Hot Cocoa Rice Krispie Treats Recipe With Mini Marshmallows
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Cozy and craveable, this hot cocoa Rice Krispie treats recipe is made with hot chocolate mix, chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows.
Every once in a while, I make something that I absolutely cannot wait to share with you.
It’s like having a really good secret and wanting to tell everyone you know.
Enter these hot cocoa rice cereal treats.
Imagine heavenly angels singing in chorus here and maybe a bright light streaming from above, because they are that dang GOOD!
I’m talking soft, chewy, chocolatey cereal treats filled with gooey marshmallows and bits of chocolate in every single bite.
Basically, it’s everything we love about a classic Rice Krispie treat combined with everything we love about a warm mug of hot chocolate.
And I don’t think it gets much cozier than that…or nostalgic.
They’re ridiculously easy to make, which as you know, is a must in the Eleanor Rose Home kitchen.
No oven, no complicated ingredients, and only about 20 minutes of actual work.
Yay!
They’re perfect for a snow day, movie night at home, Christmas parties, a winter afternoon, or honestly any time of the year when you’re craving a simple, cozy, nostalgic treat.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Find the measurements and full recipe below!
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Cozy Hot Cocoa Cereal Treats
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to turn classic Rice Krispie treats into something a little more cozy and chocolatey.
tools you’ll need
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I’m Heidi, the heart and hands behind Eleanor Rose Home.
I’ll show you that your home can become a place of warmth, comfort, and style with practical tips, creative ideas, and my own journey to help you create a space that feels like you…welcoming, personal, and full of charm.
How to Make Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats
These easy hot cocoa Rice Krispie treats come together in just a couple of steps.
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The hardest part is waiting for them to cool before cutting into all that delicious goodness!
01
Melt the Butter and Marshmallows
Melt the butter in a large pot over low heat. Add the mini marshmallows and stir until they’re almost completely melted.
02
Add the Hot Cocoa Flavor
Stir in the hot cocoa mix, cocoa powder, and salt until everything is smooth and combined. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
03
Add the Cereal, Marshmallows, & Chocolate Chips
Fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until evenly coated. Let the mixture cool for 2–3 minutes, then gently fold in the extra mini marshmallows and chocolate chips so they don’t completely melt.
04
Press, Cool, & Cut
Transfer the mixture to a greased or parchment lined 9×13″ baking pan and gently press it into an even layer without packing it down too firmly. Let the treats cool for about 30 minutes, then cut into squares and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Line the pan with parchment paper to make it easier to lift the treats out for clean, even slices.
- Use fresh marshmallows. Older marshmallows don’t melt as nicely.
- Melt the butter and marshmallows over low heat, don’t overcook the marshmallows.
- Let the mixture cool slightly before adding your final marshmallows and chocolate chips.
- Press the mixture gently with a buttered spatula or lightly greased hands.
- But make sure you don’t press the mixture too firmly. Packing it down can make Rice Krispie treats hard and dense.
- Let the treats set before slicing.
- Lightly spray a sharp knife with non-stick cooking spray before cutting your treats into squares. It helps the knife glide through the sticky marshmallow mixture and gives you cleaner cuts.
You might also love these other Rice Krispie treats recipes…
Fun Topping Ideas for Hot Cocoa Rice Krispie Treats
I want to preface this by saying that these Rice Krispie treats are delicious just as they are, but toppings can be an easy way to make them a little more fun.
Think about the things you love adding to a mug of hot cocoa and use those as inspiration.
- Extra Mini Marshmallows: Gently press a few extra marshmallows into the top while the treats are still warm.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted semisweet, milk, or white chocolate over the top once the treats have cooled.
- Crushed Peppermint: Sprinkle crushed candy canes or peppermint candies over the top for a Christmas version.
- Festive Sprinkles: Add red, green, or white sprinkles to make them extra cute.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle a handful over the top while the treats are still slightly warm so they stick.
- Flaky Sea Salt: A tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt is delicious if you love sweet and salty.
The Best Way to Store Rice Krispie Treats
Hot cocoa Rice Krispie treats are best when they’re soft and chewy so storing them properly will help keep them that way.
Once they’re completely cool, place the treats in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you’re stacking the treats, place a piece of parchment or wax paper between the layers to keep them from sticking together.
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I don’t recommend storing Rice Krispie treats in the refrigerator.
The cold temperature can make them hard and take away the gooey texture that makes them so delectable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cocoa Krispie Treats
Can I use hot cocoa mix in these Rice Krispie treats?
Yes! Hot cocoa mix blends right into the melted marshmallow mixture and gives these treats their hot chocolate flavor. This recipe also uses unsweetened cocoa powder to make the chocolate flavor a little richer.
What kind of hot cocoa mix should I use?
A regular powdered hot cocoa mix works best. You can use your favorite brand, but keep in mind that different cocoa mixes vary in sweetness and chocolate flavor.
Can I make Rice Krispie treats ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can make them a day ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For the softest, chewiest texture, I wouldn’t make them too far in advance.
Why are my cereal treats hard?
Hard treats are usually caused by cooking the marshmallows over heat that’s too high or pressing the cereal mixture too firmly into the pan. Keep your heat low and gently press the mixture into an even layer.
Can I use regular sized marshmallows?
You can use larger marshmallows for the melted portion of the recipe, although you’ll want to measure by weight rather than count. I’d still use mini marshmallows for the ones folded in at the end so you get small marshmallow pockets throughout the treats.
Did you make this recipe?
Mention us @eleanorrosehome or tag us using #eleanorrosehome so we can see your creations. You can also leave a comment below!
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Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies Cereal
- 5 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 10 ounces Mini Marshmallows
- 1/2 cup Hot Cocoa Mix
- 2 tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Mini Marshmallows folded in at the end
- 1/2 cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips folded in at the end
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add the marshmallows and stir until almost completely melted.
- Mix in the hot cocoa mix, cocoa powder, and salt until smooth.
- Remove the pot from the heat and mix in the vanilla extract.
- Fold in the Rice Krispies until evenly coated.
- Let the mixture cool for 2-3 minutes, then gently fold in the 1 cup of mini marshmallows and chocolate chips. This will help the marshmallows stay soft and visible instead of melting completely.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and gently press it into an even layer. Don’t pack it down too firmly or the treats will be dense.
- Let cool for about 30 minutes before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Line the pan with parchment paper to make it easier to lift the treats out for clean, even slices.
- Use fresh marshmallows. Older marshmallows don’t melt as nicely.
- Melt the butter and marshmallows over low heat, don’t overcook the marshmallows.
- Let the mixture cool slightly before adding your final marshmallows and chocolate chips.
- Press the mixture gently with a buttered spatula or lightly greased hands.
- But make sure you don’t press the mixture too firmly. Packing it down can make Rice Krispie treats hard and dense.
- Let the treats set before slicing.
- Lightly spray a sharp knife with non-stick cooking spray before cutting your treats into squares. It helps the knife glide through the sticky marshmallow mixture and gives you cleaner cuts.
Nutrition
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