Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats are extra gooey and delicious! Made with cocoa-coated cereal, they’re ready in under 30 minutes—no baking needed.

Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats cut into squares.

Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

My mom made Krispies Treats all the time when I was growing up, and my favorites were always the chocolate ones!

These Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats are loaded with three kinds of chocolate: chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and Cocoa Krispies® cereal. Because sometimes, more really is more!

Marshmallows being melted down and cocoa powder being added and the cereal being mixed in.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: Use unsalted to control the salt level.
  • Mini marshmallows: Use the freshest possible marshmallows. The softer, the better!
  • Cocoa powder: Regular unsweetened works best; don’t use Dutch-process.
  • Chocolate chips: Use good-quality like Ghirardelli®. I like semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips.
  • Cocoa Krispies rice cereal: This cereal adds such a rich chocolate flavor to these treats.
  • Salt: Brings out the chocolate flavor.
  • Vanilla extract: Adds depth to the overall taste.
The mixture being pressed into a 9x9 pan to harden.

How To Make Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

  1. Prepare Pan: Line a baking dish and spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Melt: In a large pot, melt butter. Add most of the marshmallows, stirring until melted.
  3. Add Chocolate: Remove from heat. Mix in cocoa powder, chocolate chips, salt, and vanilla. Then, using a spatula, gently stir in cereal and remaining marshmallows.
  4. Set in Pan: Pour and the press the mixture into an even layer.
  5. Cool and Cut: Let it cool for about 20 minutes, then cut into squares.

Quick Tip

To keep Rice Krispy treats soft, use fresh marshmallows. Press the bags to find the softest ones and use them within a few days. Don’t press the bars down too firmly, or they’ll turn out dense and hard.

A chocolate rice krispie treat cut out and being pulled away showing the gooey marshmallow texture.

Storage

How To Store

These are best fresh! Eat within the first day or two, storing any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.

Freezing (Optional):

  • Freeze: Wrap each bar in wax paper and plastic wrap. Place in a freezer bag and freeze for up to six months.
  • Thaw: Let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.

The dessert cut into squares and stacked on top of each other to enjoy.

More Rice Krispie Treat Recipes:

5 from 4 votes

Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats are super gooey and tasty! Made with cocoa cereal, they’re quick and easy—ready in 30 minutes with no baking needed.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Set up time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12 bars

Equipment

  • Baking pan 9 x 9-inch, lined
  • Large pot non-stick

Ingredients 
 

  • Cooking spray
  • 6 cups Cocoa Krispies cereal see note 1
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 16 ounces mini marshmallows divided
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 3/4 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions 

  • Line a 9 x 9-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Lightly spray the parchment with cooking spray. Measure out the cereal and set aside.
  • In a large non-stick pot, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add all but 2-1/2 cups marshmallows. Stir constantly over low heat until fully melted.
  • Remove pot from the heat. Stir in the cocoa powder, chocolate chips, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth. Quickly and gently mix in the Cocoa Krispies cereal. Finally, fold in the reserved 2-1/2 cups of marshmallows until combined.
  • Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Lightly spray your hands with cooking spray and gently press the mixture into the pan—avoid pressing too hard to keep the bars soft. Let the bars cool and set for about 15–20 minutes. Once set, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out and cut them into squares.

Video

Recipe Notes

Note 1: For less sweetness, use half Cocoa Krispies and half regular Rice Krispies. 
Storage: Rice Krispie Treats are best eaten the day they’re made. If needed, store in an airtight container at room temperature, or freeze for up to six months and thaw at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 248kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 127mg | Potassium: 100mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 713IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Meet Chelsea


Hello, and welcome to Chelsea’s Messy Apron! I’m Chelsea, the recipe developer, food photographer, and writer behind the site. I’m passionate about creating simple, reliable, and delicious recipes that anyone can make.

Thanks for stopping by—I hope you find something delicious to make!

More Recipes You'll Love

5 from 4 votes (2 ratings without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




7 Comments

  1. Kennedi says:

    13 x 9 pan recipe please??

  2. euchre game says:

    I Love your work. You always shared nice and healthy recipe. Thank you to your tips.

    1. Chelsea Lords says:

      Thanks Euchre!

  3. Glenda says:

    5 stars
    I’ve made these twice now and they’re so good! Beats regular Rice Krispie treats any day

    1. Chelsea Lords says:

      So happy you’ve enjoyed these! Thanks Glenda 🙂

      1. Amanda says:

        5 stars
        Made these tonight for my son’s birthday and WOW, they are delicious! Chocolate overload…exactly what he wanted!

        1. Chelsea Lords says:

          Yay! So fun to hear! Happy birthday to your son!