How to Make Chocolate-Dipped Rice Krispie Treats

20 treats
25 min

When I crave a sweet snack mid-week, I have a few rules: it needs to be quick and it needs to be easy to pack. Lately, these chocolate dipped rice krispie treats have been my go-to! Their glossy chocolate coating and sticky vanilla marshmallow mixture make them disappear fast.

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Chocolate-covered Rice Krispie treats with rainbow sprinkles stacked on a plate for a party snack.

These easy treats are perfect for school snacks, birthday parties, game days, or everyday cravings. Even my husband sneaks one into his lunchbox whenever he can! He says they're a "nostalgic snack." We all love them!

For more easy recipes for the week, try my 5-Ingredient Banana and Raspberry Muffins or Chocolate Covered Pecans. They're always a hit. Now, let’s make these chocolate covered rice krispie treats!


Why You’ll Love This Chocolate-Dipped Rice Krispie Treats Recipe


These sticky and chewy treats with a chocolate twist are a yummy upgrade on a classic childhood treat. We make them whenever we've got Rice Krispies, marshmallows, and chocolate chips at home.

No-bake: These are perfect for when you need a break from the oven.

Super quick: You'll be done in 25 minutes.

Great for every occasion: Enjoy them on birthdays, game days, movie nights, at a potluck, or as school snacks.

Versatile: Switch to white chocolate, use Cocoa Krispies, or add a bit of peanut butter.


Ingredients and Substitutions


These chocolatey rice krispies treats use baking staples for a homemade version of your favorite snack! Scroll to the recipe card at the end of this post for the full recipe with ingredient amounts.

All ingredients for chocolate-dipped Rice Krispie treats displayed on a table, including Rice Krispies cereal, mini marshmallows, butter, vanilla extract, sea salt, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and rainbow sprinkles.
  • Rice Krispies cereal: I prefer the original brand, but use your favorite.
  • Mini marshmallows: Regular-sized marshmallows work, but they take longer to melt.
  • Unsalted butter: Feel free to use salted butter instead.
  • Vanilla extract: It rounds out the flavors.
  • Salt: Kosher salt is best. Avoid coarse sea salt because it doesn't dissolve well. Skip it if you used salted butter for the recipe.
  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Candy melts are a good swap.
  • Rainbow nonpareils: Themed ones, like festive sprinkles or Halloween ones, can add a seasonal touch.


See recipe card for quantities.


How to Make Chocolate-Dipped Rice Krispie Treats


These chocolate dipped rice krispie treats are a breeze to whip up! You probably won't get store-bought ones again in a while.

A large pot on the stove with butter melting, marshmallows added, and a spatula stirring until smooth.
  1. Step 1: Make the marshmallow base: In a large pot over low heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter until fully melted. Add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they are completely melted and smooth. Remove the pot from heat, then stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt to flavor the mixture evenly.
Rice Krispies cereal being folded into the melted marshmallow mixture in the pot until fully coated.

2. Step 2: Combine with cereal: Gradually fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, gently stirring until every piece of cereal is coated in the marshmallow mixture. Make sure the mixture is fully combined so the treats hold together well.

Pressing the sticky Rice Krispies mixture into a greased 9x13-inch pan with a spatula to form an even slab.

3. Step 3: Shape the treats: Press the mixture firmly into a greased 9x13-inch pan using a spatula or lightly buttered hands. Press evenly to create a compact slab, which helps the treats hold their shape when cut. Allow the slab to cool for 15–20 minutes, then cut into squares or rectangles of your desired size.

Semi-sweet chocolate chips melting with butter in a microwave-safe bowl, being stirred until smooth and glossy.

4. Step 4: Prepare the chocolate coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon of butter. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate is smooth, glossy, and easy to dip.

Rice Krispie treats being dipped halfway into melted chocolate, then sprinkled with rainbow nonpareils on parchment paper.

5. Step 5: Dip and decorate: Dip each Rice Krispie treat halfway into the melted chocolate, letting any excess chocolate drip back into the bowl. Immediately sprinkle rainbow nonpareils over the chocolate before it sets. Place the treats on parchment paper and allow the chocolate to firm up at room temperature for 15–20 minutes or speed up the process in the fridge for about 10 minutes.


Variations


These easy Rice Krispy treats are perfect for customizing! Try these yummy twists:

Peanut butter cereal treat: Stir ⅓-1/2 cup peanut butter into the melted marshmallow mixture for a nutty variation.

Swap the chocolate: Use white chocolate, dark chocolate, or milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate.

Rice Krispie pops: Insert a lollipop stick or popsicle stick into each square before dipping in chocolate for Rice Krispie Pops. These are perfect for birthday parties!

Skip the sprinkles: Chopped pecans, cookie crumbs, and toasted coconut are other topping options.

Double chocolate Rice Krispies treats: Use Cocoa Krispies for a chocolate version of this snack.

