Are you craving a sweet treat that's incredibly easy to make and requires absolutely no baking? Look no further! These Rice Krispie squares with chocolate chips are a nostalgic favorite, elevated with the irresistible addition of melted chocolate. Perfect for a quick dessert, a kids' party, or a simple afternoon snack, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience the ultimate in simple homemade cooking!
Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter
- 1 (10 ounce) bag marshmallows (mini marshmallows work best!)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
Get started:
- Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. You can use cooking spray or butter for this. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Melt the butter and marshmallows:
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In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter completely. Be patient and stir frequently to prevent burning.
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Add the marshmallows to the melted butter and stir constantly until completely melted and smooth. This is crucial for a well-combined, gooey mixture.
Combine ingredients:
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Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
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Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can crush the cereal.
Add the chocolate:
- Stir in the chocolate chips until just combined. Don't overmix; a few whole chocolate chips throughout add a nice textural element.
Set and serve:
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Quickly pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and press firmly and evenly into the dish using a buttered spatula or wax paper.
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Let the Rice Krispie squares cool completely at room temperature before cutting into squares. This allows them to set properly and prevents them from crumbling.
Tips for the Best Rice Krispie Squares:
- Use mini marshmallows: Mini marshmallows melt more evenly than larger ones, resulting in a smoother, less lumpy texture.
- Low and slow: Melting the marshmallows over low heat prevents burning and ensures a perfectly smooth consistency.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing can break up the cereal, resulting in a less appealing texture. Gentle folding is key!
- Get creative with add-ins: Experiment with different add-ins like peanut butter, sprinkles, pretzels, or dried fruit for unique variations.
Delicious Variations:
- Peanut Butter Cups: Stir in 1 cup of peanut butter along with the marshmallows for a delightful peanut butter twist.
- Fruity Fun: Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or chopped cherries for a burst of fruity flavor.
- Nutty Delight: Include 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds) for added crunch and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 200-250
- Fat: 8-10g
- Saturated Fat: 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Sugar: 15-20g
- Protein: 2-3g
These values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used. This easy recipe is a great example of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals that are simple to prepare. Enjoy these delicious and easy Rice Krispie squares! They're a perfect example of simple homemade cooking at its finest. These are sure to become one of your best recipes!