Rice Krispie Cookies with Chocolate Chips

Rice Krispie Cookies with Chocolate Chips are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. These cookies have an irresistible combination of buttery, chewy goodness with the added crunch of Rice Krispies cereal. The chocolate chips melt into each bite, creating a gooey contrast to the light, crispy texture of the cereal. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from after-school snacks to holiday cookie trays, and they’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Easy to make, full of texture, and bursting with flavor, this recipe is a must-try for cookie lovers!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes your standard chocolate chip cookies to the next level with the addition of Rice Krispies cereal, creating a unique combination of chewiness and crunchiness that’s absolutely addictive. The cookies are buttery and rich, with the crunch of the cereal offering a delightful contrast to the gooey chocolate chips. They’re easy to make with pantry staples, and the recipe can be customized with mix-ins like nuts, shredded coconut, or even peanut butter chips. These cookies are perfect for sharing, and they’re sure to impress at bake sales, parties, or as a sweet treat with a cup of coffee. Plus, the nostalgia of Rice Krispies cereal adds a fun, playful element to these delicious cookies.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Cooling Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies
• Serving Size: 1 cookie

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 140
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 10g

Ingredients

For the cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Optional Mix-Ins:

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well combined.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
2. Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal and chocolate chips with a spatula, being careful not to crush the cereal.

Step 3: Portion the Dough

1. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The cookies will spread slightly as they bake.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still slightly soft.
2. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once cooled, serve your Rice Krispie Cookies with Chocolate Chips alongside a glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or as a standalone treat.

Ingredient Background

Rice Krispies Cereal

Rice Krispies cereal adds a light, crispy texture to these cookies, making them stand out from traditional chocolate chip cookies. Their neutral flavor complements the sweetness of the cookie dough while providing a delightful crunch in every bite.

Chocolate Chips

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are the classic choice for this recipe, providing the perfect balance of sweetness and richness. For a fun twist, you can experiment with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even flavored chips like butterscotch or white chocolate.

Butter

Unsalted butter is used to give these cookies their rich, buttery flavor. Softened butter ensures that the dough mixes evenly and creates a tender, chewy texture.

Technique Tips

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar Thoroughly: Creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy incorporates air into the dough, helping the cookies bake evenly and achieve the perfect texture.
2. Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can result in dense cookies.
3. Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature to ensure even mixing and a smooth dough.
4. Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

1. Drizzle with Chocolate: Melt extra chocolate chips and drizzle them over the cooled cookies for a decorative and decadent finish.
2. Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies as the base for a homemade ice cream sandwich. Fill with vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an extra-special treat.
3. Mini Cookies: Use a smaller cookie scoop to make bite-sized versions that are perfect for parties or gift boxes.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale to measure ingredients for consistent results. Overmeasuring flour can make the cookies dry, so be sure to fluff the flour before scooping.
2. Prevent Sticking: If the dough sticks to your hands or cookie scoop, lightly spray your hands or scoop with non-stick cooking spray.
3. Store Properly: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Add a slice of bread to the container to keep the cookies soft.

Recipe Variations

1. Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Cookies: Add 1/4 cup of peanut butter to the dough for a nutty twist. Reduce the butter slightly to maintain the right texture.
2. S’mores Rice Krispie Cookies: Mix in mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers along with the chocolate chips for a fun s’mores-inspired treat.
3. Salted Caramel Twist: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the baked cookies and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a gourmet touch.
4. Holiday-Themed Cookies: Add festive sprinkles or swap the chocolate chips for red and green M&M’s for a holiday twist.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing Dough

To freeze the dough, portion it into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until firm, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

Freezing Baked Cookies

Allow the baked cookies to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Storing at Room Temperature

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze as directed above.

Healthier Twist Ideas

1. Whole Wheat Flour: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
2. Reduced Sugar: Use a natural sweetener like coconut sugar or reduce the amount of granulated sugar by 1/4 cup.
3. Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate chips to make the recipe dairy-free.
4. Add Seeds: Mix in chia seeds or flaxseeds for an extra nutritional boost.

Serving Suggestions for Events

1. Bake Sale Favorites: Pack these cookies in clear treat bags tied with a ribbon for a professional touch.
2. Holiday Cookie Trays: Add these cookies to a tray with other classics like sugar cookies and gingerbread cookies for a festive dessert spread.
3. After-School Treats: Pair these cookies with a glass of milk or a fruit smoothie for a satisfying snack.

Special Equipment

1. Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: To cream the butter and sugar effectively.
2. Cookie Scoop: For evenly sized cookies that bake uniformly.
3. Wire Cooling Rack: Ensures the cookies cool properly without becoming soggy on the bottom.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other cereals besides Rice Krispies?

Yes, you can substitute other crispy cereals like Cornflakes or Cocoa Krispies for a different flavor and texture.

2. Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Make sure your butter isn’t overly softened, and chill the dough if the cookies are spreading too much during baking.

3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour substitute, and ensure your Rice Krispies cereal is certified gluten-free.

4. How do I make thicker cookies?

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking, and avoid flattening the dough balls on the baking sheet.

5. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly. Butter provides a richer taste and helps create a chewy texture.

6. Can I substitute dark chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips or chunks work well and provide a more intense chocolate flavor.

7. How do I know when the cookies are done?

The edges should be lightly golden brown, and the centers should look slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.

8. Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes! Use plant-based butter, flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg), and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Conclusion

Rice Krispie Cookies with Chocolate Chips are a delightful twist on a classic dessert, offering a perfect balance of chewy, crispy, and chocolatey goodness. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a family treat, or just because, these cookies are sure to impress. The addition of Rice Krispies adds a nostalgic touch and a unique texture, while the rich chocolate chips bring indulgent flavor to every bite. Easy to customize and simple to make, these cookies are a guaranteed hit. Whip up a batch today and enjoy the satisfying crunch and melt-in-your-mouth goodness of this irresistible treat!

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