Thick Chewy Chocolate Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

These Chocolate Rice Krispies Treats upgrade the classic with a double-marshmallow approach and cocoa powder for deep chocolate flavor. Soft, gooey, and chocolatey, they’re an easy dessert that feels special.

Three Chocolate Rice Krispies Treats stacked on each other.
A chocolate rice crispy treat on a serving platter.

Double Marshmallow Chocolate Rice Crispy Treats

When I want a fast dessert that still impresses, I turn to this recipe. The combination of melted marshmallows and marshmallow creme makes the bars exceptionally tender and chewy, while cocoa powder delivers rich chocolate flavor.

Made with simple pantry ingredients, this recipe is perfect for last-minute gatherings, school treats, or a cozy night at home. These Rice Krispies Treats are a comforting chocolate bite everyone will love.

Ingredients

Below are the ingredients for these Chocolate Rice Krispies Treats, plus easy substitutions when needed.

  • ½ cup salted butter – Melts the marshmallows smoothly. Substitute unsalted butter plus ¼ teaspoon salt if preferred.
  • 16 ounces mini marshmallows – Provide the classic gooey texture; large marshmallows can be used instead.
  • 3 (7-ounce) jars marshmallow creme or fluff – Adds extra softness and chewiness.
  • ¾ cup cocoa powder – Gives the chocolate flavor; Dutch-process yields a darker, richer taste, while natural cocoa is lighter and more classic.
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Enhances the chocolate. Almond extract can be used as a substitute.
  • 14 cups Rice Krispies cereal – Any crisp rice cereal will work as the base.
The Chocolate Rice Krispes Treats ingredients with text overlay labeling each.

How To Make Chocolate Rice Krispies Treats

Melt the butter and marshmallows with cocoa, stir in marshmallow creme and vanilla, fold in Rice Krispies, press into a pan, let set, slice, and enjoy. Detailed steps are below.

  1. Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with heavy-duty foil, leaving extra to overhang for easy lifting. Lightly coat the foil with nonstick spray.
  2. In a large pot over low heat, melt the butter.
  3. Add the mini marshmallows and stir constantly until they are partially melted and soft.
    The pan lined with foil, and the butter and mini marshmallows melted.
  4. Whisk in the cocoa powder and continue stirring over low heat until the marshmallows are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
  5. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the marshmallow creme and vanilla until the mixture is silky and even.
  6. Using a rubber scraper, fold in the Rice Krispies until each piece is coated in the chocolate-marshmallow mixture.
    The chocolate and marshmallow cream stirred into the marshmallow mixture and then mixed with rice krispies.
  7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Place a sheet of wax paper on top and press gently—do not pack tightly, or the bars will become dense.
  8. Let the pan set for 1 hour. Lift the foil out using the overhang and cut into 24 squares.
    The mixture pressed into a pan and then cut into squares.

Top Recipe Tips For Success

  • Use low heat when melting marshmallows to avoid making them stiff or grainy.
  • Press the mixture gently into the pan to keep the bars light and chewy instead of compacted and hard.
  • Line the pan with foil or parchment for easy removal and clean slicing.

Make It A Meal

These treats pair nicely with a refreshing beverage or citrusy drink to cut the richness.

Three Chocolate Rice Krispies Treats stacked on each other.
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Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

By Jenna Harrison
These Chocolate Rice Krispies Treats get an upgrade with double marshmallows and cocoa. They’re irresistibly soft, gooey, and chocolatey.
Prep: 5
Cook: 10
Set Time: 1
Total: 1 15
Servings: 24 people
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Equipment

  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 13×9-inch baking pan
  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Rubber scraper

Ingredients

  • ½ cup salted butter
  • 16 ounces mini marshmallows
  • 3 (7-ounces) jars marshmallow creme or fluff
  • ¾ cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 14 cups Rice Krispies cereal

Instructions

  • Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with heavy-duty foil, letting extra hang over the edges. Lightly coat the foil with nonstick spray.
  • In a large pot over low heat, melt the butter. Add the mini marshmallows and stir constantly until they are about halfway melted.
  • Add the cocoa powder and continue stirring until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the marshmallow creme and vanilla until fully combined.
  • Fold in the Rice Krispies with a rubber scraper until everything is evenly coated.
  • Transfer to the prepared pan, place wax paper on top, and press gently to spread. Let set for 1 hour.
  • Lift the treats from the pan using the foil overhang, cut into 24 bars, and serve.

Notes

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Layer with wax paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing: Freeze up to 2 months. Wrap each square in two layers of plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag.
Thawing: Bring to room temperature before serving; the texture will soften.
Make-ahead: These are ideal to prepare the day before a party or bake sale; the texture benefits from a few hours of resting.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 square, Calories: 239 kcal, Carbohydrates: 52 g, Protein: 2 g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
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Recipe FAQs

How do I keep my Rice Krispies Treats soft?

Store the treats in an airtight container to help maintain softness.

How do I press the mixture into the pan without it sticking?

Lightly butter your hands or use a sheet of wax paper to press the mixture into the pan.

Do I have to use marshmallow creme?

You can omit it, but the marshmallow creme is what makes these extra soft and gooey—skipping it will yield a more standard Rice Krispies treat.

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15 cut chocolate rice crispy treats on a wooden serving platter.