Hot Chocolate Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Introduction
These Hot Chocolate Rice Krispies Treats are a fun and cozy twist on the classic snack. Loaded with cocoa flavor and topped with marshmallows and chocolate chips, they make a perfect treat for chilly days or any time you crave something sweet and chocolatey.
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons salted butter
- ½ cup hot cocoa powder mix
- 10 cups mini marshmallows (divided)
- 9 cups Cocoa Krispies Cereal
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup dehydrated marshmallows
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray; set aside.
- Step 2: In a large pot, melt the butter, hot cocoa powder, and 8 cups of mini marshmallows over low heat, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until the marshmallows are fully melted and smooth.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in the Cocoa Krispies cereal, vanilla extract, and the remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows until the cereal is evenly coated.
- Step 4: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Place another piece of parchment paper on top and gently press the mixture into the pan, being careful not to press too hard to avoid hard treats.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the dehydrated marshmallows, mini chocolate chips, and sprinkles evenly over the top. Lightly press them into the surface.
- Step 6: Allow the treats to cool for about 20 minutes before lifting them out of the pan and slicing into 24 pieces.
Tips & Variations
- Use full-sized marshmallows instead of mini if easier, just chop them for even melting.
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Swap sprinkles for crushed peppermint for a festive touch.
- For extra gooey treats, slightly reduce Cocoa Krispies by 1 cup and increase marshmallows by 1 cup.
Storage
Store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To maintain their chewy texture, avoid refrigeration. If they become firm, warm them briefly in the microwave before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular Rice Krispies instead of Cocoa Krispies?
Yes, but the chocolate flavor won’t be as pronounced. You can add extra cocoa powder to the melted marshmallow mixture to compensate.
How do I prevent the treats from becoming too hard?
Press the mixture gently into the pan without compacting it too much. Over-pressing and letting them cool too long in a cold space may make them hard.
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Hot Chocolate Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces 1x
Description
Delicious Hot Chocolate Rice Krispies Treats combine the classic crispy marshmallow treat with rich hot cocoa flavors. These treats are easy to make, featuring melted butter and hot cocoa powder mixed with Cocoa Krispies and marshmallows, then topped with dehydrated marshmallows, mini chocolate chips, and sprinkles for a fun and festive dessert.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons salted butter
- ½ cup hot cocoa powder mix
- 10 cups mini marshmallows (divided)
- 9 cups Cocoa Krispies Cereal
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- ¼ cup dehydrated marshmallows
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and spray it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set this aside to use later.
- Melt butter and marshmallows: In a large pot over low to medium heat, melt the butter along with the hot cocoa powder and 8 cups of mini marshmallows. Stir constantly using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until the marshmallows are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add cereal and flavoring: Remove the pot from heat, then stir in the Cocoa Krispies cereal, vanilla extract, and the remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows. Mix thoroughly until all the cereal and marshmallows are evenly coated with the melted mixture.
- Transfer and press: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Place another piece of parchment paper on top of the mixture and gently press it down to flatten. Avoid pressing too hard to keep the treats soft and chewy rather than hard.
- Add toppings: Evenly sprinkle the dehydrated marshmallows, mini chocolate chips, and optional sprinkles on top of the pressed mixture. Lightly press these into the surface to help them stick.
- Cool and slice: Let the treats cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes until they set. Once cooled, lift the treats out using the parchment paper and slice into 24 squares for serving.
Notes
- Use parchment paper and cooking spray for easy removal from the baking dish and cleaner slicing.
- Press the mixture gently to avoid tough treats; a light hand yields the best chewy texture.
- The dehydrated marshmallows on top add a fun, crunchy contrast; do not skip for best texture and look.
- These treats can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for freshness.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the melted marshmallow mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: hot chocolate rice krispies treats, cocoa krispies dessert, marshmallow treats, chocolate crispy snacks, easy no bake dessert
