The aroma of melted marshmallows fills the kitchen like a warm hug, wrapping around you as you prepare these delightful treats. The creamy sweetness of hot cocoa mingles with the crisp crunch of Rice Krispies, creating a texture that’s both chewy and satisfyingly crunchy. Just imagine a generous sprinkle of chocolate chips and a cozy cup of hot chocolate on a chilly afternoon, and you’ll find yourself transported to a cozy winter wonderland with each bite.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

Growing up, my family would gather around the table after a long day of snowball fights and hot cocoa. We shared stories and made memories over these treats, a concoction of joy that felt like love wrapped in a sweet package. Now, as the chill of the season settles in, I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than by whipping up a batch of Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats. Trust me; they’re hard to resist!

So, are you ready to recreate that spirit of warmth and delight in your own home? Let’s make some magic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 20 minutes, you’ll have delicious treats without the fuss.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of marshmallows and chocolate creates a sweet, comforting taste that’s pure bliss.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These treats are as fun to look at as they are to eat, making them perfect for any occasion.
Flexible Serving: Great for a snack, dessert, or even breakfast—who doesn’t love sweets in the morning?
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily customizable for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free cereal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

½ cup (113g) unsalted butter: This is the base for our marshmallow mixture, helping it to melt beautifully. If you’re dairy-free, consider using a plant-based butter as a substitute.
20 ounces mini marshmallows (divided): These not only bring sweetness but also contribute to the gooey texture. Reserve part for folding in at the end for added delight!
2 packets hot cocoa mix (about 2.5 oz or 75g): This adds that rich chocolate flavor. Feel free to use your favorite hot cocoa brand for a personalized touch.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A little splash elevates the flavors—don’t skip it! Pure vanilla is best, but imitation will work in a pinch.
9 cups (240g) Rice Krispies cereal: The classic ingredient for that signature crunch. If you want to keep it gluten-free, ensure your cereal is certified gluten-free.
¼ cup (36g) mini chocolate chips: These lovely little morsels bring extra chocolatey goodness. Choose dairy-free chips for a vegan version.

How to Make Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

Prepare the Pan: Start by lining a 9×13-inch pan with foil, creating an easy lift for your treats later on. Generously spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray, ensuring your delicious creation won’t stick.

Melt the Butter: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when it becomes bubbly and aromatic! This step is essential as it forms the base for our marshmallow goodness.

Add Marshmallows: Once the butter is melted, add 15 ounces of mini marshmallows, stirring continuously until they fully melt. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning—it’s a delicate balance of heat and timing!

Mix in Flavor: When the marshmallows are nice and gooey, turn off the heat. Add in the vanilla extract and hot cocoa mix, stirring until fully combined. The sweet aroma will be impossible to resist—savor that moment!

Combine with Cereal: Add the Rice Krispies into the marshmallow mixture, gently folding them in until they’re evenly coated. This is where the magic happens! Then, fold in the remaining 5 ounces of mini marshmallows, being careful not to melt them entirely. We want those delightful little bites in every square!

Press and Cool: Pour the mixture into your prepared pan and press it down firmly to compact. Use a spatula or your hands (lightly greased) to create an even surface. Sprinkle the chocolate chips on top, letting them sink slightly for that irresistible allure. Allow the treats to cool completely to set up.

Slice and Serve: Once cool, lift the foil from the pan and place it on a cutting board. Slice into bars of your desired size. These treats are now ready to bring joy to your day. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh!

Storing & Reheating

Keep your Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. If you want to prolong their life, refrigerate, ensuring they’re fully cooled first. You can also freeze leftover bars for up to three months—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. To enjoy again, thaw at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to refresh their texture. Just keep in mind that the chocolate chips may lose some of their original texture once frozen.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure your butter is fully melted before adding marshmallows to prevent burning.
To achieve the best texture, use fresh marshmallows—stale ones can become difficult to melt.
When mixing in the Rice Krispies, use a gentle hand to maintain that delightful crunch.
Experiment with different flavored hot cocoa mixes (like peppermint or salted caramel) for a unique twist!
For fun variations, try adding crushed graham crackers or festive sprinkles to the top before they cool.
If you want to make them ahead, keep them in an airtight container for the best flavor and texture.

These Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats are not just a delightful snack; they’re an invitation to create memories. Whether you’re snuggling up on the couch with a loved one, celebrating the holidays with friends, or just enjoying that cozy afternoon vibe, these treats will add sweetness to any moment.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini ones?

Absolutely! If you only have regular marshmallows on hand, feel free to use them. Just chop them into smaller pieces before adding them to the melted mixture. You may need about 10-12 large marshmallows to equal 20 ounces.

How can I make these treats dairy-free or vegan?

To make these delicious bars dairy-free or vegan, substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter, and ensure that your chocolate chips are dairy-free as well. Always check labels to confirm they’re suitable for your dietary preferences.

What’s the best way to cut these treats?

To cut your Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats easily, use a sharp knife and lightly grease it with nonstick spray. This helps prevent sticking. For clean cuts, press down firmly instead of sawing back and forth.

Can I add more mix-ins?

Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding in extras like crushed peppermint candies, nuts, or even drizzled chocolate on top once they’ve cooled. It’s all about making these treats personal and fun!

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Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

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Author: Danae
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats are a mouthwatering combination of marshmallows and Rice Krispies, offering irresistible flavor and a delightful texture. Perfect as a quick snack or dessert, they bring warmth and joy to any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

½ cup (113g) unsalted butter
20 ounces mini marshmallows (divided)
2 packets hot cocoa mix (about 2.5 oz or 75g)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
9 cups (240g) Rice Krispies cereal
¼ cup (36g) mini chocolate chips

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Instructions

Prepare a 9×13-inch pan by lining it with foil and spraying with nonstick cooking spray.
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until bubbly.
Stir in 15 ounces of mini marshmallows until fully melted.
Remove from heat and mix in the hot cocoa mix and vanilla extract until combined.
Fold in the Rice Krispies until well coated, then add the remaining marshmallows gently.
Press the mixture into the prepared pan and sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
Cool completely, slice into bars, and enjoy!

Notes

Use fresh marshmallows for the best texture; stale ones may not melt well.
Experiment with flavored hot cocoa mixes for unique variations.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.