How to Make Chocolate-Dipped Rice Krispie Treats
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.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!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!
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.
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.
- 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.
These chocolate dipped rice krispie treats are a breeze to whip up! You probably won't get store-bought ones again in a while.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
These chocolate covered rice krispie treats are a hit at any gathering! Here are our favorite ways to enjoy them:
- With hot cocoa and Cookies and Creme Popcorn for a cozy movie night.
- On a dessert tray with my Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies and Espresso Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies.
- Served as snacks on game day along with my Healthy Brownie Batter Dip and Caramel Apple Pretzel Bites .
- As a school snack or lunchbox treat.
- Packed in bags tied with ribbon for sweet Valentine's Day gifts, along with my Mini Conversation Hearts Cookies.
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.
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.
Here’s what other easy snack lovers are asking about these no-bake rice cereal treats!
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.
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Easy Raspberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies Recipe (Classic Shortbread)
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Chocolate-Dipped Rice Krispie Treats recipe:
Easy Valentine’s Day Heart Cookies (Eggless Sugar Cookies Recipe)
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!
How to Make Chocolate-Dipped Rice Krispie Treats
Recipe details
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.
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