Close-up of a chocolate-dipped Rice Krispie treat being pulled apart by hand, revealing the soft and gooey marshmallow center.
Serving Suggestions & Food Pairings for Chocolate-Dipped Rice Krispie Treats


These chocolate covered rice krispie treats are a hit at any gathering! Here are our favorite ways to enjoy them:



Storage Tips


These 25-minute crispy treats are great for making ahead! Here’s how to keep them fresh for later:


Counter


In an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep away from direct heat and sunlight.


Refrigerator


Up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before serving.


Freezer


Not recommended because the cereal will lose its crunchy texture.

A neat stack of chocolate-dipped Rice Krispie treats topped with rainbow sprinkles on a white plate.
Top Tips for Chocolate-Dipped Rice Krispie Treats


First time making Rice Krispies treats? These simple tips and tricks ensure perfect squares every time:

Press firmly: Press the Rice Krispies mixture firmly in the pan so the treats hold their shape and don’t crumble when dipped.

Melt slowly: 30-second intervals prevent scorching compared to longer microwaving times, where the chocolate sticks to the bowl and burns.

Work quickly: Add the nonpareils immediately after dipping in chocolate, otherwise, they won't stick.

Grease your hands well: Prevent sticking by generously greasing your hands with butter, coconut oil, or cooking spray when pressing the mixture into the pan.

Line the pan: Parchment paper and wax paper ensure easy removal of the rice krispie treats from the pan.

Close-up of stacked chocolate-dipped Rice Krispie treats with rainbow sprinkles, showing crispy texture.
FAQs


Here’s what other easy snack lovers are asking about these no-bake rice cereal treats!


Can I use regular marshmallows?

Yes! Regular-sized marshmallows work, but they melt more slowly.

Can I make them vegan?

I haven't tried it yet, but you can use vegan butter, marshmallows, and chocolate.

Can I use dark chocolate?

Absolutely! It's a great alternative to semi-sweet chocolate.


Related


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Homemade ice cream cone cake pops with waffle cone ends and candy sprinkles

How To Make Ice Cream Cone Cake Pops (Easy Dessert)

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Easy Banana Raspberry Muffins With Cake Mix (Only 5 Ingredients)

Easy 5-ingredient white chocolate covered Oreos for holiday treats.

Easy No-Bake White Chocolate Covered Oreos (5-Ingredient Christmas Treat)

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Easy Raspberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies Recipe (Classic Shortbread)



Pairing


These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Chocolate-Dipped Rice Krispie Treats recipe:

Pastel mini conversation heart cookies arranged on a white marble surface.

Easy Mini Conversation Heart Cookies (Valentine's Sugar Cookie Recipe)

Heart-shaped sugar cookies topped with Hershey’s chocolates on a kitchen counter.

Easy Valentine’s Day Heart Cookies (Eggless Sugar Cookies Recipe)

White chocolate-covered strawberries arranged in a heart shape on a white ceramic plate.

Easy White Chocolate Covered Strawberries (Valentine's Dessert)

Festive close-up of pudding shots with golden sugar-topped whipped cream and smooth, creamy RumChata base.

RumChata Pudding Shots Recipe (Easy And Festive With 5 Ingredients!)


These chocolate dipped rice krispie treats are our favorite way to make a classic snack extra special! Share your creations on Instagram with @Hungry Whisk, and don’t forget to subscribe for more easy recipes and recipe cards!

Chocolate-dipped Rice Krispie treats topped with rainbow sprinkles on a counter top.
Chocolate-covered Rice Krispie treats stacked high, decorated with colorful rainbow nonpareils.
How to Make Chocolate-Dipped Rice Krispie Treats
Recipe details
  • 20  treats
  • Prep time: 15 Minutes Cook time: 10 Minutes Total time: 25 min
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Ingredients

  • 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
  • 4 cups mini marshmallows
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon unsalted butter for melting chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons Rainbow nonpareils for sprinkling
Instructions

In a large pot over low heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the marshmallows and stir until fully melted and smooth.
Remove from heat, then stir in vanilla extract and sea salt.
Fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, making sure all the cereal is coated evenly with the marshmallow mixture.
Press the mixture firmly into a greased 9x13-inch pan using a spatula or lightly buttered hands. Let it cool for 15–20 minutes. Cut the slab into squares or rectangles.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon of butter in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and glossy.
Dip each treat halfway into the melted chocolate, letting excess chocolate drip off, then immediately sprinkle with rainbow nonpareils.
Place the treats on parchment paper and allow the chocolate to set at room temperature for 15–20 minutes or in the fridge for 10 minutes.
Tips
  • 1. Adding butter to the chocolate gives it a glossy, smooth texture that’s perfect for dipping.
  • 2. Press the Rice Krispie mixture firmly in the pan so the treats hold their shape and don’t crumble when dipped.
  • 3. Swap rainbow nonpareils for crushed nuts, toasted coconut, or themed sprinkles for holidays and events.
  • 4. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
HungryWhisk - Madhu
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