If you love cozy, chocolatey treats that bring back childhood nostalgia with a fun twist, the Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is your new best friend. These delightfully gooey, fluffy, and chocolate-packed squares combine the classic crispy texture of Rice Krispies with the rich flavor of hot chocolate, making every bite an irresistible little hug of sweetness. Whether you’re prepping for a party, holiday, or just a special treat, this recipe is a surefire way to impress and delight everyone around you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Recipe uses simple pantry staples that transform into an incredible treat. Each ingredient adds something unique, whether it’s creamy chocolate, fluffy marshmallows, or that nostalgic crunch.
- ½ cup butter: Provides the rich, smooth base that helps everything melt together perfectly.
- ½ cup milk chocolate chips: Adds sweet chocolate flavor and meltiness that takes these treats up a notch.
- ½ cup hot chocolate mix: Infuses the whole batch with that unmistakable, cozy hot cocoa taste.
- 1 bag marshmallows (10 ounces, about 40 large marshmallows): The gooey, sticky component that binds everything deliciously.
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal: Provides that signature crisp and crunch in every bite.
- â…“ cup mini marshmallows: Adds texture and little pockets of melted sweetness scattered throughout.
- Chocolate sprinkles: For a playful, chocolatey decoration that enhances the look and flavor.
- Mini marshmallows, mini chocolate chips, dehydrated marshmallows, crushed candy canes: Optional toppings to personalize and jazz up each batch with visual and flavor flair.
How to Make Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by greasing a 9″x13″ baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to ensure your treats come out cleanly and easily. This simple step makes cleanup a breeze and keeps your crispy squares intact.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Chocolate
Place a large pot on low heat and melt the butter slowly. Once melted, add the milk chocolate chips and stir continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. This velvety mixture forms the foundation of that luscious hot chocolate flavor we’re aiming for.
Step 3: Mix in Hot Chocolate Powder
Stir the hot chocolate mix into the melted butter and chocolate base until fully combined. This is the secret that infuses a rich and warming cocoa essence into these treats, differentiating them from the standard rice krispie version.
Step 4: Add the Marshmallows
Now it’s time to add the big marshmallows to the pot. Keep stirring constantly over low heat until all the marshmallows have melted into a silky, sticky mixture. This step is crucial to achieving the perfect gooey texture that binds everything together.
Step 5: Combine Cereal and Mini Marshmallows
Remove the pot from heat. Pour in the six cups of Rice Krispies cereal and gently fold them into the marshmallow mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. For easier mixing and less stickiness, spray your spatula lightly with cooking spray. Then stir in the mini marshmallows—the little ones that partially melt create delightful texture contrasts in every bite.
Step 6: Press and Decorate
Gently spread the mixture evenly into your prepared pan. Press down lightly to create a uniform layer without squashing the light crunchiness out. Top your treats with mini marshmallows, chocolate sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, dehydrated marshmallows, or even crushed candy canes. Press the toppings slightly so they stick but don’t lose their texture.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let your Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats cool fully for about 30 minutes. This allows them to set properly so they hold together but remain chewy and soft. Once set, slice the pan into 18 or 24 juicy squares, then dig into those delightfully chocolatey crispy dreams!
How to Serve Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your presentation by adding a few extra mini marshmallows, a dusting of cocoa powder, or a sprinkle of chocolate chips on top before serving. These simple garnishes make them look positively irresistible and boost the chocolatey vibes.
Side Dishes
Pair these treats with a warm cup of hot cocoa or a creamy milkshake for a complete indulgent experience. They also complement fresh fruit nicely—sliced strawberries or orange segments contrast beautifully with the rich sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Recipe in festive shapes using cookie cutters for holidays, or stack them in a pretty glass jar with layers of mini marshmallows and chocolate chips as a gift idea. Wrapping individual squares in cellophane with a bow is always a hit at parties and gatherings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay soft and chewy for up to 3-5 days, perfect for snacks throughout the week without losing their charm.
