Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie that delivers big flavor with an unexpectedly delightful crunch, these Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies will absolutely make your day. Classic chocolate chip decadence meets the toasty snap of Rice Krispies, creating a cookie that’s chewy, crispy, and just a little bit nostalgic. Each bite is a journey through soft middles, golden edges, melty chocolate chips, and the irresistible pop of cereal—a cookie that promises to surprise and delight anyone lucky enough to grab one off your tray!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies might look simple, but every component helps create those chewy centers and crunchy, golden edges. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each piece is essential for cookie success.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Start with truly room temperature butter for perfect creaming and rich, tender cookies.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Brings essential sweetness and helps those edges caramelize just right.
• Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and add that chewy bite we all crave.
• Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Don’t skimp—this gives your cookies their signature bakery aroma.
• All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): The tried-and-true base for cookies, holding everything together.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Lifts and lightens, giving just the right rise to your cookies.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and deepens flavor; a little goes a long way.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (12 oz bag): Melty, chocolatey goodness in every bite—need I say more?
• Rice Krispies cereal (3 ½ cups): The magic ingredient! Delivers a satisfying crunch and toasty, nostalgic flavor.

How to Make Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven

Set the oven to 325°F (163°C), positioning the rack in the center. This not only ensures even baking but sets the stage for that perfect crispy exterior without browning the cookies too quickly. Grab your parchment paper and line those baking sheets—no one likes cookies stuck to the pan!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat together the softened butter and sugar on medium speed. This process should take about 2-3 minutes and transforms the mixture from grainy to smooth and light. Take your time here—the air you whip in is the secret to cookies that are perfectly soft inside.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add your eggs one by one, blending each in fully before adding the next. Finish with the vanilla extract. This is where your dough starts smelling like classic homemade cookies, which is always a good sign! Mixing well now ensures an even texture after baking.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, mixing slowly and just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—stirring only until the last streak of flour disappears keeps those cookies soft, not tough.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Switch to a spatula or wooden spoon and fold in your chocolate chips. You want them distributed evenly so every cookie gets both crispy cereal and gooey chocolate in every bite.

Step 6: Roll in Rice Krispies Cereal

Scoop the dough using a cookie scoop or tablespoon for equal portions. Gently roll each dough ball in a shallow bowl of Rice Krispies, pressing lightly so the cereal really clings to the outside. This is the step that gives Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies their signature crunch and playful look!

Step 7: Arrange, Flatten, and Bake

Place your cereal-coated dough balls on the parchment-lined sheets, leaving enough space for spreading—about 2 inches. Flatten each a bit with your hand. Bake for 23-25 minutes, watching closely toward the end. They’re ready when the edges are set, and the cereal coating is a light golden brown.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a rack. This lets them finish setting up and makes them easier to handle. Wait until completely cool to store (if you have any left)! Enjoy the spectacular result: Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies just as crispy and chewy as you hoped.

How to Serve Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, sprinkle a light pinch of flaky sea salt right after baking while the cookies are still warm—it intensifies the chocolate and adds a fancy finish. You might also dip half the cookie in melted chocolate or lightly dust with powdered sugar for a bakery-style vibe.

Side Dishes

These cookies are incredible with a cold glass of milk (classic!), but they also pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a creamy iced coffee. Imagine a summer party platter: a pile of Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies with berries and a big pitcher of lemonade for the kids and coffee for the grown-ups!

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cookies in a clear jar tied with ribbon for a gift, or arrange them on a tiered stand for bake sales and parties. For birthdays or special treats, sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for ultimate Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookie ice cream sandwiches!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Add a piece of bread to the container to help retain moisture and keep them soft for up to five days. Just make sure they’re completely cool before sealing up to prevent any sogginess.

Freezing

For longer storage, place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. You can also freeze dough balls (unbaked and cereal-coated) and bake off a few warm cookies anytime you wish those Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies joy!

Reheating

To enjoy that fresh-baked taste, pop cookies in a preheated 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes straight from the freezer or for a minute in the microwave from room temp. They’ll taste like you just pulled them from the oven, with all the crisp and chocolatey gooeyness you crave.

FAQs

Can I use a different cereal instead of Rice Krispies?

Absolutely! While Rice Krispies are the classic, you can experiment with other puffed rice or crisped cereals for a fun twist. Just remember, the texture might change a bit but you’ll still get a wonderful crunch.

My cookies turned out flat—what went wrong?

This can happen if your butter was too warm or melted, or if the dough was overmixed. Make sure your butter is just at room temperature and don’t skip chilling the dough if your kitchen is warm. Also, measure your flour carefully for best results.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Definitely! Just substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for the all-purpose flour, and double-check that your cereal is certified gluten-free as some Rice Krispies brands may contain malt flavoring derived from barley.

Can I use dark or milk chocolate chips?

Of course! If you’re a dark chocolate devotee or a lover of sweeter milk chocolate, swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for your favorite. The cookies are endlessly adaptable to your personal chocolate preferences.

Why do you roll the dough balls in Rice Krispies before baking?

Rolling the dough in cereal gives Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies their distinctive crispy texture on the outside. It also gives the cookies a delightful visual appeal and a fun contrast between the soft cookie and the crunchy exterior!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something a little nostalgic and a lot of fun, Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies are your new go-to treat. With chewy centers, crispy edges, and a pop of chocolate in every bite, they never fail to spark smiles. Give the recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at just how quickly these cookies disappear!

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