These Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate blend of chewy and crispy textures, offering a classic chocolate chip cookie flavor with an extra crunch from the Rice Krispies cereal. Perfectly soft in the middle and golden around the edges, these cookies are a treat that both kids and adults will love. They’re easy to make, quick to bake, and make for a unique twist on a timeless favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fun Texture: The Rice Krispies add a delightful crunch to each bite, making these cookies stand out.
- Easy to Make: With a simple ingredient list and straightforward steps, these cookies come together quickly.
- Perfect for Sharing: The recipe yields 24 cookies, ideal for parties, lunches, or family snacking.
- Customizable: Add in different mix-ins, like white chocolate chips or nuts, to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Cream Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add Wet Ingredients
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined and smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Fold in Chocolate Chips and Rice Krispies
- Using a spatula, gently fold in the chocolate chips and Rice Krispies cereal until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. This step keeps the cereal from breaking down too much, so you get that satisfying crunch in every bite.
Shape and Bake the Cookies
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
Cool and Enjoy
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cookies set and makes them easier to handle.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Electric mixer
- Large mixing bowl and medium mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve these cookies fresh or slightly warmed. They’re perfect with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookie dough in balls and bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.
Variations
- White Chocolate and Cranberry: Substitute half of the chocolate chips with white chocolate chips and add a 1/2 cup of dried cranberries for a fruity twist.
- Peanut Butter Chocolate: Replace some of the chocolate chips with peanut butter chips to create a rich, peanut-buttery flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Add a 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the batter for extra crunch.
Helpful Notes and Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and egg are at room temperature for a smooth dough that combines well.
- Do Not Overmix: When folding in the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Evenly Spaced Cookies: Give each cookie enough space on the baking sheet to prevent them from sticking together as they spread during baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for an easy gluten-free version.
2. Can I use a different cereal instead of Rice Krispies?
Yes, any crispy cereal can work, but Rice Krispies provide the best texture. Try experimenting with other cereals if you like!
3. Can I chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough for 30 minutes will help the cookies spread less and create a slightly thicker texture.
4. How can I make the cookies chewier?
For a chewier texture, slightly underbake the cookies. Removing them just as the edges turn golden will keep the centers soft and chewy.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe doubles well, just make sure to use multiple baking sheets or bake in batches.
These Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic cookie recipe, adding a bit of crunch and fun texture that everyone will enjoy. Perfect for cookie exchanges, lunchboxes, or a simple homemade treat, these cookies are sure to become a favorite!
Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Instructions
Prepare the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Wet Ingredients:
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well incorporated.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
Fold in Chocolate Chips and Rice Krispies:
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips and Rice Krispies cereal, being careful not to crush the cereal too much.
Shape and Bake:
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Helpful Notes and Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and egg are at room temperature for a smooth dough that combines well.
- Do Not Overmix: When folding in the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Evenly Spaced Cookies: Give each cookie enough space on the baking sheet to prevent them from sticking together as they spread during baking.