If you are searching for the perfect balance of crunch and chew, look no further than this Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. These cookies take the beloved classic chocolate chip cookie up a notch with the playful addition of crispy Rice Krispies, creating a delightful texture that keeps you reaching for more. The rich, buttery dough combined with bursts of semi-sweet chocolate chips and the satisfying snap of cereal make this recipe a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for a party, a snack, or simply to enjoy a moment of sweetness, these cookies deliver flavor and fun in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredients simple yet carefully chosen is key to nailing the texture and flavor of these cookies. Every element plays its part, from the buttery richness to the crispy cereal and mellow oats, creating layers of taste and mouthfeel.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): The foundation for a tender, rich cookie that melts in your mouth.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a beautifully golden crust.
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed): Brings moisture and a subtle caramel undertone making cookies chewy.
- 2 large eggs: Bind all ingredients together and contribute to a soft texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A flavor booster giving the dough a warm, inviting aroma.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of your cookie, providing the right density to hold everything together.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps cookies rise and spread perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Adds extra lift ensuring soft cookies with some airiness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the dough.
- 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal: The secret star adding the signature crispy crunch you will love.
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: For pockets of melty, rich chocolate in every bite.
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats: Adds a hearty chewiness that pairs beautifully with the crisp Rice Krispies.
How to Make Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Mix the Wet Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes—that fluffy texture is the key to light, tender cookies. Then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to create a smooth batter. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract which brings everything together with a lovely aromatic note.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. This ensures that the leavening agents are well distributed throughout the flour, giving your cookies a consistent rise and flavor balance.
Step 3: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix as this can lead to dense cookies. The next step is where the magic begins — fold in the oats, Rice Krispies cereal, and chocolate chips gently but thoroughly. The oats provide chew, the Rice Krispies bring crunch, and the chocolate chips add luscious bursts of sweetness.
Step 4: Scoop and Bake
Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching closely for golden edges and centers that are just set to maintain that chewy softness. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely — this little wait helps them firm up perfectly and prevents breakage.
How to Serve Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are stunning on their own, you can sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt right after baking to amplify the chocolate’s richness. Dusting them lightly with powdered sugar or even drizzling some melted white chocolate adds a beautiful visual and flavor contrast that’s sure to impress guests.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for a nostalgic treat or serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a decadent dessert experience. Fresh berries or a cup of hot coffee or tea complement the sweetness wonderfully, keeping your snack experience fresh and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to jazz things up? Sandwich two cookies around a scoop of ice cream or some Nutella for an irresistible ice cream sandwich. Alternatively, crumble cookies over yogurt or pudding cups for texture and delightful bursts of chocolate. They also make great gifts packaged in cute tins or wrapped in parchment tied with string, making the Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe a charming homemade present.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They maintain their balance of chew and crunch perfectly, ready to satisfy whenever a sweet craving strikes.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead or save some for later, freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. You can also freeze fully baked cookies in airtight containers with parchment paper layers. They’ll last up to three months, making anytime snacking easy and delicious.
Reheating
To revive frozen baked cookies, warm them gently in a 300-degree oven for about 5 minutes or until soft and slightly melty. For dough, thaw in the refrigerator before baking as usual. This little extra step brings back that fresh-baked experience every time.
FAQs
Can I substitute Rice Krispies with another cereal?
Absolutely! Puff cereals like Corn Flakes or Cheerios can work, but Rice Krispies give that perfect light crunch that’s hard to beat. Just be sure the substitute cereal complements the texture and flavor of the chocolate and oats.
What if I don’t have old-fashioned oats, can I use quick oats?
Quick oats can be used in a pinch, but old-fashioned oats provide a heartier chew that contrasts nicely with the crisp Rice Krispies. Your cookies might be a bit softer with quick oats, which can be a delightful variation.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make this Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and make sure to use certified gluten-free Rice Krispies and oats. They’ll still turn out tasty and crunchy, perfect for those with sensitivities.
How do I keep the cookies chewy and not too crunchy?
The trick is to slightly underbake the cookies and let them finish setting on the baking sheet. This method locks in moisture while still giving you crispy edges and a tender center.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried cranberries add wonderful texture and flavor. Just fold them in along with the chocolate chips and cereal for a delicious customized twist.
Final Thoughts
This Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is one of those rare treats that ticks all the boxes: crunchy, chewy, chocolatey, and just plain fun to eat. It’s easy enough to whip up on a weeknight but special enough to impress friends and family. I can’t recommend these cookies enough—they’re truly a baker’s joy. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear from your kitchen!
Print
Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the classic crispy crunch of Rice Krispies cereal with chewy oats and rich semi-sweet chocolate chips for a delightful dessert. With a perfect balance of texture and flavor, these cookies are easy to bake and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Extras
- 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step incorporates air that helps create a tender cookie.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure full incorporation. Then mix in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt throughout the flour.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing and tough cookies.
- Add Mix-ins: Fold in the oats, Rice Krispies cereal, and chocolate chips until evenly dispersed throughout the dough.
- Portion Dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and centers appear just set but still soft.
- Cool: Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing breakage and further baking.
Notes
- For a chewier cookie, slightly underbake and allow them to finish setting on the warm pan.
- Mini chocolate chips can be used to distribute chocolate more evenly in each bite.
- For a different flavor twist, try substituting butterscotch chips instead of chocolate chips.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
