If you ever wondered how to take a classic treat to the next level, the Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe transforms the simple, nostalgic Rice Krispie treat into a warm, cozy indulgence full of chocolatey goodness and marshmallow magic, with a delightful hint of hot chocolate flavor throughout. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a comforting snack on chilly days, these treats combine rich melted chocolate, a touch of hot cocoa mix, and the satisfying crunch of Rice Krispies, all topped off with festive garnishes that make every bite irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the few simple ingredients fool you—each one plays an essential role in delivering the perfect balance of texture, sweetness, and that special hot chocolate touch. Getting these right means your Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Recipe will turn out just delicious every single time.
- ½ cup butter: Acts as the rich, creamy base that melts everything together smoothly.
- ½ cup milk chocolate chips: Adds a luscious chocolate depth that melts beautifully into the mix.
- ½ cup hot chocolate mix: The secret ingredient that infuses a cozy cocoa flavor into every bite.
- 1 bag marshmallows (10 ounces, about 40 large marshmallows): Gives the treats their classic gooey and chewy texture.
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal: Provides the signature crisp and light texture that those treats are famous for.
- â…“ cup mini marshmallows: Offers little pops of softness and gooeyness scattered throughout.
- Chocolate sprinkles, mini marshmallows, mini chocolate chips, dehydrated marshmallows, crushed candy canes: Optional toppings to personalize and decorate your treats with fun textures and flavors.
How to Make Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Before you start melting anything, line a 9″x13″ baking tray with parchment paper or give it a quick spray with cooking oil. This step ensures your treats won’t stick, making it easy to lift out perfect squares once they’ve set.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Chocolate
Place a large pot on low heat and melt the ½ cup of butter gently. Once melted, add in the milk chocolate chips and stir consistently until everything is smooth and velvety. This silky chocolate foundation is key to that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Step 3: Stir in Hot Chocolate Mix
Sprinkle in the ½ cup of hot chocolate mix and stir until it’s fully dissolved into the melted butter and chocolate. This step is what makes these Rice Krispie treats stand out—they taste like your favorite mug of hot cocoa but in delightful, handheld form.
Step 4: Melt the Marshmallows
Add the whole bag of marshmallows to the pot, stirring continuously as they melt down into the chocolate mixture. Keep the heat low and be patient—this gooey blend is what binds the Rice Krispies together and delivers that classic, chewy texture.
Step 5: Combine with Rice Krispies Cereal
Remove the pot from the heat, then gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal using a spatula or wooden spoon. For less sticking, spritz your spatula with cooking spray beforehand—this handy trick saves you from a sticky mess while keeping every bit coated perfectly.
Step 6: Add Mini Marshmallows
Toss in the â…“ cup of mini marshmallows and give the mixture a gentle stir. Some will melt slightly while others remain whole, creating delightful little bursts of marshmallow sweetness in every bite.
Step 7: Shape and Decorate
Spread your mixture evenly into the prepared pan with a light touch—don’t press it down too hard or you’ll lose that airy texture. Now comes the fun part: decorate the top with your choice of mini marshmallows, chocolate sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, dehydrated marshmallows, or crushed candy canes. Gently press decorations into the surface so they stick beautifully.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let the treats cool and set for about 30 minutes at room temperature. Once firm, slice into 18 or 24 squares depending on how large you want your servings. Go ahead and serve—these Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Recipe squares are perfect for sharing, gifting, or savoring solo.
How to Serve Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a garnish is like giving your treats a little extra sparkle. Mini marshmallows and chocolate sprinkles add both charm and a pleasing contrast of textures, while crushed candy canes add a refreshing peppermint kick—perfect for festive occasions or cozy winter afternoons.
Side Dishes
These treats pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even a small bowl of fresh fruit to balance out the sweetness. They also make an indulgent companion to movie night snacks, giving your cozy evenings an upgrade.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Recipe in individual mini cupcake liners for portion control with a cute presentation. Or stack them as a dessert platter centerpiece, interspersed with fresh berries and chocolate-dipped pretzels for a beautiful, irresistible spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping them sealed preserves that perfect chewy texture and prevents them from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save them longer, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to a month, so you’ll always have a delightful hot chocolate-inspired treat on hand.
