Chocolate Dipped Rice Krispie Treats

Are you looking for a treat that is both delicious and easy to make? Look no further! These chocolate dipped rice krispie treats are the perfect blend of crispy, chewy, and chocolaty goodness that will be loved by kids and adults alike. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to make the perfect batch of these sweet treats, including tips, tricks, and variations to make them just right. Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a bake sale, or just craving something sweet, these rice krispie treats are sure to satisfy.

Why Chocolate Dipped Rice Krispie Treats Are So Popular

Chocolate dipped rice krispie treats have been a favorite for years because they are incredibly easy to prepare and require minimal ingredients. With just a few steps, you can turn a simple dessert into a gourmet delight by adding a layer of rich chocolate. Not only are they easy to make, but they are also versatile and can be customized in countless ways to suit your taste.

For a bit of background, the original Rice Krispie Treats were created by Kellogg’s in the 1930s, and they’ve remained popular due to their simplicity and satisfying texture. Adding a chocolate coating elevates these classic treats to the next level, making them more decadent and visually appealing.

How to Melt Chocolate for Perfect Dipping: For smooth and perfect chocolate, it’s important to follow the right technique. You can refer to this helpful guide from Serious Eats for a foolproof method.

Another great tip is to check out Best Practices for Storing Homemade Treats, which provides insights into keeping your rice krispie treats fresh and tasty for longer.

Ingredients Needed for Chocolate Dipped Rice Krispie Treats

To make chocolate dipped rice krispie treats, you will need the following ingredients:

6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
10 ounces marshmallows (mini marshmallows work best for easier melting)
3 tablespoons butter
12 ounces of semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips (for dipping)
Optional: Sprinkles, sea salt, or nuts for decorating

Key Tips for Making the Perfect Rice Krispie Treats

Use Fresh Marshmallows: Old marshmallows can result in hard rice krispie treats, so always use fresh ones.
Low Heat is Key: When melting the marshmallows and butter, use low heat to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture.
Don’t Overpress: Pressing the mixture too firmly into the pan can make your treats dense and less chewy. Gently press to keep them light and crispy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Rice Krispie Base

Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir continuously until they are completely melted and smooth.
Add Cereal: Remove the pan from heat and add the Rice Krispies cereal. Stir until all the cereal is coated evenly with the marshmallow mixture.
Transfer to Pan: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Use a spatula lightly coated with cooking spray to press the mixture into an even layer.

Dip in Chocolate

Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler for more controlled melting.
Dip the Treats: Once the Rice Krispie base has cooled and set, cut it into squares or rectangles. Dip each piece halfway into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off.
Add Toppings: Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle any toppings you like onto the chocolate-dipped side. Consider using colorful sprinkles, sea salt, or even crushed nuts for added texture.

Let Them Set

Cool Completely: Place the dipped treats on a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow them to cool completely at room temperature or in the fridge until the chocolate hardens.

Variations of Chocolate Dipped Rice Krispie Treats

One of the best things about chocolate dipped rice krispie treats is how versatile they are. Here are some fun variations to try:

White Chocolate and Cranberry: Use white chocolate for dipping and sprinkle dried cranberries on top for a tart twist.
Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt: Dip in dark chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt for a sophisticated flavor combination.
Peanut Butter Swirl: Mix in a few tablespoons of peanut butter with the marshmallows for an extra nutty taste.
Holiday-Themed Treats: Use colored sprinkles or drizzle colored white chocolate to match a holiday theme, such as red and green for Christmas or pink and red for Valentine’s Day.

Creative Ways to Customize Your Chocolate Dipped Rice Krispie Treats

Customization is key when it comes to chocolate dipped rice krispie treats. Here are some creative ways to make your treats even more unique:

Add a Flavor Extract

Vanilla Extract: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the marshmallow mixture for a classic flavor boost.
Almond Extract: For a slightly nutty and aromatic flavor, add a few drops of almond extract.
Mint Extract: If you love mint chocolate, add a small amount of mint extract to the marshmallows for a refreshing twist.

Mix-In Ideas for Extra Texture

Mini Chocolate Chips: Stir in some mini chocolate chips right before pressing the mixture into the pan. This will create little pockets of chocolate throughout the treats.
Chopped Nuts: For added crunch, mix in chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts.
Shredded Coconut: Mix in sweetened shredded coconut for a tropical twist that pairs wonderfully with chocolate.

Make Them into Fun Shapes

Instead of the classic square or rectangle shape, use cookie cutters to create fun shapes:

Hearts: Perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Stars: Great for patriotic holidays or birthdays.
Trees: Use a tree-shaped cutter for Christmas-themed treats.

Once cut, dip the shaped treats in chocolate and add decorations to match the occasion.

Dipping Techniques for Perfect Presentation

When dipping your rice krispie treats in chocolate, you can try different techniques to make them look extra special:

Full Dipping vs. Half Dipping

Full Dipping: For a more indulgent treat, dip the entire rice krispie square in chocolate. This creates a fully coated treat that is rich and delicious.
Half Dipping: The classic method is to dip just one half of the treat. This allows for a contrast between the marshmallowy base and the rich chocolate coating.

Drizzling

If you prefer not to fully dip the treats, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the top instead. Use a spoon to create thin lines of chocolate or place the melted chocolate in a piping bag for more control.

Two-Tone Dipping

Combine White and Dark Chocolate: Dip one half in white chocolate and the other in dark chocolate for a stunning two-tone effect.
Swirl Effect: After dipping in one type of chocolate, drizzle another type over the top and use a toothpick to create a swirl effect.

