Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

5 from 7 rating
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While I love a classic rice krispie treat, sometimes it’s fun to mix things up. That’s where these chocolate rice krispie treats come in!

I wanted this chocolate rice krispie treat recipe to be nostalgic with a slightly elevated flavor.

The end result? A marshmallow-packed, extra chocolatey rice krispie treat!

image of chocolate rice krispie treats being stacked in a pile

How to Make These Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

Making rice krispie treats is just as simple as you remember!

Before you get started, prepare your pan! Things get sticky fast so doing this first is important.

image of ingredients laid out to make chocolate rice krispie treats

I used a square 8×8-in cake pan which will yield 16 treats. However, you can use any square pan you have on hand.

In a large pot melt 1/2 cup of butter. Use a larger pot than you might think you’d need because you’ll be mixing all the cereal into this pot.

Once the butter is melted, it’s time to get chocolatey! Turn the heat to low and stir in 1/4 cup of cocoa powder and 10 oz. of marshmallows.

image of marshmallows and cocoa powder being melted down in a white Dutch oven

Mix with a rubber spatula until the marshmallows are smooth.

Add in the chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the mixture is combined and the chips have fully melted.

image of marshmallows, butter, and chocolate that have been melted down in a dutch oven

You can use whatever kind of chocolate you like, milk, dark, or even white chocolate! It’s totally up to you.

Remove the pot from the stove and get your arms ready to stir! Add in half the cereal and fold it into the melted chocolate marshmallow mixture with a spatula.

Once combined, fold in the rest of the cereal. The cereal should be fully coated with the marshmallow mixture.

image of chocolate krispies being made in a large pot

Once the cereal is mixed in, I like to stir in a cup of mini marshmallows for some extra texture and for a fun rocky road effect once you serve them.

Quickly scoop the mixture into the prepared pan. Use a rubber spatula to gently press the mixture into an even layer.

image of chocolate rice krispies being pressed into a pan

To take these to the next level, I like to top them with a drizzle of chocolate ganache. However, this is also optional!

image of chocolate ganache being drizzled over a batch of chocolate rice krispie treats

Let the rice krispies cool for about 15 minutes, then cut them into squares and enjoy.

What Type of Cereal Should I Use?

Any type of puffed rice cereal will work in this recipe!

I usually use classic rice krispies, but you can make some double chocolate rice krispie treats by using cocoa krispies!

image of a chocolate rice krispie treat being held up to show it's chewy texture

What Type of Marshmallows Should I Use?

I usually use large marshmallows to make these chocolate rice krispie treats because they’re the easiest to find.

But mini marshmallows would work too, and actually melt down more easily!

Sometimes I also like to mix in some mini marshmallows for added texture! For this chocolate rice krispie treat recipe they give that a really fun rocky road look which I absolutely love!

image of chocolate rice krispie treats that have been cut into square and stacked on a plate

Tips for Making the Best Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

  • Prepare your pan before you melt the butter! Things will get sticky quickly.
  • Mini marshmallows melt down quicker! I recommend using them if you can find them.
  • Add the rice krispies in two additions. This will make it easier to mix together.
  • Although it’s optional- I recommend drizzling the top of the treats with some melted chocolate ganache for some added richness. Use this recipe!
  • Let your treats cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting and serving.
image of chocolate rice krispie treats that have been cut into squares

Making These Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats in Advance

You can make these treats in advance! These chocolate rice krispie treats can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

You can also freeze them in an airtight container for up to six weeks.

Let Me Know What You Think!

If you try this recipe for chocolate rice krispie treats, I’d love to hear what you think! Let me know your thoughts by sharing a comment and rating below.

Don’t forget to tag me @chelsweets and use #chelsweets so that I can see your delicious creations on social media!

image of a chocolate rice krispie treat being pulled apart to show how gooey and delicious it is
image of chocolate rice krispie treats being stacked in a pile
Print Recipe
5 from 7 rating

Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

These chocolate rice krispie treats are made with gooey marshmallows, melted chocolate, and cocoa powder to give them a decadent, chocolatey flavor! They're a chocoholic's dream!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Additional Time15 minutes
Total Time28 minutes
Course: Brownies & Bars
Cuisine: American
Servings: 16
Calories: 177kcal

Ingredients

Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter 113g
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted 25g
  • 1 10 oz bag marshmallows 285g
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips 90g
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste 4g
  • 1/4 tsp fine salt 1g
  • 6 cups puffed rice cereal 160g
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows – optional 45g

Instructions

  • Grease and line a square, 8-inch cake pan with parchment paper.
  • In a large pot, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat.
  • Turn the heat to low and stir in 1/4 cup of cocoa powder and 10 oz. of marshmallows. Mix with a rubber spatula until the marshmallows are smooth.
  • Add in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/4 tsp salt. Stir until the mixture is combined and the chips have fully melted.
  • Remove the pot from the stove and gradually mix in 6 cups of puffed rice cereal. I find it's easiest to mix if you add in the cereal in few additions.
  • At this stage I like to fold in an additional cup of mini marshmallows to give the bars a little pop of texture. This step is optional!
  • Quickly scoop the mixture into the prepared pan. Use a rubber spatula to gently press the mixture into an even layer.
  • To take these to the next level, I like to top them with a drizzle of chocolate ganache. However, this is also optional!
  • Once the squares have fully cooled (about 15 minutes), cut them into squares and serve.

Video

Notes

Making Thinner Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

If you want to make thinner treats, use a rectangular 13×9" cake pan (quarter sheet pan). This will give you about 32 1×2" treats.

Tips for Making the Best Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

  • Line and grease your pan before you melt your butter! Things will get sticky quickly.
  • Mix in the cereal gradually. This will ensure it gets evenly coated with chocolate.
  • Although it's optional- I recommend drizzling the top of the treats with some melted chocolate ganache for some added richness. Use this recipe!
  • Let your treats cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting and serving.

Chocolate Rice Krispie Variations

There are so many ways to make these Rice Krispie Treats your own! Here are a few ideas:
  • Use cocoa krispies or any other crunchy cereal!
  • Mix in different candies or cookie crumbs.
  • Add food flavoring– coconut, peppermint, get crazy with it!

Making These Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats in Advance & Storage Tips

You can make these treats in advance! These chocolate rice krispie treats can sit at room temperature for up to 5 days if stored in an airtight container.
You can also freeze them in an airtight container for up to six weeks.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 177kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 63mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 15g

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9 Comments

  1. This was a hit! I made this for my son’s 2 year old birthday and everyone loved them. I made a plain version also, in order to have an alternating pattern. I used a cookie cutter ‘2’ and switched the centers.

    We also have a dairy allergy so I replaced the butter with vegan butter and vegan chocolate chips.

  2. 5 stars
    I made these for a family gathering and they were such a big hit! I made them for the kids but even the adults who aren’t into sweets were eating them. They’re THAT good! They are soft, chewy and not too sweet. This one is definitely getting saved in my recipe book!

5 from 7 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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