Hot Cocoa Krispies Treats

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Cocoa Krispies combined with marshmallows and melted chocolate on top make for an extra decadent dessert. You get all the delicious flavor of a warm mug, but in a crunchy handheld treat. Make hot cocoa rice krispie treats in just 20 minutes!

titled: Hot Cocoa Krispies Treats


 

Cocoa Krispies

All you need are chocolate chips and a few packets of your favorite drink mix for a fun twist on the classic rice krispies treats recipe.

Or try these rice krispies treats made with Nutella.

For more warm cocoa flavor, try my Hot Chocolate Cupcakes, with melted marshmallows in the center and fluffy marshmallow buttercream on top!

Hot Cocoa Fudge makes a cozy treat that tastes like hot cocoa with marshmallows!

Mexican Hot Chocolate Brownies are rich and fudgy, with a little extra kick from cinnamon and cayenne powder. Plus, the browned butter frosting puts them right over the top.

If it’s too warm for a cozy warm drink, try Frozen Hot Chocolate instead! You can still use your favorite cocoa mix, and it’s richer than a regular milkshake.

bowls of ingredients to make hot cocoa krispie treats

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

  • Salted Butter – Not only does it balance the sweetness of the dessert, but it enhances the flavors as well.

    That doesn’t mean you can just sprinkle in some salt with unsalted butter! If you do, that’s all you will taste when you take a bite.
  • Hot Cocoa Mix – Each packet of cocoa contains about 2 1/2 tablespoons of powdered mix.

    If you prefer to use a canister, you’ll need 7 1/2 tablespoons of mix.
  • Toasted Rice Cereal – It doesn’t have to be name-brand for this recipe to work! You can even swap in a gluten-free version if needed.
  • Melting Wafers – You’ll need both chocolate and white chocolate wafers to make hot cocoa rice krispies.

    If needed, you can also use semi-sweet and white chocolate chips.
bowls of ingredients next to pot of cocoa with marshmallows

How to Make Cocoa Rice Krispie Treats

The process is very similar to a regular rice krispies treat recipe but with a few extra steps.

Melt together the butter and marshmallows on the stove, then mix in the packets of cocoa until well combined.

Stir in the rice cereal, press firmly into a greased baking dish, and sprinkle more marshmallows over the top.

Finally, melt the chocolate in the microwave or with a double boiler and drizzle all over the cocoa krispie treats.

You can also add sprinkles and sanding sugar to make your cocoa krispies look extra sparkly and festive.

bowls of ingredients next to pot of melted chocolate mixture

Tips for Making Hot Cocoa Krispies

  • Avoid rock-hard treats.

The key to successful cocoa krispies treats is not to overcook the marshmallows!

Switch off the stove just before they are fully melted, then continue to stir while the residual heat smooths out the last of the clumps.

  • Chill to set.

If you’re short on time, pop the pan into the refrigerator to cool the cocoa krispie treats quickly before slicing.

  • Need a larger batch?

You can easily double the recipe and divide it between two pans, as long as your pot is large enough to hold everything.

Or, reduce the recipe for a small pan of cocoa krispies all to yourself!

  • Tip for drizzling chocolate

Use a bowl with a spout to melt the chocolate so you can just pour from that. Or, transfer to a thick ziploc bag and snip off the corner.

You may want to double bag the chocolate since it will be hot to the touch.

rice krispie cereal added to pot of chocolate marshmallow mixture

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

  • Large Saucepan – Choose a heavy-bottomed one so the heat is distributed more evenly.
  • 9×13 Baking Dish – This set is one of my favorites! It comes with a lid for easy storage and is great for casseroles too.
  • Microwave-safe Bowl with a handle – I use my 8-cup Pyrex measuring cup for tasks like this. And it’s the best bowl for making and pouring pancakes too.
  • Silicone Spatula – Withstands heat well and won’t stick to the cocoa rice krispie treats.

Storing and Freezing Cocoa Krispie Treats

These will be fine at room temperature for 3-5 days. Keep them in a sealed, airtight container so they stay soft and chewy.

Or, freeze individual slices between layers of wax paper in a storage bag or freezer-safe container. Thaw cocoa rice krispies on the counter until softened before serving.

spreading chocolate rice cereal mixture into baking pan

Cocoa Rice Krispies FAQ

Can I adjust the amount of marshmallows?

You’ll need to keep the amount in the treat mixture the same to hold everything together.

As far as the topping goes, that’s where you can play around! You can even leave them off the top and just stick with the drizzle if you’d like.

Where can I find chocolate melting wafers?

If you don’t see them with the regular baking supplies, try checking the cake decorating aisle. They typically come in plastic bags and look like round discs about the size of a quarter.

Or, replace the melting chocolate with white chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate chips instead. Almond bark would also make a great substitute for the white chocolate wafers.

Can I eat cocoa krispies warm or cold?

We love these treats at room temperature since they’re a little hard straight out of the refrigerator.

However, don’t try to cut into them while they are still warm or you’ll have a melted marshmallow mess!

Chill before slicing, then let cocoa krispies treats sit out on the counter for a few minutes before taking a bite.

close up: chocolate drizzles krispie treats with marshmallows

Enjoy!
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close up: holding a hot cocoa krispie treat square

Hot Cocoa Krispies Treats

Donna Elick
Hot Cocoa Krispies with marshmallows and melted chocolate is a fun twist on the classic bar dessert. Make a batch in just 20 minutes!
5 stars from 1 review
Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Method Stovetop
Servings 12

Ingredients
 

  • 3 tablespoons salted butter
  • 5 cups mini marshmallows
  • 4.14 ounces hot cocoa, 3 1.38-ounce packets
  • 6 cups Rice Krispies, or other toasted rice cereal
  • 1 cup chocolate melting wafers or chocolate chips
  • 1 cup white chocolate melting wafers or white chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons chocolate sprinkles, optional
  • 1 tablespoon glitter sugar, optional

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot or saucepan, melt the butter
  • Once the butter has melted, add the mini marshmallows, saving 1 cup to use as toppings
  • Stir continuously until the marshmallows have melted
  • Add the hot chocolate and stir to combine
  • Turn off the heat and add the Rice Krispies, stirring quickly to fully coat the Rice Krispies in the hot cocoa marshmallows
  • Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking pan
  • Using a spatula, or spoon, also greased, press the Rice Krispies treats down into the pan
  • Top with remaining mini marshmallows
  • In a microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate wafers at 10-15 second intervals, stopping to stir in between until they are completely melted
  • Drizzle over the marshmallows and the Rice Krispies treats
  • Follow the same steps for melting and drizzling the white chocolate wafers
  • If desired, add chocolate sprinkles and glitter sugar for a fun wintery touch
  • Place in the fridge for an hour to cool and set
  • Using a sharp knife, slice the Rice Krispies treats into squares or bars
  • Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 361cal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 324mg | Sugar: 38g | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 5mg

All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
titled image (and shown): hot cocoa krispies treats

Originally published December 2020, updated and republished December 2023

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