Crispy, Chewy, and Loaded with Chocolate
If you love the combination of classic chocolate chip cookies with a little extra crunch, Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies are a perfect treat. These cookies combine the soft, chewy texture of traditional cookies with the crispy, airy crunch of Rice Krispies, creating a delightful texture contrast. They’re ideal for snacks, lunchboxes, or sharing with friends and family.
This recipe is easy to follow and produces cookies that are golden on the outside, soft in the middle, and loaded with chocolatey goodness.
Ingredients
Makes about 24 cookies depending on size.
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups (45 g) Rice Krispies cereal
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Chocolate
- 1 ½ cups (270 g) semisweet chocolate chips or chunks
Optional Additions for Variety:
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon for a warm flavor
- ½ cup butterscotch chips for a sweeter twist
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer (optional)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet(s)
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Tip: Lining the sheets ensures easy removal and keeps cookies evenly baked.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Stir in the Rice Krispies.
- Tip: Adding Rice Krispies to the dry mixture helps distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
- In a large bowl, cream softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer or wooden spoon until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Beat in eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
- Mix in vanilla extract.
Pro Tip: Room-temperature eggs blend more easily and help create a smooth, uniform cookie dough.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies.
- Gently fold in chocolate chips and optional nuts or add-ins.
- Make sure the Rice Krispies stay intact as much as possible for maximum crunch.
Step 5: Portion the Cookies
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop evenly sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Space cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Optional: Press a few extra chocolate chips on top for a prettier presentation.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden, but the centers still look slightly soft.
- Tip: The cookies will firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking.
- Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
Step 7: Cool Completely
- Transfer cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy slightly warm for gooey chocolate chips, or fully cooled for a crispier texture.
Tips for Perfect Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Soft Butter is Key: Softened (not melted) butter creates a chewy center and crisp edges.
- Rice Krispies Distribution: Gently fold them in to keep the cereal from crushing.
- Do Not Overbake: Cookies continue to cook slightly on the hot baking sheet after removal.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze dough or baked cookies.
- Texture Preference: Slightly underbaking yields chewier cookies, fully baking creates more crunch.
Serving Suggestions
- Snack: Pair with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a classic treat.
- Dessert Platter: Serve with ice cream or fresh fruit for parties.
- Lunchbox Treat: Individually wrap cookies for school or work.
- Gifting: Stack in a jar or box with a ribbon for homemade gifts.
Variations and Flavor Twists
- Nutty Chocolate Chip Cookies: Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
- White Chocolate and Cranberry: Substitute semisweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
- Cocoa Lovers’ Version: Add 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder to the flour mixture.
- Spiced Delight: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg for a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Peanut Butter Crunch: Swap half the butter with creamy peanut butter and fold in chocolate chips.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per cookie)
- Calories: 120–150 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18–20 g
- Sugars: 10–12 g
- Fat: 6–8 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5–1 g
Note: Values may vary based on cookie size and added ingredients.
Why These Cookies Are Special
- Unique Texture: The Rice Krispies add a crunchy, airy texture to the chewy cookie base.
- Chocolatey Goodness: Loaded with chocolate chips, every bite is rich and satisfying.
- Easy and Quick: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make it a beginner-friendly recipe.
- Versatile: Great as snacks, desserts, or even festive treats.
Final Thoughts
Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies are a perfect blend of classic cookie chewiness and crisp cereal crunch. With minimal ingredients, simple preparation, and endless variation possibilities, they are ideal for family baking, special occasions, or a simple weeknight treat.
Whether served warm with melting chocolate chips or cooled for a firmer bite, these cookies are sure to satisfy anyone who loves texture, chocolate, and homemade goodness.
