Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Recipe | Chewy Cocoa Krispie Treats

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Love a great cereal treat recipe? These chocolate rice krispie treats are fantastic for any chocolate craving. These cocoa krispie treats are made with just 5 ingredients, are no bake and take just minutes to mix together. Chocolate rice krispies are the ultimate treat for every chocolate lover!

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Chocolate rice krispie treats cut into squares in pan, and single bar held in hand.

Love anything chocolate? These gooey, chewy chocolate rice krispies are perfect for any chocolate craving. Made with just 5 simple ingredients, these cereal treats are fantastic as an after-school snack and great for kids lunchboxes.

In this post I’ll show you exactly what you need to make these chocolate rice krispies. I’ll also give you some tips and tricks on storage, preventing them from becoming hard, and other mix-in and topping options.

Ingredients needed to make cocoa krispie treats.

What do I need to make chocolate rice krispie treats?

Here’s a quick reference check list of the 5 ingredients you’ll need to make chocolate rice krispies:

Cocoa Krispies cereal – these are the chocolate version of rice krispies cereal
Mini marshmallows – you can also use regular, larger marshmallows for melting.
Butter – butter is used for melting with the marshmallows.
Mini Chocolate chips – you can also use regular sized chocolate chips. These will be mixed into the marshmallow mixture and used for topping the treats.
Cocoa powder – this will create a wonderfully extra chocolaty marshmallow mixture.

For exact ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions be sure to scroll down to the bottom of this post to the recipe card. Thanks!

Melted marshmallows and chocolate in a bowl being stirred together for chocolate rice krispies.

How do I make chocolate rice krispie treats?

Start by melting the marshmallows and butter together. You can do this on the stovetop in a saucepan OR in the microwave. I prefer to use the microwave, as this method doesn’t overheat the marshmallow mixture.

Overheating the marshmallow mixture causes hard rice krispie treats. The most desirable chocolate rice krispies are one’s that are chewy and gooey, not hard and brittle.

Once the marshmallow and butter have melted together, add in the cocoa powder and mini chocolate chips and stir together until combined. You’ll achieve a very chocolaty marshmallow mixture.

Stir in the cereal to the marshmallow mixture. It is best to use a rubber scraper to mix the ingredients together until everything is well coated.

Chocolate chips being added to chocolate rice krispies.

Cocoa krispie treats in pan topped with chocolate chips.

Turn out the cereal mixture into a prepared pan that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Additionally, spray your hand with the non-stick spray and press the mixture firmly into the pan with your hands.

Lastly, top the cocoa krispie treats with chocolate chips.

Let the cocoa krispie treats cool and firm up before cutting into squares.

What can I add to rice krispie treats?

These chocolate rice krispies are great topped with additional chocolate chips. Here are some other mix-in and topping ideas:

Butterscotch chips
Peanut butter chips
Rainbow sprinkles
M&M’s – regular plain M&M’s or mini M&M’s
White chocolate chips
Crushed OREO cookies
Extra mini marshmallows (mix these in with the cereal)

Chocolate rice krispies cut into squares in pan.

Single chocolate rice krispie treat being held in hand.

FAQ’s about making cereal treats:

How should I store rice krispie treats?

Store rice krispie treats in an air tight container to prevent from drying out or becoming hard. They can be kept at room temperature and do not need to be refrigerated.

Can I make rice krispie treats the night before?

Yes, rice krispie treats can be made the night or day before being served. Be sure to cover your pan tightly with plastic wrap or store the treats in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out and becoming hard.

How long do chocolate rice krispie treats last?

Chocolate rice krispie treats will last 5-7 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Why are my rice krispie treats hard?

Cereal treats can become hard for two reasons. First, if you melt the marshmallows at too high of heat, they will make the treats very hard. For best results, melt the marshmallows over medium low heat, or in the microwave on 1 minute increments. Treats can also become hard if they are not covered or stored in an airtight container.

Can you freeze chocolate rice krispie treats?

Yes, chocolate rice krispie treats can be frozen. Store in an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer bag. They will keep for 3-4 months in the freezer. To defrost, let thaw at room temperature.

Single chocolate rice krispie treat held in hand with bite taken out.

Chocolate rice krispie treats cut into squares on a plate.

Love cereal treats? Check out some of our other cereal treat recipe ideas:

Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
Spring Rice Krispie Cake
Rice Krispie Christmas Trees
M&M’s® Spring Flower Pops
Candy Corn Krispie Cake
Lucky Charms Treats at Party Food Favorites