If you ask me, chocolate dipped rice krispies are a childhood favorite that never gets old.
These classic treats take the simple joy of regular rice krispies and add a fun chocolate coating that makes them even more special. The combo of gooey marshmallow, crispy cereal, and smooth chocolate is just right.
They’re dipped in melted chocolate and decorated with a few sprinkles for good measure – because who doesn’t love sprinkles? The chocolate shell adds a nice snap when you bite into the soft, chewy center.
It’s a no-fuss treat that both kids and adults love, perfect for bake sales, birthday parties, or just because.
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Dipped Rice Krispies
- Quick and easy – These treats come together in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute parties or when you need a quick dessert fix.
- Kid-friendly recipe – Little ones can help with mixing and decorating, making this a fun family kitchen activity that everyone will enjoy.
- Simple ingredients – You only need 5 basic ingredients that you can find at any grocery store – no fancy or expensive items required.
- No-bake dessert – Perfect for hot summer days or when you don’t want to turn on the oven, these treats require zero baking time.
- Customizable fun – Switch up the chocolate type or sprinkles to match any holiday or party theme – the possibilities are endless!
What Kind of Chocolate Should I Use?
Both semi-sweet and milk chocolate work great for dipping rice krispie treats, and each brings something different to the table. Milk chocolate offers a sweeter, creamier coating that kids especially love, while semi-sweet chocolate provides a slightly deeper flavor that balances nicely with the sweet marshmallow mixture. If you’re melting chocolate for dipping, stick with chocolate chips or baking bars since they’re specifically made to melt smoothly – avoid using chocolate candy bars, which often contain additives that can make melting tricky. Just remember to melt your chocolate slowly and gently, either using short bursts in the microwave or a double boiler setup on the stove, to prevent it from seizing up.
Options for Substitutions
Looking to make these treats but missing something? Here are some helpful swaps:
- Butter: You can use margarine or coconut oil instead of butter. If using coconut oil, your treats might have a slight coconut taste, which isn’t bad at all!
- Mini marshmallows: Regular-sized marshmallows work too – just use the same weight. You can also use marshmallow fluff (about 2 cups). Vegan marshmallows are another option for a plant-based version.
- Crispy rice cereal: While the original Rice Krispies brand is classic, any crispy rice cereal works here. Just avoid sweetened varieties as they might make your treats too sweet.
- Chocolate chips: Any chocolate works for dipping – dark, milk, or white chocolate. You can even use candy melts or almond bark. Just remember to melt your choice slowly to avoid burning.
- Sprinkles: Feel free to skip these or try other toppings like crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or crushed candy pieces. You can even drizzle with a different type of melted chocolate for contrast.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making
The biggest challenge when making rice krispie treats is getting the perfect texture – melting your marshmallows over too high heat can lead to hard, tough treats instead of soft, chewy ones, so keep your heat on low-medium and stir constantly.
Many home cooks make the mistake of pressing the mixture too firmly into the pan, which compresses the cereal and creates dense, brick-like treats – instead, gently press the mixture using a piece of parchment paper or buttered hands for the ideal light and airy texture.
When it comes to chocolate dipping, patience is key – rushing the melting process can cause your chocolate to seize or become grainy, so use a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round until smooth.
Let each layer of chocolate set completely at room temperature (avoid the refrigerator, which can cause the chocolate to bloom and look cloudy) before adding another coat or decorating with sprinkles.
What to Serve With Chocolate Dipped Rice Krispies?
These sweet and crunchy treats are perfect on their own, but they’re even better when served as part of a fun dessert spread! A cold glass of milk is the classic choice – it helps balance out the sweetness and gives you that nostalgic snack-time feeling. If you’re hosting a party, try setting up a hot chocolate bar alongside these treats, letting people dunk their chocolate-dipped rice krispies into warm cocoa for an extra cozy experience. For kids’ parties or casual get-togethers, I like to serve these with some fresh fruit like strawberries or banana slices to add a fresh element to the snack plate.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: These chocolate-dipped treats stay best at room temperature in an airtight container with wax paper between layers. They’ll keep their crunch and chocolate coating for up to 5 days. I like to place them in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to prevent the chocolate from getting too soft.
Stack: When storing these goodies, layer them carefully with wax paper or parchment paper between each row. This prevents them from sticking together and keeps the chocolate coating looking neat. The treats might get a bit softer over time, but they’ll still taste great!
Make Ahead: You can make these treats a few days before your event – they’re perfect for party prep! Just wait until the chocolate is completely set before storing them. If you’re making them in warm weather, you might want to keep them in the fridge, but let them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Total Time | 25-35 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 2200-2500
- Protein: 30-40 g
- Fat: 90-110 g
- Carbohydrates: 350-400 g
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter (43g)
- 4 cups mini marshmallows (284g)
- 6 cups crispy rice cereal (200g)
- 1 package semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips (270g-300g)
- Sprinkles for garnish
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Line a 9×13″ pan with wax paper and butter it generously.
This will prevent the cereal mixture from sticking.
Set the prepared pan aside for later use.
Step 2: Melt the Marshmallows
In a large pot, melt butter over low heat.
Once the butter is melted, add marshmallows to the pot and stir continuously until they are completely melted and smooth.
Remove the pot from heat promptly to prevent burning.
Step 3: Mix in the Cereal
Gently stir in the cereal, ensuring that it is thoroughly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
Use a buttered spatula to evenly press the mixture into the prepared 9×13″ pan.
Allow the mixture to cool and set before proceeding.
Step 4: Cut and Prepare the Squares
Once the cereal mixture has cooled and set, cut it into 2×2″ squares.
This will make them easy to handle and dip in chocolate.
Step 5: Coat with Chocolate
Melt the chocolate using a double boiler until smooth.
Dip each cereal square into the melted chocolate, ensuring an even coat.
Smooth the surface of the chocolate if necessary.
Add sprinkles on top for an extra touch of decoration.
Allow the chocolate-coated squares to stand until the chocolate hardens.
Step 6: Enjoy
After the chocolate has hardened, your deliciously sweet cereal squares are ready to be enjoyed.
Serve them as a delightful treat at any gathering or as a special snack!