chocolate brown butter rice krispie treats

Chocolate Rice Krispies are thick and chewy, and full of rich chocolate flavor! These no-bake treats come together in just 20 minutes, with just 5 basic ingredients. Stir in extra chocolate chips and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a no-bake dessert chocolate lovers won’t be able to resist.

this recipe

Why you’ll love these Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats:

• Packed with Flavor & Texture – Each bite is full of gooey marshmallow, crunchy chocolate cereal, and chocolate chocolate chips and marshmallows. Classic rice krispie treats are upgraded with rich chocolate flavor!
• Easy Dessert – This easy recipe uses minimal ingredients and comes together in about 20 minutes! It’s easy enough for kids to help out with, too.
• Customizable – You can easily swap in other cereals, or make this recipe dairy-free or gluten-free!

Ingredient Overview:

As always, the full recipe with measurements & directions can be found in the recipe card below.

• Brown Butter – Browning the butter takes just a few extra minutes and adds so much flavor! It also adds a more nutty depth of flavor that compliments the chocolate perfectly. I always use salted buter for the best flavor, but feel free to use unsalted butter if you prefer.
• Marshmallows – Use mini marshmallows!
• Cocoa Krispies Cereal – You can find cocoa rice krispies cereal (or an off-brand version) at most grocery stores. See alternate cereal ideas below.
• Vanilla – Use real vanilla extract for best results.
• Salt – A pinch of salt also helps balance the sweetness!

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Dairy-free – Use your favorite dairy-free butter and chocolate chips to make this recipe dairy-free.
• Gluten-free – Use your favorite gluten free cereal to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Vegan – Use your favorite vegan marshmallows and dairy-free butter to make this recipe vegan.
• Brown Butter – You can skip this step if you like.
• Alternate Cereals – You can use regular rice krispies if you can’t find chocolate, or try another chocolate cereal like chocolate frosted flakes.

How to Make Chocolate Rice Krispies Step-by-Step:

Step 1: Brown the Butter.  Melt the butter in a large pot, then continue cooking it, stirring lazily, for about 5 minutes or until it turns foamy and a deep golden brown color.

Step 2: Melt the Marshmallows. Add the marshmallows to the melted butter and stir until they’re completely melted.

Step 3: Add the Cereal and Mix-Ins. Pour the chocolate cereal in to the marshmallow mixture, and stir to combine. Then, stir in the chocolate chips.

Step 4: Spread in Pan. Spread your mixture into a greased and lined 9×9 or 8×8 pan. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top. Let set up for 30 minutes or until the chocolate is set before digging in.

Serving + Storing:

Let the chocolate marshmallow treats set up for about 30 minutes to 1 hour before slicing and serving. I don’t recommend speeding this up in the fridge – they’ll have a better gooey/chewy texture if you let them sit at room temperature.

Store sliced treats in an airtight container at room temperature for 4-5 days. Try my Scotcheroos next, for another easy no-bake treat!

Expert Success Tips:

• Melt the Marshmallows – Make sure to melt the marshmallows all the way, so you can no longer see any individual marshmallow pieces outlined in the pot.
• Buttered Spatula – Use a buttered spatula (or give it a quick spritz with nonstick spray) to easily press the treats into your pan without making a mess.

FAQs:

Recipe Variations:

• Other Cereals – See options for other cereals in the recipe substitutions section at the beginning of this post. Or, try my Fruity Pebbles Rice Krispie Treats!
• Chocolate Chips – Try milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips, if that’s your preference. Use mini chocolate chips, if you have some you need to use up. You can also melt some chocolate and dunk a corner of each rice krispie square in it, or drizzle melted chocolate over the tops of the bars.
• Microwave Directions – If you’re a college student or don’t have access to a stovetop, you can make this in the microwave! Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl – you can still brown it if desired, by microwaving in 30 second bursts, for 3 to 6 minutes total. Then, add marshmallows and microwave on high for 1 minute, remove and stir, then microwave for 1-2 more 30 second bursts, stirring between each, until marshmallows are fully melted into the butter. Proceed with the recipe as directed!

Special Tools:

• 9×9 Pan – A ceramic or metal 9×9 square pan is ideal for this recipe.
• Dutch Oven – A dutch oven is the workhorse of the kitchen! I use mine multiple times a week for baking and cooking.

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More No-Bake Desserts to Try:

• No-Bake Cookie Dough Bites
• No-Bake Black Forest Pie
• Amazing No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie
• No-Bake Nutella Tart
• Mini No-Bake Apple Pie Cheesecakes

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