Freezing
If you want to make these treats ahead of time, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to a month and thawed at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge.
Reheating
While these treats are best enjoyed fresh or at room temperature, you can warm them briefly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds if you want to revive that melty marshmallow softness. Just be careful not to overheat and dry them out.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate will give your Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Recipe a richer, slightly more intense chocolate flavor, perfect if you prefer less sweetness. Just keep the quantity the same.
What if I don’t have hot chocolate mix on hand?
If you don’t have hot chocolate mix, you can substitute with unsweetened cocoa powder and a teaspoon of sugar. Mix these well into the melted chocolate for a similar effect.
Can I make these treats gluten-free?
Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free Rice Krispies (or another gluten-free crispy cereal) and double-check your other ingredients to keep them gluten-free.
Why do mini marshmallows sometimes melt completely and sometimes stay whole?
The mini marshmallows melt partially because of the residual heat from the mixture after mixing in the cereal, creating delightful pockets of gooeyness alongside the soft chewy bits.
Can I add extra flavors or mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to stir in nuts, dried fruit, or even a swirl of peanut butter for your own spin on this Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Recipe. Customize it to suit your cravings.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is a wonderful way to blend the nostalgia of a classic childhood favorite with the comforting warmth of hot chocolate. It’s surprisingly simple to make but truly unforgettable in taste. Grab your ingredients and give it a try—you’ll love sharing this fun and festive treat with friends and family, especially when you want something sweet, chewy, and chocolaty all at once.
Print
Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats are a delightful twist on the classic snack, combining the rich flavors of hot chocolate with the crispy texture of Rice Krispies. Made by melting butter, milk chocolate, and hot chocolate mix with marshmallows, then mixed with cereal and mini marshmallows, this treat is perfect for cozy gatherings or festive occasions. Topped with optional chocolate sprinkles, candy canes, and more, they offer a fun and delicious way to enjoy a nostalgic favorite with a chocolatey upgrade.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup milk chocolate chips
- ½ cup hot chocolate mix
- 1 bag marshmallows (10 ounces, about 40 large marshmallows)
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- â…“ cup mini marshmallows
Toppings (Optional)
- Chocolate sprinkles
- Mini marshmallows
- Mini chocolate chips
- Dehydrated marshmallows
- Crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9″x13″ baking tray with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking later on.
- Melt Butter: Place a large pot on low heat and melt the ½ cup butter slowly, ensuring it does not burn.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in ½ cup milk chocolate chips and continue stirring until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Mix Hot Chocolate: Add ½ cup hot chocolate mix to the melted chocolate and butter mixture, stirring until fully combined for that rich hot cocoa flavor.
- Melt Marshmallows: Add the entire bag of large marshmallows (10 oz) and stir continuously until the marshmallows are fully melted and incorporated evenly into the mixture.
- Combine with Cereal: Remove the pot from heat, then pour in 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal. Gently mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until all the cereal is coated evenly in the marshmallow mixture. Tip: Lightly spray the spatula with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Add Mini Marshmallows: Fold in â…“ cup mini marshmallows gently. Some will melt slightly while others remain whole, adding texture and visual appeal.
- Transfer to Pan: Spread the cereal mixture into an even layer in the prepared pan. Press down lightly to create a uniform layer, but avoid packing too tightly to keep the treats light and chewy.
- Decorate: Sprinkle the top with your choice of mini marshmallows, chocolate sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, dehydrated marshmallows, crushed candy canes, or any candies you prefer. Press them gently to make sure they stick.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the treats to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes until set. Slice into 18 to 24 squares and serve.
Notes
- Using cooking spray on your spatula helps prevent the sticky mixture from clinging to your utensils.
- Do not press the mixture down too firmly to keep the treats light and crispy.
- Customize toppings as desired to add texture and festive flair.
- Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure Rice Krispies cereal is labeled gluten-free.
