Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie Treats

Classic rice krispies treats are a nostalgic childhood snack for many. But, did you know, that rice krispie treats are actually really fun and easy to make at home?

If you’re looking for an easy snack recipe that will get your kid involved in the kitchen, this chocolate chip rice krispie treats recipe is perfect for you! You only need a few simple ingredients and about 20 minutes to make a batch of these chocolatey treats.

Your kids will love getting their hands messy, then being able to enjoy the sweet and sticky deliciousness of their hard work. Plus, you can make their experience even more exciting by cutting these cereal treats into fun shapes.

Today, I’m walking you through the entire process including the best ingredients to use, tips that will guarantee you make this no-bake recipe successfully the first time, and some of my favorite mix-ins to add to these homemade chocolate chip rice krispie treats.

So, make a batch today and create magical childhood memories in the kitchen with your kids!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Childhood Nostalgia- Classic rice krispies treats are a nostalgic childhood snack for many. These homemade rice krispies treats will help you recreate fond and delicious memories.
• Quick & Easy- With only 5 ingredients and 20 minutes, you can make a batch of these easy chocolate chip rice krispie treats. They’re perfect for a last-minute potluck party.
• Family-Friendly- Kids and adults alike will enjoy the sweet, chocolatey flavor of these homemade crispy rice treats.
• Perfect for Parties- Make a large batch of these chocolate chip rice krispie treats with marshmallows to share with friends and family!
• Customizable- With endless mix-in options, you can easily make these homemade cereal treats your own.

Ingredient Notes

Here are some notes on key ingredients. For a full list of ingredients, check out the recipe card below.

• Crispy Rice Cereal- Use classic Rice Krispies cereal or any other brand of crispy rice cereal you prefer.
• Marshmallows- You’ll need two 10-ounce bags of marshmallows for this recipe. Both regular marshmallows and mini marshmallows work well.
• Mini Chocolate Chips- Mini chocolate chips are perfect because they fit well inside the nooks and crannies on top of the rice krispie treats.
• Unsalted Butter- Butter helps the melted marshmallow mixture stay soft and stretchy.
• Vanilla Extract- Adds a subtle vanilla flavor to the cereal bars, which compliments the chocolate flavor well.
• Kosher Salt- Balances the sweetness of the marshmallows and chocolate.

Substitutions and Variations

Here are a few ways you can try customizing this chocolate chip rice krispie treat recipe to fit your diet and taste preferences.

Substitutions

• Crispy Rice Cereal- You can make all kinds of marshmallow cereal treats with different types of cereal. Try Fruit Loops, Chex, Fruity Pebbles, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cocoa Puffs, Cornflakes, or any other cereal you like.
• Marshmallows- Substitute the marshmallows with marshmallow fluff or marshmallow creme.
• Mini Chocolate Chips- Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, candy, crushed cookies, or sprinkles.
• Unsalted Butter- Swap the butter for dairy-free butter, coconut oil, or your favorite nut butter.
• Vanilla Extract- Replace vanilla extract with a small amount of vanilla bean paste or another extract like almond extract or maple extract.
• Kosher Salt- Sea salt or table salt can be substituted for kosher salt.

Variations

• Gluten-Free- Swap traditional Rice Krispies Cereal for a brand of crispy rice cereal that is specifically labeled gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free- Use dairy-free butter and dairy-free chocolate chips to make a dairy-free version of this recipe.
• Brown Butter- Brown the butter before stirring in the marshmallows for a richer, more caramelized flavor.
• Peanut Butter- Stir ½ cup of creamy peanut butter into the marshmallow mixture to make peanut butter chocolate chip rice krispie treats.
• S’mores- Top these chocolate chip rice krispie treats with crushed graham crackers and mini marshmallows to recreate the campfire favorite in cereal bar form.
• M&M’s- Swap the mini chocolate chips for mini M&M’s for a colorful treat with some extra crunch.

Equipment Notes

Here are some notes on any special equipment I used to make this recipe.

