If you’re craving a nostalgic treat with a grown-up twist, you’re going to adore this Chocolate Dipped Rice Krispie Treats Recipe. These aren’t your average marshmallow squares—instead, they’re crisp, chewy, and generously dipped in silky chocolate with a pop of colorful sprinkles that make every bite a celebration. Whether you’re making them for a festive occasion or just a fun weekend snack, this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and so easy you’ll want to keep a stash ready in your freezer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick: You can whip these up in about 15 minutes, perfect for last-minute treats.
- That Chocolate-Dipped Magic: The candy coating adds a delightful crunch and sweetness that takes classic Rice Krispies to the next level.
- Customizable Fun: Add your favorite sprinkles or switch up the candy melts color for any holiday or celebration.
- Kid & Adult Approved: My family and friends literally go crazy for these — trust me, they’ll disappear fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Selecting the right ingredients here is key to nailing texture and flavor. You’ll notice this recipe uses mini marshmallows for a smooth melt and pink candy melts to make that gorgeous chocolate dip. I love grabbing good-quality cereal because it really makes a difference in the crunch factor.
- Salted Butter: Using salted butter helps balance the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Mini Marshmallows: They melt evenly and smoothly—avoid big marshmallows which can get lumpy.
- Rice Krispie Cereal: Classic and crunchy, it holds up well without getting soggy.
- Pink Candy Melts: These melt beautifully and give that perfect, glossy coating.
- Vegetable or Canola Oil: Adding a little oil thins out the candy melts so dipping is easier.
- Valentine’s Day Sprinkles: For extra color and festive flair—feel free to swap in any sprinkle you love!
Variations
I love that this Chocolate Dipped Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is totally customizable—it’s like a blank canvas waiting for your creativity. Over time, I’ve played around with everything from different candy melt colors to swapping sprinkles depending on the season.
- Chocolate Candy Dips: I’ve tried dark, milk, and white chocolate melts for the dip—each gives a different vibe; dark chocolate adds richness while white chocolate feels ultra-sweet and creamy.
- Nut-Free or Vegan: You can swap butter for coconut oil and use vegan marshmallows to make this allergy-friendly without losing that classic texture.
- Flavor Add-Ins: Sometimes I mix in mini chocolate chips or a sprinkle of cinnamon into the cereal for a fun twist.
- Holiday Themes: Changing up sprinkles is my go-to for holidays—think green and red for Christmas or orange and black for Halloween.
How to Make Chocolate Dipped Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients
Start by lining an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment or wax paper. This is a must because your Rice Krispie treats will set better and come out easier without sticking. Have all your ingredients measured out so you can move quickly—melting marshmallows waits for no one!
Step 2: Melt Marshmallows and Butter
Place your butter and mini marshmallows in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, so nothing burns. This slow melt approach is something I discovered after a few charred attempts—it makes a huge difference in smoothness.
Step 3: Stir in Rice Krispie Cereal
Once your marshmallow mixture is silky and combined, add the Rice Krispie cereal and gently fold to coat every bit. Don’t overmix or it’ll get too sticky. You’ll want a nice, even coverage for that perfect chew.
Step 4: Press Into Pan; Don’t Overpack
Spread your mixture evenly into the prepared pan, but here’s a little secret: I never pack it down too hard. Lightly pressing keeps the treats soft and airy instead of rock hard. Let it set for about 30 minutes or until firm enough to slice.
Step 5: Slice Into Bars
Once set, slice neatly into 12 bars. Using a sharp knife and a gentle sawing motion helps keep the edges clean. This is when they start looking like the treat you know and love.
Step 6: Melt Candy Melts With Oil
In a microwave-safe cup, melt your pink candy melts and oil together, stirring every 30 seconds. The oil makes the candy thinner so dipping is smooth and effortless. Don’t overheat here or it can become too thick to work with!
Step 7: Dip and Decorate
Dip half of each bar into the melted candy, then set on parchment paper and sprinkle with your festive sprinkles. Give them a few minutes to set at room temperature. Watching those sprinkles land on the shiny candy is always a fun moment for me.
Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Dipped Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
- Even Mixing: Always stir your marshmallows and butter mixture every 30 seconds while microwaving to avoid burning and get a velvety texture.
- Light Pressing: Avoid packing the treats tightly in your pan; this keeps them tender and chewy instead of dense.
- Candy Melt Thinning: Adding a teaspoon of vegetable or canola oil to candy melts makes dipping easy and the coating smooth.
