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    Home » Cereal

    Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

    Published: September 12, 2023 · Modified: December 9, 2023 by Angela Allison ·

    Jump to Recipe
    chocolate rice krispie treats pin.

    With a gooey blend of melted marshmallows, cocoa powder, and a touch of vanilla extract, these Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats take the classic treat to a whole new level. They're super easy to whip up too!

    Check out my Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats and my Halloween Rice Krispies Treats for more Rice Krispie recipes!

    side view of rice krispie treats stacked.
    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients You Need
    • Step By Step Photos
    • How To Make Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats From Scratch
    • Tips
    • Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats
    • More Recipes You Might Enjoy
    • Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

    Chocolate lovers! Are you ready for some homemade chocolate rice krispie treats? Look no further than this chocolate rice krispie treat recipe. These delicious treats are quick and easy to make!

    These gooey chocolate rice krispie treats are great as an after school snack or birthday parties and are guaranteed to bring joy and smiles to everyone who tries them.

    top view of chocolate rice krispie treats.

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    If love an easy recipe made with simple ingredients you'll definitely want to make these. The addition of cocoa powder gives these cereal treats a rich, deep chocolate flavor. 

    Whether you dress them up with semi-sweet chocolate chips, mini chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips or a chocolate drizzle, you'll want to add this treats recipe to your favorite no bake dessert list!

    Ingredients You Need

    chocolate rice krispie treats labeled ingredients.
    • Rice Krispies cereal: Adds the iconic crispy texture to these treats. 
    • Marshmallows: The magic ingredient that holds everything together. 
    • Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a deep, rich flavor and a beautiful dark color to the treats.
    • Unsalted butter: Adds richness and enhances the overall flavor.
    • Vanilla extract: Added to enhance the flavor and provide a subtle sweetness. 

    Step By Step Photos

    Butter melting in a pot.

    Melt butter in a large pot.

    Marshmallows in a pot.

    Add the marshmallows.

    Marshmallows melting in a pot.

    Stir constantly until completely melted.

    Cocoa powder over marshmallows in a pot.

    Add the cocoa powder and vanilla.

    Marshmallows and chocolate combined in a pot.

    Stir until fully combined.

    Rice Krispies cereal in a pot.

    Add the Rice Krispies cereal.

    Rice Krispies mixed with the marshmallows and chocolate.

    Stir until cereal is coated.

    Chocolate Rice Krispies pressed in a pan.

    Press down firmly in a baking dish.

    How To Make Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats From Scratch

    Step 1. Prepare pan: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

    Step 2. Melt butter and marshmallows: In a large pot, melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter over low heat. Add 10 ounces of marshmallows and stir constantly until fully melted and smooth.

    Step 3. Add cocoa and vanilla: Stir in ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.

    Step 4. Mix with Rice Krispies: Remove the pot from heat and add 6 cups of rice krispies cereal. Stir until the cereal is fully coated in the chocolate mixture.

    Step 5. Transfer to pan: Transfer the cereal mixture to the prepared baking dish and press it down firmly with a spatula to create an even layer.

    Step 6. Cool and cut: Let the treats cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares.

    NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!

    rice krispie treat with a bite taken out.

    Tips

    • Fresh marshmallows will melt more easily and result in a smoother, more consistent mixture.
    • When melting the butter and marshmallows, use low heat and stir constantly to prevent burning.
    • Use a spatula or your hands to press the mixture firmly into the baking dish. Wax paper sprayed with nonstick cooking spray is also helpful!
    • Add a tablespoon or two of creamy peanut butter to the melted marshmallow mixture to make chocolate peanut butter rice krispie treats. Stir it in until well combined before adding the rice krispies cereal.
    • Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the pressed treats and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

    Can I use chocolate-flavored cereal instead of Rice Krispies?

    Yes, you can substitute Rice Krispies cereal with chocolate-flavored cereal, such as Cocoa Krispies or Chocolate Rice Chex.

    How do I prevent the treats from sticking to the pan?

    Greasing the baking dish with cooking spray or butter before pressing the mixture in will help prevent sticking. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang, which will make it easier to remove the treats from the pan once cooled.

    Can I microwave the marshmallows and butter instead of using a stovetop?

    Yes, you can melt the marshmallows and butter together in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30 second intervals, stirring well after each interval until the marshmallows and butter are melted and smooth.

    How do I store chocolate rice krispie treats?

    Once they've cooled completely, place them in an airtight container. They can last for several days.

    Can I freeze chocolate rice krispie treats?

    Yes, you can freeze them. Wrap the treats tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2-3 months.

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    If you love this recipe, please leave a comment with a five-star rating — or simply hit the five-star button in the recipe card. Don't forget to signup for my newsletter.

    chocolate rice krispie treats thumbnail picture.

    Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

    Angela
    With a blend of marshmallows, cocoa, and vanilla extract, these chocolate rice krispie treats take the classic treat to a whole new level.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Resting Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 45 minutes mins
    Course Treats
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12
    Calories 162 kcal

    Equipment

    • 9 x 13-Inch Cake Pans
    • Measuring Cups and Spoons

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 6 cups rice krispies cereal
    • 10 ounces marshmallows
    • ¼ cup unsalted butter
    • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

    Instructions
     

    • Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter and set aside.
    • In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat.
    • Add the marshmallows and stir constantly until completely melted and smooth.
    • Stir in the cocoa powder and vanilla extract until fully combined.
    • Remove the pot from heat and add the rice krispies cereal.
    • Stir until the cereal is fully coated in the chocolate mixture.
    • Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press down firmly with a spatula to create an even layer.
    • Let cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

    Notes

    • Fresh marshmallows will melt more easily and result in a smoother, more consistent mixture.
    • When melting the butter and marshmallows, use low heat and stir constantly to prevent burning.
    • Use a spatula or your hands to press the mixture firmly into the baking dish. Wax paper sprayed with nonstick cooking spray is also helpful!
    • Add a tablespoon or two of creamy peanut butter to the melted marshmallow mixture to make chocolate peanut butter rice krispie treats. Stir it in until well combined before adding the rice krispies cereal.
    • Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the pressed treats and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel.
    • Storing: Once they've cooled completely, place them in an airtight container. They can last for several days.
    • Freezing: Wrap the treats tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2-3 months.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 162kcalCarbohydrates: 71gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 96mgPotassium: 40mgFiber: 1gSugar: 16g

    All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.

    Keyword Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats
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    Angela Allison

    I'm Angela and I'm so glad you're here! I've been baking delicious and simple desserts for 25+ years and I can't wait to share my easy creations with you! About Me

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