Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a treat that combines classic, nostalgic flavors with a surprising texture, Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies are about to become your new favorite baking adventure. Imagine the best chocolate chip cookie you’ve ever had—now, add an irresistibly light crunch with every bite. This recipe blends the childhood magic of crispy cereal with gooey chocolate chips and a luxurious, chewy dough. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving something comforting, these cookies are a joyful twist that’s sure to delight anyone who tries them.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies lies in their simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role in building flavor, texture, and sweetness. Gather these essentials for a cookie that’s tender, rich, and just the right amount of crispy.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Gives the cookies their buttery richness and ensures a soft, chewy center.
• Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds deep, caramel notes and helps create that perfect chewy texture.
• Granulated sugar (½ cup): Balances the brown sugar and adds a subtle crispness around the edges.
• Large eggs (2): Bind the dough together and make the cookies delightfully tender.
• Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Enhances all the flavors and brings a warm, inviting aroma.
• All-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups): The sturdy base that gives these cookies their classic cookie crumb.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Provides lift for a slightly puffy texture.
• Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Works with baking soda to keep the cookies just right—neither too flat nor too cake-like.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Makes all the sweet flavors pop and balances out the richness.
• Rice Krispies cereal (2 cups): The star ingredient that gives every bite its signature crunch.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 ½ cups): Melty bursts of chocolate that make each cookie pure bliss.
• Shredded coconut (1 cup, optional): Adds another layer of chewy texture and a sweet, tropical flavor.
• Chopped pecans or walnuts (½ cup, optional): For nut lovers, these bring extra crunch and a hint of savory richness.

How to Make Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and develop that perfect golden edge. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper—this keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture gets light and fluffy—this step creates air pockets, giving you a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie. Don’t rush it; the extra minute spent here is worth it.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them into the creamed mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract, which instantly boosts the classic aroma and sets the stage for all those cozy cookie flavors.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that your leaveners are evenly distributed, so each Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookie bakes up to perfection—no surprises, just fantastic results.

Step 5: Mix Everything Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Mix until just combined; over-mixing could toughen the dough. You’re aiming for a soft, cohesive batter that’s easy to scoop.

Step 6: Fold in the Crunchy & Chocolatey Goodness

Gently fold in the Rice Krispies, chocolate chips, and, if using, coconut and nuts. The Rice Krispies add their signature crackle (for extra crunch, try lightly crushing them!), while the chocolate chips melt into gooey pockets throughout each cookie. This is where the Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies really come to life.

Step 7: Scoop and Space the Dough

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, with about 2 inches of space between each cookie. This spacing lets them spread just enough for crispy edges and soft middles. Each scoop should feel generous—you want those chewy cookie centers!

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set but still soft. Don’t overbake—they’ll finish setting as they cool, staying beautifully tender inside.

Step 9: Cool & Enjoy

Let your cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This short wait helps the Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies firm up and develop their signature snap and chew.

How to Serve Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of flaky sea salt right as the cookies come out of the oven takes the chocolate up a notch and beautifully balances the sweetness. If you’re feeling playful, a drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar adds a festive touch. For extra crunch and color, scatter a few extra Rice Krispies on top while they’re still warm.

Side Dishes

Pair your Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies with an ice-cold glass of milk for classic comfort, or serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream to turn them into a decadent dessert. For grown-up gatherings, these cookies are lovely with strong coffee or a cup of hot cocoa—perfect for dunking!

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies high on a colorful platter for parties, or package a few in a cellophane bag tied with ribbon for charming homemade gifts. You can also use them to make fun mini ice cream sandwiches—just add a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies and freeze for a cool summer treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature; they’ll stay fresh and wonderfully chewy for up to 5 days. If you like a crisper texture, leave the lid slightly ajar, but for maximum softness, make sure it’s sealed tight.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully. Place fully cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment or wax paper. Stored this way, Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies will retain their delicious crunch and flavor for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for a treat.

Reheating

For that just-baked magic, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds, or warm several in a 300°F oven for 4–5 minutes. This refreshes the chocolate and makes the Rice Krispie crunch sing, just like the day they were baked.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Dessert

Absolutely! While Rice Krispies give that signature snap, you can experiment with other puffed or crispy cereals—just be mindful that flavors like chocolate or honeyed cereals will change the overall cookie profile.

What’s the secret to extra crunchy Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Try lightly crushing the Rice Krispies before folding them into the dough, as suggested—this creates more contact points within the cookie, boosting both crunch and flavor in every bite.

Do I have to chill the dough before baking?

No chilling is required for this recipe, but if you want thicker cookies with super rich flavor, you can refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes. It’s a handy option if you’re prepping ahead!

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Swap in your favorite one-to-one gluten-free flour blend and be sure your Rice Krispie cereal is gluten-free (some are made with malt flavoring, so always check the label).

How can I make Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies nut-free?

Simply omit the pecans or walnuts; the cookies are just as delicious without them. If you want a similar texture, try adding sunflower seeds or more shredded coconut instead.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try making Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies! They’re the perfect mashup of classic comfort and playful crunch, destined to become a household favorite. Pour yourself a tall glass of milk, grab a warm cookie, and enjoy every irresistible bite—you deserve it!

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