Perfect Occasions for Serving Chocolate Dipped Rice Krispie Treats

Chocolate dipped rice krispie treats are perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are some ideas for when to serve these delightful treats:

Birthday Parties

Kids and adults alike love chocolate dipped rice krispie treats, making them a perfect addition to any birthday party. Arrange them on a platter alongside other finger foods for a festive dessert table.

Holiday Gatherings

These treats can easily be customized to match the theme of any holiday. Use red and green sprinkles for Christmas, pastel colors for Easter, or orange and black for Halloween. They’re simple to make in large batches, which makes them ideal for entertaining.

Bake Sales and Fundraisers

Bake sales are all about eye-catching treats, and chocolate dipped rice krispie treats are both visually appealing and easy to package. Consider wrapping each treat individually in cellophane with a ribbon for a professional look.

Gifts and Party Favors

Wrap individual treats in clear cellophane bags and tie with a decorative ribbon to create a thoughtful homemade gift. They make excellent party favors for weddings, baby showers, or any special event.

How to Make Vegan Chocolate Dipped Rice Krispie Treats

For those who follow a vegan diet, traditional rice krispie treats may not be suitable due to the marshmallows and butter. However, it’s easy to make a vegan version of chocolate dipped rice krispie treats with the following substitutions:

Vegan Ingredients

Vegan Marshmallows: Use vegan marshmallows, which are free from gelatin and other animal products.
Vegan Butter: Replace regular butter with a plant-based butter or margarine.
Dairy-Free Chocolate: Choose dairy-free chocolate chips for dipping. Many brands now offer vegan chocolate options that are just as delicious as their dairy counterparts.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Vegan Treats

Melt Vegan Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan, melt the vegan butter over low heat. Add the vegan marshmallows and stir until smooth.
Add Cereal: Mix in the Rice Krispies cereal until fully combined.
Transfer to Pan: Press the mixture into a greased pan and allow to cool.
Dip in Dairy-Free Chocolate: Melt the dairy-free chocolate and dip each treat, then let them set until the chocolate hardens.

These vegan treats are just as crispy and delicious as the original version, making them a great option for anyone with dietary restrictions.

Gluten-Free Chocolate Dipped Rice Krispie Treats

For those who need to avoid gluten, it’s important to make sure that all the ingredients used are gluten-free. Here are some tips for making gluten-free chocolate dipped rice krispie treats:

Check the Cereal

While Rice Krispies are made from rice, some versions may contain malt flavoring, which is derived from barley and contains gluten. Look for a certified gluten-free version of puffed rice cereal to ensure your treats are safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Use Gluten-Free Marshmallows

Most marshmallows are naturally gluten-free, but it’s always a good idea to double-check the packaging. Some brands may process their marshmallows in facilities that also handle gluten-containing products.

Gluten-Free Chocolate

Make sure the chocolate you use is labeled gluten-free. Many chocolates are naturally gluten-free, but some may contain traces of gluten due to cross-contamination.

Fun and Educational Activities to Do While Making Rice Krispie Treats

If you’re making chocolate dipped rice krispie treats with children, it can be a great opportunity for some fun and educational activities:

Measuring Ingredients

Have children help measure out the ingredients. This is a fantastic way for younger kids to practice their math skills, such as counting cups and understanding measurements.

Learning About Heat

Explain the importance of low heat when melting the marshmallows and butter. You can talk about how heat changes the state of the ingredients from solid to liquid and why overheating can cause the mixture to harden.

Decorating as an Art Activity

Let the kids get creative with decorating the dipped treats. Provide various toppings like sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, and crushed candies. They can make different patterns, practice color matching, and have fun expressing their creativity.

How to Make Rice Krispie Treat Pops

Another fun twist on chocolate dipped rice krispie treats is turning them into pops! These make a great handheld treat that is perfect for parties or bake sales.

Ingredients and Supplies Needed

Rice Krispie Treats: Prepared as directed above.
Lollipop Sticks: Available at most craft or baking supply stores.
Chocolate for Dipping: Melted as previously instructed.

Instructions

Cut and Insert Sticks: Once the rice krispie base has set, cut it into rectangles or squares. Carefully insert a lollipop stick into each piece.
Dip in Chocolate: Hold the stick and dip each treat into the melted chocolate, allowing excess chocolate to drip off.
Decorate: Add sprinkles or other toppings before the chocolate hardens.
Let Set: Place the dipped pops on a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow them to set completely.

These rice krispie treat pops are not only delicious but also very visually appealing. They can be wrapped individually and make great party favors or gifts.

Nutritional Information for Chocolate Dipped Rice Krispie Treats

Here is a breakdown of the approximate nutritional information for one serving of chocolate dipped rice krispie treats (assuming the recipe yields 24 servings):

Calories: 150
Total Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 85mg
Total Carbohydrates: 23g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 14g
Protein: 1g

Keep in mind that the nutritional content may vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used, as well as any additional toppings or mix-ins.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can chocolate covered rice krispies last?

Chocolate dipped rice krispie treats can last for about a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them, but keep in mind they may lose some of their chewiness.

How far in advance can you make rice krispie treats?

You can make rice krispie treats up to three days in advance. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

What is a substitute for marshmallows in rice crispy treats?

If you’re looking for a substitute, try using marshmallow creme or even melted honey with almond butter as a healthier alternative. These substitutes will give you a similar sticky texture without using traditional marshmallows.

Why do my rice krispie treats get hard?

The main reason rice krispie treats get hard is overheating the marshmallows. Always melt marshmallows on low heat and avoid pressing the mixture too firmly into the pan. Using fresh marshmallows also helps to keep them soft and chewy.