Reheating
While these treats are delicious cold or at room temperature, if you prefer a warm bite, pop a square in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This brings the chocolate and marshmallows back to a soft, melty state that feels like a warm hug in dessert form.
FAQs
Can I use white chocolate instead of milk chocolate chips?
Absolutely! White chocolate will give your Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Recipe a creamier, sweeter twist. Just keep in mind it melts differently, so melt slowly and carefully to avoid burning.
What if I don’t have hot chocolate mix—can I substitute it?
If you don’t have hot chocolate mix, you could try using cocoa powder combined with a bit of sugar and a pinch of salt. However, the mix usually contains sugar and some creamy elements that add to the flavor, so the texture might vary slightly.
Can I make these treats gluten-free?
Yes! Ensure you use gluten-free Rice Krispies cereal or a similar gluten-free crisped rice cereal. Most other ingredients like marshmallows and chocolate chips are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check labels if you’re concerned.
Is it okay to press the mixture down hard in the pan?
It’s best not to press too hard. Lightly pressing helps keep your treats fluffy and chewy rather than dense or hard, which is one of the reasons these Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Recipe squares are so magical.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit?
Definitely! Chopped nuts or dried fruit can add a lovely crunch and flavor contrast, making your treats even more exciting. Just fold them in after mixing the Rice Krispies and marshmallows so they’re evenly distributed.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is a delightful twist on a beloved classic that’s sure to please any sweet tooth. It’s easy to make, wonderfully festive, and bursting with that cozy hot cocoa flavor that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these treats are a joyful, chocolatey hug in every bite. So grab your ingredients, have some fun in the kitchen, and enjoy every gooey, crispy moment!
Print
Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes plus 30 minutes cooling
- Yield: 18 to 24 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats are a delightful twist on the classic snack, combining rich milk chocolate, hot chocolate mix, and gooey marshmallows for a festive and delicious treat. Perfect for parties or cozy nights in, they feature a crispy, chewy texture with a hint of chocolate and fun toppings like mini marshmallows, chocolate sprinkles, and crushed candy canes.
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
- â…“ cup mini marshmallows
Toppings (optional)
- 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.
- Melt Butter: Place a large pot on low heat and melt the ½ cup butter slowly to avoid burning.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in the ½ cup milk chocolate chips until they melt completely and blend smoothly with the butter.
- Mix Hot Chocolate: Stir in the ½ cup hot chocolate mix until fully combined into the melted chocolate mixture, creating a rich base.
- Incorporate Marshmallows: Add the entire bag of large marshmallows to the pot and stir continuously until fully melted and the mixture is smooth and even.
- Combine with Cereal: Remove the pot from heat, then pour in the 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal. Gently fold the cereal using a spatula or wooden spoon until it is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture. To prevent sticking, spray the spatula lightly with cooking spray.
- Add Mini Marshmallows: Gently stir in the â…“ cup mini marshmallows. Some will melt slightly for gooey texture, while others remain whole for variety.
- Press into Pan: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Press it down gently to form an even layer, but avoid compressing it too much to maintain a light texture.
- Decorate: Top the treats with your choice of mini marshmallows, chocolate sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, dehydrated marshmallows, crushed candy canes, or other candies. Press them lightly into the surface to adhere.
- Cool and Serve: Let the treats cool completely for about 30 minutes to set. Once firm, slice into 18 to 24 squares and enjoy your festive, chocolaty treats!
Notes
- Use cooking spray on your spatula to prevent sticking when mixing the marshmallow and cereal.
- Pressing the treats too hard can make them dense; for the best texture, press gently.
- Customize toppings to your taste for added texture and flavor variations.
- Store treats in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the Rice Krispies cereal is gluten-free certified.
