If you love the nostalgic crunch of classic Rice Krispie treats but crave a warm, cozy twist inspired by your favorite winter beverage, this Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is going to steal your heart. Each bite is a delightful harmony of buttery melted marshmallows, rich milk chocolate, and that unmistakable flavor of hot chocolate mix, all wrapped around crispy cereal. The addition of mini marshmallows and festive toppings brings both texture and whimsy, making these treats irresistible for any time you want a sweet snack with a fun and familiar flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Recipe calls for a handful of simple ingredients that truly make all the difference. From the smoothness of butter to the melty magic of marshmallows and the chocolatey warmth of hot cocoa mix, each component contributes to creating that perfect chewy-crispy texture and that cozy flavor everyone will adore.
- Butter (½ cup): Provides richness and helps the marshmallows melt smoothly for that perfect gooey base.
- Milk chocolate chips (½ cup): Adds creamy chocolate sweetness to complement the marshmallows.
- Hot chocolate mix (½ cup): The star ingredient that brings classic hot cocoa flavor right into your treats.
- Marshmallows (1 bag – 10 ounces, approximately 40 large): The essential sticky, sweet binder that holds everything together.
- Rice Krispies Cereal (6 cups): Offers that iconic crunchy texture that makes these treats so fun to eat.
- Mini marshmallows (⅓ cup): Gives extra gooey bursts and a playful look throughout the treats.
- Chocolate sprinkles: Perfect for adding a decorative and chocolatey finish on top.
- Mini chocolate chips: For extra bursts of chocolate throughout.
- Dehydrated marshmallows: Adds a little chewiness and visual appeal on top.
- Crushed candy canes: Brings festive peppermint crunch and color to your treats.
How to Make Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by greasing a 9 by 13-inch baking tray with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper. This step ensures your Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Recipe will come out cleanly and slice beautifully, making serving a breeze.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
Place a large pot over low heat and melt the butter slowly. Using low heat helps prevent burning while achieving that smooth buttery base essential for binding the treats.
Step 3: Incorporate Chocolate Chips
Add the milk chocolate chips to the melted butter and stir gently until they have completely melted, blending into a luscious chocolate mixture. This step introduces the indulgent milk chocolate flavor your taste buds have been waiting for.
Step 4: Stir in Hot Chocolate Mix
Mix in the hot chocolate mix thoroughly until fully combined with the butter and chocolate. This addition transforms traditional Rice Krispie treats into a cozy, cocoa-inspired treat packed with comfort flavor.
Step 5: Melt in the Marshmallows
Add the large marshmallows to the pot and continue stirring continuously until they completely melt. This sticky mixture is the secret to that chewy, gooey texture everyone loves, so take your time to get it perfectly smooth and combined.
Step 6: Mix in Rice Krispies Cereal
Remove the pot from heat, then pour in the Rice Krispies cereal. Gently fold the cereal into the marshmallow mixture with a spatula or wooden spoon until every crispy bit is evenly coated. Pro tip: lightly spray your spatula with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make mixing easier.
Step 7: Add Mini Marshmallows
Stir in the mini marshmallows carefully. Some will soften and melt just a bit, while others will stay whole, adding delightful pockets of gooey sweetness and texture surprises throughout your treats.
Step 8: Press the Mixture into the Pan
Transfer your mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out into an even layer. Be gentle when pressing the treats down—just enough to level it, without compacting it too tightly, so your treats stay light and crispy.
Step 9: Decorate with Toppings
Scatter your chosen toppings over the surface—mini marshmallows, chocolate sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, dehydrated marshmallows, and crushed candy canes are all fantastic options. Gently press them into the top of the treats so they stick well, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
Step 10: Cool and Slice
Allow your Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Recipe to cool completely for about 30 minutes. Once firm, slice into 18 to 24 squares, and they are ready to serve. The cooling step helps the treats hold their shape while keeping that irresistible chewy crunch.
How to Serve Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Recipe when serving, consider sprinkling extra mini marshmallows, chocolate sprinkles, or a dusting of cocoa powder right before serving. These simple garnishes make your treats look inviting and add bursts of extra flavor for your guests to enjoy.
