Imagine the sweet aroma of warm melted marshmallows filling your kitchen, that heavenly mix of creamy chocolate swirling through the air. As you eagerly await the final moment, your eyes are drawn to the gooey, sticky mixture, speckled with the promise of crispy cereal and mini chocolate chips. When you take that first bite, it’s as if you’ve wrapped yourself in a cozy blanket on a chilly day, combining childhood joy with adult nostalgia. Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats have a way of pulling at the heartstrings, and they’re perfect for any season, especially when the weather turns cool or during a festive gathering.

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

As a child, my favorite memories revolve around cozy afternoons spent making treats with family, whipping up something sweet to enjoy while sipping hot cocoa. The laughter, the sticky fingers, and the occasional marshmallow fight always made the experience delightful. Today, I’m thrilled to share a simple, fun recipe that brings all those warm feelings back. These Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats are not only easy to make but are also a great excuse to relive those cherished moments. So, let’s gather our ingredients and get ready to create a delightful batch that will warm your heart and satisfy your chocolate cravings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just about 20 minutes, these treats are a snap to whip up after dinner or on a rainy day.
Irresistible Flavor: The classic taste of Rice Krispie treats meets the rich flavor of hot cocoa, plus extra marshmallows for that gooey goodness.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With their marshmallow fluff and chocolate chip drizzle, these treats are as fun to look at as they are to eat!
Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or a delicious snack anytime—you’ll want to share them with friends!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets; swap in gluten-free cereal if needed.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Unsalted Butter (½ cup or 113g): This rich, creamy butter provides the base for your marshmallow mixture, leading to a deliciously chewy treat. Ensure it’s unsalted to control the sweetness. Substitute with vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
Mini Marshmallows (20 ounces, divided): Use mini marshmallows for an even melty texture. The division is essential as some marshmallows will melt into the mixture, while others will provide that delightful chewy bite.
Hot Cocoa Mix (2 packets, about 2.5 oz or 75g): This ingredient brings the very essence of hot chocolate to your treats. Choose a quality brand for the best flavor. You could even use homemade cocoa mix if you prefer!
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor, elevating the sweetness of the marshmallows. Make sure to use pure vanilla extract for a richer taste.
Rice Krispies Cereal (9 cups or 240g): This staple creates that classic crispy texture we know and love. If you want a chocolatey twist, use chocolate-flavored Rice Krispies for an extra indulgent touch!
Mini Chocolate Chips (¼ cup or 36g): These are the cherry on top of your Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats, adding little bursts of chocolatey goodness in every bite. You can use dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips based on your preference.

How to Make Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

Prepare Your Pan: Start by lining a 9×13-inch pan with aluminum foil and give it a generous spray with nonstick cooking spray. This step ensures easy removal of the treats after they’ve set and keeps them from sticking to the pan. It’s a little trick that makes a big difference when you’re ready to slice those squares.

Melt the Butter & Marshmallows: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s completely liquid. Then, add 15 ounces of your mini marshmallows. Stir frequently while the marshmallows begin to melt into a delicious, gooey mixture. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s nice and smooth, with no visible marshmallow lumps. This should take about 5–7 minutes.

Add Flavorings: Once the marshmallow mixture is melted, turn off the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and the hot cocoa mix until fully combined. The mixture should smell divine, reminiscent of your favorite hot chocolate. This step adds that rich, chocolaty flavor that makes these treats special.

Mix in Cereal: Gently fold in the Rice Krispies until they are covered with the marshmallow mixture. Be careful not to crush the cereal, as you want to maintain that crunchy texture. Afterward, add the remaining 5 ounces of mini marshmallows, stirring very gently to keep them intact, yielding wonderful gooeyness throughout the bars.

Press & Cool: Pour the mixture into your prepared pan and press it down firmly with a spatula or your hands. Make sure it’s packed together well; this will help the bars stay together once cooled. Now sprinkle the mini chocolate chips on top and let it cool completely at room temperature—about 30 minutes or until set.

Slice & Serve: Once set, use the foil to lift the treats out of the pan. Slice them into squares or rectangles, whatever you prefer. Enjoy the chewy, chocolatey bliss as a delightful snack or dessert! Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week, though I doubt they’ll last that long!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to one week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them, which will maintain their chewyness. Use a container that is well-sealed. If you’d like to freeze them, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place them all in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to two months in the freezer! When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature. If you want a softer texture, warming them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds can bring back that fresh taste, though the chocolate chips may melt a bit more.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Sticking: Make sure to generously spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Temperature Check: It’s best to use room temperature ingredients to ensure the marshmallows melt evenly.
Don’t Rush Cooling: Let the treats cool completely before slicing; cutting them too soon can lead to a messy result.
Add More Treats: Feel free to toss in crushed graham crackers or peppermint pieces for a festive twist!
Marshmallow Fluff: If you prefer an ultra gooey experience, try adding a bit of marshmallow fluff to the mixture.
Make-Ahead: These treats are great for making ahead of time; just store them sealed well, and they’ll still taste fresh!

These Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats are not just a treat; they are a journey back to sweet memories, a hug in the form of food. Each bite will remind you of chilly nights and warm smiles. Enjoy experimenting with add-ins and personal twists; they’re ready to be your new go-to for gatherings or cozy nights in!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini?

Absolutely! You can use regular-sized marshmallows, but keep in mind you might need to adjust the melting time. Cut them in halves or quarters to help them melt more easily. The final results will be just as delicious!

How can I make these treats dairy-free?

To make your Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats dairy-free, simply substitute the unsalted butter with a vegan butter alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Certain hot cocoa mixes may also contain milk, so double-check the ingredients before choosing one.

What’s the best way to cut these treats without making a mess?

For clean cuts, lightly spray your knife with cooking spray before slicing the treats. This helps to prevent sticking and makes it much easier to cut through the marshmallowy goodness!

Can I add toppings to these treats?

Of course! Feel free to top your treats with sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Get creative! Toppings can add texture and flavor, making them even more fun to enjoy.

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Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

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Author: Lina
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats combine chewy marshmallows and rich chocolate for a simple, nostalgic snack that brings warmth and joy, perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Line a 9×13-inch pan with foil and spray with nonstick spray.
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add 15 ounces of mini marshmallows and stir until smooth.
Stir in vanilla extract and hot cocoa mix until fully combined.
Gently fold in Rice Krispies and remaining marshmallows until well-coated.
Press the mixture into the prepared pan and top with mini chocolate chips before letting it cool for 30 minutes.
Slice into squares once set and serve.

Notes

Use gluten-free Rice Krispies for a gluten-free option.
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to one week.
Freeze for up to two months by wrapping each bar tightly.