• Baking Dish- I like to make rice krispie treats in a 9”x13” baking dish, but a 9”x9” or 8”x8” baking dish can be used as well. The size of the baking dish determines how thick the rice krispie treats will be.
• Large Saucepan- Use a saucepan large enough to accommodate two bags of marshmallows.
• Rubber Spatula- A rubber spatula is ideal for stirring marshmallows as it helps prevent sticking.
• Parchment or Wax Paper- Use parchment or wax paper to press down the mixture evenly without sticking.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie Treats

Here is how to make rice krispie treats with chocolate chips.

Stovetop Method

Step 1: Prepare the baking dish. Grease a 9" x 13" baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Set it aside.

Step 2: Melt the butter and marshmallows. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the marshmallows to the saucepan. Stir the marshmallows continuously using a rubber spatula until they completely melt. This usually takes about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Add salt and vanilla. Stir the vanilla extract and kosher salt into the melted marshmallows.

Step 4: Combine with rice cereal. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the crispy rice cereal to the marshmallow mixture. Stir everything together until the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow sauce.

Step 5: Add chocolate chips. Quickly stir in half of the mini chocolate chips. They may melt a bit due to the warm marshmallow mixture, but that's okay.

Step 6: Transfer to baking dish. Dump the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Use a piece of greased parchment or wax paper to press down on the crispy rice mixture gently.

Step 7: Top with more chocolate chips. Sprinkle the remaining mini chocolate chips over the top of the rice krispie treats. Press them in lightly so they stick to the surface.

Step 8: Cool and slice. Allow the treats to cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Once cooled and set, slice them into squares or rectangles for serving.

Microwave Method

Making homemade rice krispie treats using a microwave is a quick and convenient alternative to the stovetop method. 

To make the marshmallow mixture in the microwave, follow these instructions:

• In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter on high power. 
• Add the marshmallows to the bowl and microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth. 
• Stir in the vanilla extract and kosher salt.
• Finish making the rice krispie treats according to the recipe card instructions below.

Tips for Success

Make these chocolate chip rice krispies treats successfully the first time using these tried and true tips.

• Grease the baking dish well. Grease the baking dish well to prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the treats later.
• Use fresh marshmallows. Using old marshmallows for rice krispie treats is not recommended as they can affect the texture and may not melt as well as fresh marshmallows.
• Stir the marshmallow mixture constantly. While melting the marshmallows, stir them continuously to prevent sticking or burning.
• Use wax paper to press the treats. Rice krispie treats are sticky when warm and can be difficult to press into the baking dish. I find that using my hands and a piece of wax paper works best.
• Cool completely before slicing. Allowing the crispy rice treats to cool completely helps them set properly, making them easier to eat.
• Get creative. Have fun adding different mix-ins or cutting your rice crispy treats into different shapes. Try pumpkins for Halloween or Christmas trees for the holiday season.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie Treats

To serve chocolate chip rice krispie treats, simply slice them into squares or rectangles after they have cooled and set.

You can enjoy them on their own as a sweet snack or pair them with a glass of cold milk for a classic combination. For a more indulgent treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. 

Chocolate rice krispie treats make a delightful addition to the dessert table at potluck parties or holiday gatherings. However you choose to serve them, these chewy, sweet, and chocolatey treats are sure to be a huge hit with kids and adults alike!

Storage

How to Store

Chocolate chip rice krispie treats are best stored at room temperature or in the freezer. Do not refrigerate rice krispie treats as this will result in stale, hard cereal bars.

• Room Temperature- Store leftover chocolate chip rice krispie treats in an airtight container, plastic storage bag, or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator- Not recommended.
• Freezer- For longer storage, freeze leftover cereal treats for up to 3 months.

How to Thaw

When you're ready to enjoy the frozen treats, simply remove the desired portion from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving. 

Alternatively, you can microwave them for a few seconds to speed up the thawing process.

Make Ahead

For the best chocolate chip rice krispie treats, enjoy them the same day they're made. However, you can store them for up to 2 days by tightly wrapping them in plastic wrap at room temperature. 

If you need to stack them, use sheets of wax paper between layers. Avoid refrigerating them, as it will make the treats hard.

Frequently Asked Questions

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