- Storage Tip: Let the dipped bars fully set on parchment paper at room temperature before storing to avoid smudging or sticking.
How to Serve Chocolate Dipped Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Garnishes
I tend to stick with Valentine’s Day sprinkles for this recipe since pink just pops against the white treats, but I’ve also enjoyed crushed nuts or edible glitter for fancier occasions. Sprinkles add that fun texture and visual excitement that make these treats perfect for parties.
Side Dishes
Pair these sweet bites with a glass of cold milk or a cup of warm coffee or tea to mellow the sweetness. They’re also great alongside fresh fruit for a balanced dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthday parties, I like to stand these up in little glass jars or line them up on a tiered dessert tray for a polished look. Wrapping individual bars in parchment and tying them with cute twine is a sweet way to gift them too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature, separated by parchment paper, so they don’t stick together. They stay fresh for about 3-5 days, which is plenty of time to sneak a few more indulgent treats!
Freezing
Freezing works great if you need to make them way ahead. I wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they can last up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temp for 30 minutes before serving.
Reheating
Reheating isn’t usually necessary, but if you want that gooey marshmallow feel again, pop the treat in the microwave for 8-10 seconds. Just be careful not to melt the chocolate coating!
FAQs
-
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
You can, but mini marshmallows melt more evenly and quickly, which gives a smoother mixture and easier-to-work-with consistency. If using regular marshmallows, chop them into smaller pieces before melting.
-
What can I substitute for candy melts?
If you don’t have candy melts, white chocolate chips or melting wafers are a good alternative. Just remember to add a little oil to thin the melted chocolate for easier dipping.
-
Why do my Rice Krispie treats turn out hard?
Pressing the cereal mixture too firmly into the pan or overcooking the marshmallows can make treats tough. Gently pressing the mixture and removing it from heat as soon as melted helps keep them soft and chewy.
-
Can I make these Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use gluten-free Rice Krispies cereal and check your candy melts for any gluten ingredients to ensure the treats remain safe for gluten sensitivities.
-
How should I store leftover Chocolate Dipped Rice Krispie Treats?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days, keeping pieces separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Dipped Rice Krispie Treats Recipe hits all the right notes for me—from the perfect chewy base to that snap of candy-coated chocolate and the festive sprinkle finish. I remember making these last Valentine’s Day, and my family couldn’t stop raving about how special and delicious they were. If you’re looking for a fun, foolproof recipe that brings a little sweetness and sparkle to any day, you’ve got to try this. You’ll thank me later when they’re gone before you know it!
Print
Chocolate Dipped Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chocolate Dipped Rice Krispie Treats combine the classic marshmallow and cereal base with a delightful pink candy coating and festive Valentine’s Day sprinkles. Perfect for a sweet and fun dessert or snack, they are easy to make and wonderfully colorful for special occasions.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 tbsp salted butter
- 10 oz mini marshmallows
- 5 cups Rice Krispie cereal
Chocolate Dipping
- 1 cup pink candy melts
- 1 tsp vegetable oil or canola oil
- Valentine’s Day sprinkles, as desired
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment or wax paper and set it aside to prevent sticking.
- Melt Marshmallows and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the mini marshmallows and salted butter. Microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until fully melted and smooth, taking care to avoid burning.
- Mix in Cereal: Add the Rice Krispie cereal to the melted marshmallow mixture and gently fold until all the cereal is evenly coated.
- Shape the Treats: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Avoid packing it too tightly to keep the treats light and chewy.
- Set and Slice: Allow the treats to set at room temperature for about 30 minutes until firm, then cut into 12 even bars.
- Melt Candy Coating: In a microwave-safe cup, melt the pink candy melts together with the vegetable or canola oil, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth and fully combined.
- Dip and Decorate: Dip half of each Rice Krispie bar into the melted candy mixture, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle with Valentine’s Day sprinkles for a festive touch. Let them set for a few minutes until the coating hardens.
- Serve: Once the coating is set, enjoy your colorful and delicious chocolate-dipped Rice Krispie treats!
Notes
- Use salted butter to enhance flavor; unsalted butter can be used but add a slight pinch of salt if desired.
- Do not over pack the mixture in the pan to maintain a soft texture.
- Substitute candy melts with white chocolate and food coloring if preferred.
- Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
- For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free butter and check candy melts ingredients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (about 1/12th of recipe)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg