perfectly sweet, and the combination of crispy cereal and melty chocolate is always a winner. Plus, they’re super easy to make in large batches, making them ideal for any celebration. For other kid-friendly recipes, check out our baby lemon impossible pies.
Variations of Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie Treats You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, there are so many fun ways to switch up these delicious chocolate chip Rice Krispie bars! For those who love a sweeter, creamier taste, try making white chocolate chip Rice Krispie squares by swapping out the semi-sweet chips for white chocolate. If you prefer a richer, more intense chocolate flavor, consider using dark chocolate chip Rice Krispie treats instead. For a healthier twist, you could experiment with gluten-free cereal or a sugar substitute, though this might alter the texture slightly. You can even add a sprinkle of sea salt on top after baking to enhance the chocolate flavor and add a delightful sweet and salty contrast.
Print
Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie: 1 Amazing Twist
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Irresistible Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie Cookies that offer a delightful crunch and gooey chocolate chips, perfect for satisfying cravings. This recipe is easy to make, kid-friendly, and offers versatile options for customization.
Ingredients
- 3 cups Rice Krispies Cereal
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 cups Chocolate Chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
- 1 cup Mini Marshmallows (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, blending until well combined.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in the Rice Krispies, chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and centers look slightly underbaked.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Feel free to add mini marshmallows or different types of chocolate for variety.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
- Cookie dough can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg