Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie Treats

These Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie Treats take the classic gooey and buttery marshmallow bar you love to the next level! The combination of mini chocolate chips and soft, unmelted marshmallow pieces adds an extra layer of texture and flavor to this timeless dessert.

Key Ingredients

See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full list of ingredients, including measurements.

Rice Cereal - For a traditional foundation to these bars, I use the Kellogs brand of Rice Krispies cereal. Generic rice cereal can also be used.

Miniature Marshmallows - The small size of the marshmallows helps them to melt quickly, though a 12-ounce bag of large marshmallows can be used instead.

Mini Chocolate Chips - Semi-sweet chocolate chips are a crowd-pleasing option, though you can use dark chocolate chips if that is your preference. Mini chips are used instead of the regular size so that the chocolate can be spread more consistently throughout the bars and each bit has just the right amount of chocolate.

Butter - I prefer real butter in this recipe, but margarine or your favorite Vegan butter are fine substitutions.

Vanilla Extract - The addition of vanilla boosts the flavor of all of the other ingredients, and makes this taste like a treat that is straight from the bakery!

How to Make Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie Treats

1.  Melt the Marshmallows and Butter

• This can be done in a large saucepan, over medium heat. Or if you don't want to dirty another dish, just melt them in a microwave-safe bowl that is large enough to mix in the cereal.
• Be careful not to overheat the marshmallows, as they will become crispy.

2.  Stir in the Rice Cereal

• Spray a rubber spatula with nonstick cooking spray so that the melted marshmallows don't stick to them. Then use the spatula to stir in the cereal until it is coated with the marshmallow mixture. It should be mixed in fairly evenly, with no dry cereal or chunks of melted marshmallow.
• Let cool for 6-8 minutes before adding the chocolate.

3.  Add in Chocolate Chips and Remaining Marshmallows

• Work quickly to stir in ¾ cup of miniature chocolate chips and the remaining marshmallows.
• You want them distributed evenly throughout the cereal before they begin to melt.

4.  Press into Baking Dish

• Gently press into a greased 9x13 baking dish.
• Do not press too firmly or the treats will be hard. If desired, sprinkle additional chips on top.

Quick Tips

• Use fresh marshmallows for the best texture and flavor.
• Spray the spoon or spatula with nonstick spray before stirring the cereal into the marshmallows. This will help prevent the marshmallow from sticking.
• Allow the Rice Krispie mixture to become cool to the touch before mixing in the chocolate chips. This will take 6-8 minutes.
• Once the chocolate chips are added, work quickly to stir them into the cereal mixture. If you allow them to sit for too long before pressing the bars into the pan then the residual heat will melt the chocolate and you will end up with brown Rice Krispie Treats.
• You can also freeze the chocolate chips before adding them to the cereal mixture. This will buy you a little extra time before they start to melt.
• Be careful not to pack the cereal mixture too firmly in the pan or it will make the bars stiff.
• For clean slicing, spray a knife with nonstick spray before cutting the bars.

Rice Krispie Treat Variations

S'mores: If you love the combination of chocolate and marshmallows you will want to try these S'mores Rice Krispie Treats!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip: Add a half cup of creamy peanut butter to the melted marshmallow mixture to make these into Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with chocolate chips.

M&M: Stir in a half cup of M&M candies for an even more chocolatey crunch!

Marshmallow Fluff: Make these without mini marshmallows by replacing the 5 cups of melted marshmallows with a 7 ½ ounce jar of Marshmallow Fluff. You can choose to still stir in the unmelted marshmallows, or leave them out.

Brown Butter: Melt ½ cup of butter in a stainless steel pan over medium-low heat. Stir continuously until it turns amber in color. Stir the marshmallows and vanilla extract into the browned butter and continue with the regular recipe directions.

Topping: Drizzle with melted milk chocolate, white chocolate, or caramel sauce for an even more decadent treat! Or dip half of each bar in chocolate!

Various Flavors: Replace the mini chocolate chips with white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, chopped peanut butter cups, or butterscotch chips for even more flavor options!

Traditional Rice Krispie Treat: If you wish to make the original recipe for Rice Krispie Treats, just leave out the chocolate chips. 

How to Store Rice Krispie Treats

Once the treats have completely cooled, cut them into desired sizes and store them at room temperature in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.

If you want to layer the treats, separate each layer with a sheet of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. I do recommend storing them in the fridge or freezer as this can make the treats hard and stale.

When stored properly, Rice Krispie Treats can last for up to 5 days.

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