Side Dishes
Pair these treats with warm drinks like hot cocoa, coffee, or a creamy latte to enhance the cozy chocolate vibes. Fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries also balances the sweetness, making your snack time feel like a thoughtfully curated experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting your treats into festive shapes using cookie cutters, especially around the holidays. Wrapping individual squares in colorful cellophane tied with a ribbon turns these into lovely homemade gifts or party favors. You can even layer them with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle for an indulgent dessert parfait twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Recipe keeps beautifully when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This storage method ensures they maintain their chewy texture and crispy crunch without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to keep these treats longer, you can freeze them in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Frozen treats stay fresh for up to six weeks and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Because these treats are best enjoyed at room temperature, reheating is usually unnecessary. However, if you prefer them slightly warmed, gently microwave a single serving for 10 to 15 seconds to soften the marshmallows and make each bite irresistibly gooey.
FAQs
Can I use dark or white chocolate instead of milk chocolate chips?
Absolutely! While milk chocolate adds a creamy sweetness perfect for this recipe, swapping in dark or white chocolate chips can give your treats a different flavor profile. Dark chocolate adds a richer, slightly bitter contrast, whereas white chocolate brings extra sweetness and a beautiful pale color.
Is it necessary to use hot chocolate mix in this recipe?
The hot chocolate mix is what sets this recipe apart by infusing the treats with that cozy cocoa flavor everyone loves. Without it, you’ll get tasty chocolate marshmallow treats, but they won’t have that signature hot cocoa taste that makes this version so special.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit for extra texture?
Definitely! Adding chopped nuts like pecans or almonds can introduce a satisfying crunch, while dried cranberries or cherries add a tart burst of flavor. Just fold them in during the mixing stage so they get evenly distributed.
Why should I spray the spatula with cooking spray when mixing?
Marshmallow mixtures tend to be super sticky, and spraying your spatula with cooking spray prevents the mixture from clinging too much, making stirring easier and less messy. It’s a small trick that saves time and frustration.
How do I get clean cuts without the treats sticking to the knife?
To get neat slices, use a sharp knife sprayed with cooking spray or dipped in warm water before cutting. Wiping the knife clean between cuts also helps keep the slices tidy and those beautiful edges intact.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about combining childhood favorites in a way that feels fresh, fun, and utterly delicious. This Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is perfect for cozy nights, parties, or whenever you need a quick sweet pick-me-up. I honestly can’t recommend it enough—once you try these rich, chocolatey, marshmallowy treats, they’ll become a fast favorite you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
Delight in the cozy flavors of Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats, a fun twist on the classic marshmallow cereal snack. These treats combine melted butter, milk chocolate chips, hot chocolate mix, and gooey marshmallows with crispy rice cereal, finished with festive toppings for a perfect sweet snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup milk chocolate chips
- ½ cup hot chocolate mix
- 1 bag marshmallows (10 ounces, about 40 large marshmallows)
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- ⅓ cup mini marshmallows
Toppings
- Chocolate sprinkles
- Mini marshmallows
- Mini chocolate chips
- Dehydrated marshmallows
- Crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Grease a 9″x13″ baking tray with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal of the treats.
- Melt the butter: Place a large pot on low heat and melt ½ cup of butter slowly to avoid burning and ensure even melting.
- Add chocolate chips: Stir in ½ cup milk chocolate chips into the melted butter until fully melted and smooth.
- Incorporate hot chocolate mix: Mix ½ cup hot chocolate mix into the melted chocolate and butter mixture until well combined for a rich hot cocoa flavor.
- Melt marshmallows: Add the entire bag of marshmallows to the pot and continuously stir until they have fully melted and the mixture becomes smooth and sticky.
- Mix in cereal: Remove the pot from heat and pour in 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal. Gently fold the cereal into the marshmallow mixture, ensuring every piece is coated evenly. To prevent sticking, spray the spatula with cooking spray before mixing.
- Add mini marshmallows: Fold in ⅓ cup mini marshmallows gently. Some will melt slightly while others remain whole, adding texture variety.
- Spread the mixture: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and gently spread it into an even layer. Press down lightly to form an even surface without compacting too much.
- Decorate the top: Sprinkle with mini marshmallows, chocolate sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, dehydrated marshmallows, crushed candy canes, or your choice of candies. Press toppings gently to secure them in place.
- Cool and slice: Allow the treats to cool for 30 minutes to set properly, then slice into 18 or 24 squares. Serve and enjoy your festive, chocolatey snacks!
Notes
- Spray your spatula with cooking spray when mixing to prevent sticking.
- Press the mixture lightly when spreading in the pan to keep the treats light and airy.
- Feel free to customize the toppings according to your preference or season.
- Store leftover treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
