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+ servings
Three stacked chocolate rice crispy treats with a textured, crunchy appearance, surrounded by more treats in the background.
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Cocoa Rice Krispie Treats

These chocolate Rice Krispie treats are a rich, gooey twist on the classic no-bake dessert. Made with cocoa powder and marshmallows, they’re quick, easy, and perfect for satisfying any chocolate craving.
Prep Time10 minutes
Chill Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12 Squares
Calories: 187kcal
Author: Wendy

Equipment

  • large pot
  • wooden spoon or spatula
  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper, optional
  • measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 10 ounces mini marshmallows
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 5 cups Rice Krispies cereal
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup mini chocolate chips optional

Instructions

  • Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  • Melt the butter in a large pot over low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir continuously until completely melted and smooth.
    A bowl of mini marshmallows in a white pot next to bowls of crispy rice cereal, cocoa powder, and other ingredients on a white surface.
  • Whisk in the cocoa powder and salt until fully incorporated, then stir in the vanilla extract.
    A mixing bowl with cream and cocoa powder, surrounded by bowls of chopped nuts, chocolate chips, and empty glass bowls on a white surface.
  • Remove from the heat and immediately add the Rice Krispies cereal, folding gently until all of the cereal is coated with the chocolate marshmallow mixture.
  • If using chocolate chips, allow the mixture to cool for about 2 minutes and then fold them in so they do not melt completely.
    A white mixing bowl filled with oatmeal cookie dough topped with chocolate chips, surrounded by empty glass bowls on a white surface.
  • Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan using a buttered spatula or parchment paper.
    A baking tray lined with parchment paper holds a rectangular block of chocolate rice crispy treats.
  • Let the treats cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cutting into squares.

Notes

  • Melt ingredients slowly to keep the texture soft.
  • Mix cereal in quickly before the marshmallow sets.
  • Don’t press too firmly into the pan to keep treats light.
  • Add chocolate chips after slight cooling to prevent melting.

Storage

Storage:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
No reheating needed, but you can microwave for 5–10 seconds for extra gooey texture.
Freezing:
Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 6 weeks. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Square | Calories: 187kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 157mg | Potassium: 44mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 880IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 4mg