Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
I absolutely adore this Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats recipe because it’s a nostalgic twist on a childhood favorite, bringing cozy vibes with every chocolatey, marshmallow bite. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make, so I can whip up a batch whenever I’m craving a sweet treat without spending hours in the kitchen!
I adore preparing nostalgic and comforting confections, and my take on the classic Rice Krispie treat does just that. The toasted rice cereal squares are made with 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, a 10-ounce package of miniature marshmallows, and 1/4 cup of instant hot chocolate mix.
But you might be surprised to learn that I primarily lifted this beloved recipe from the back of the Rice Krispies box! With 6 cups of the snap, crackle, and pop cereal and a flirtation with sea salt, I had the texture just right.
And then I went and stirred in a cup of mini marshmallows (for texture) and a half cup of optional chocolate chips to (really) make this a treat.
Ingredients
Butter, Unsalted: Offers taste; crucial for creamy texture.
Marshmallows, miniature: contribute sweetness and a chewy texture; melt easily.
Instant Hot Cocoa Mix: Provides a profound cocoa essence; boosts sweetness.
Crispies Riced, the Breakfast Cereal: Contributes crunch; chiefly carbs; few calories.
Optional: Chocolate chips; they contribute richness and sweet, delectable bursts of chocolate.
Ingredient Quantities
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 package (10 oz) miniature marshmallows
- 1/4 cup instant hot chocolate mix
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
1. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with either butter or non-stick spray and set it aside.
2. In a large saucepan, over low heat, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
3. Add to the melted butter the package of 10 oz miniature marshmallows, and stir constantly until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
4. After the marshmallows have melted, stir in the 1/4 cup of instant hot chocolate mix until everything is well combined.
5. Take the pot off the burner and gently mix in the 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal. Satisfyingly, the crisp cereal folds right in and becomes part of the delicious team of ingredients.
6. Carefully incorporate the 1 cup of mini marshmallows and 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, if you’re using them, into the cereal mix.
7. Put a pinch of sea salt on top of the mixture and stir so that it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
8. Pour the mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch dish. Use a spatula to distribute the mixture evenly in the pan. You won’t need to press down very hard; just use enough pressure to get it mostly flat, and this will also ensure that the layer of seeds is mostly as far down in the mixture as it can get.
9. Let the goodies cool and set at room temperature for about half an hour.
10. When ready, cut the treats into squares and serve. Enjoy the Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats!
Equipment Needed
1. 9×13-inch baking dish
2. Non-stick spray or butter
3. Large saucepan
4. Stove or burner
5. Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
6. Measuring tablespoons
7. Measuring cups
8. Spatula for spreading
9. Knife for cutting squares
FAQ
- Q: Can I use large marshmallows instead of miniature ones?A: Yes, you can use large marshmallows. Just be sure to measure about 4 cups, which is roughly equivalent to a 10 oz package of mini marshmallows.
- Q: Is the instant hot chocolate mix necessary?A: The chocolatey flavor from the hot chocolate mix makes these goodies so delicious. You can leave it out if you’d like, but they won’t taste nearly as good without it.
- Q: How do I store these treats?To keep them fresh for as long as possible, you should do the following: Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Q: Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?Yes, you should feel free to add nuts, crushed peppermint, or other mix-ins you love to make your treats your own.
- Q: Are the chocolate chips necessary?Chocolate chips are optional but provide extra texture and flavor. You may leave them out or replace them with white chocolate chips or peanut butter chips if you prefer.
- Q: Can I make these treats vegan?A: To create a vegan version, substitute with these: Vegan butter, vegan marshmallows, and chocolate chips that are free from dairy.
Substitutions and Variations
You can use coconut oil or margarine instead of unsalted butter.
A substitute for the instant hot chocolate mix is cocoa powder with a little sugar.
Full-sized marshmallows, cut into smaller pieces, can work if you don’t have miniature marshmallows.
For any cereal that is a puffed rice type, it can be used in place of Rice Krispies.
If you want a twist on chocolate chip cookies, use chopped dark chocolate or M&M’s in place of the chocolate chips.
Pro Tips
1. Enhance Flavor: For an extra depth of flavor, brown the butter slightly before adding the marshmallows. This will give the treats a nutty, rich undertone.
2. Extra Gooey Treats: For a softer, gooier texture, hold back a small handful of the initial marshmallows and stir them in right before transferring the mixture to the baking dish. They’ll soften but not completely melt.
3. Mix-in Variations: Try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract along with the instant hot chocolate mix for an added flavor boost.
4. Presentation Tip: For a festive touch, sprinkle some colorful sprinkles or a drizzle of melted white chocolate over the top after you’ve spread the mixture in the dish.
5. Cooling Shortcut: If you’re in a hurry, place the dish in the refrigerator to help the treats set faster, but make sure they’re mostly at room temperature before doing so to avoid condensation.
Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
My favorite Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. 9×13-inch baking dish
2. Non-stick spray or butter
3. Large saucepan
4. Stove or burner
5. Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
6. Measuring tablespoons
7. Measuring cups
8. Spatula for spreading
9. Knife for cutting squares
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 package (10 oz) miniature marshmallows
- 1/4 cup instant hot chocolate mix
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions:
1. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with either butter or non-stick spray and set it aside.
2. In a large saucepan, over low heat, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
3. Add to the melted butter the package of 10 oz miniature marshmallows, and stir constantly until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
4. After the marshmallows have melted, stir in the 1/4 cup of instant hot chocolate mix until everything is well combined.
5. Take the pot off the burner and gently mix in the 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal. Satisfyingly, the crisp cereal folds right in and becomes part of the delicious team of ingredients.
6. Carefully incorporate the 1 cup of mini marshmallows and 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, if you’re using them, into the cereal mix.
7. Put a pinch of sea salt on top of the mixture and stir so that it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
8. Pour the mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch dish. Use a spatula to distribute the mixture evenly in the pan. You won’t need to press down very hard; just use enough pressure to get it mostly flat, and this will also ensure that the layer of seeds is mostly as far down in the mixture as it can get.
9. Let the goodies cool and set at room temperature for about half an hour.
10. When ready, cut the treats into squares and serve. Enjoy the Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats!