🥣 Introduction to Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies
What happens when you combine the soft, gooey bliss of chocolate chip cookies with the nostalgic crunch of Rice Krispies cereal? You get a cookie that’s chewy, crispy, and unforgettable. These Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies bring together two iconic treats into one irresistible dessert that appeals to kids and adults alike.
The secret lies in the contrast—crispy rice cereal delivers light crunchiness while the warm, melted chocolate chips and buttery dough create that soft-centered chew we all love. This recipe has quickly become a favorite for those looking to elevate their standard cookie game with minimal effort.
Whether you’re baking for a crowd, a cozy night in, or your weekly sweet tooth fix, this creative twist offers everything you want in a dessert: texture, flavor, and fun. And the best part? You likely already have all the ingredients in your pantry. Try this Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats
🧈 Why Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies Are So Popular
Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies stand out because they offer the best of both cookie worlds: soft and chewy interiors with crispy, airy edges. The secret weapon? Puffed rice cereal—better known as Rice Krispies. It brings a surprising crunch and lightness that cuts through the richness of the cookie dough, giving each bite a unique texture.
Unlike traditional chocolate chip cookies, these have a more playful, nostalgic quality. The cereal not only adds a satisfying snap and crackle, but it also helps the cookies maintain their shape and avoid becoming overly dense.
Another thing that makes them special is how versatile they are. You can easily experiment with add-ins like marshmallows, peanut butter chips, or even a pinch of sea salt to elevate them further.
These cookies strike the perfect balance between classic and inventive—ideal for bake sales, lunchboxes, or midnight snacks.e who finds regular cookies a bit too one-note, these will surprise you in the best way.
🛒 Key Ingredients (and Why They Matter)
To get the perfect rice krispie chocolate chip cookie, understanding each ingredient’s role is essential. This isn’t your average cookie—the puffed rice cereal changes the game, but only when paired with the right ingredients.
🧈 Butter
Use unsalted butter for a balanced flavor. It adds richness and helps with spread and chewiness. For a deeper, nuttier taste, you can use browned butter, a technique similar to what’s used in our chewy brown butter cookies.
🍬 Sugar
A mix of brown sugar and granulated sugar creates a caramelized sweetness and chewy texture. Brown sugar keeps the center soft, while white sugar crisps the edges.
🥚 Eggs
Eggs provide structure and moisture. One large egg is typically enough, but you can experiment with one egg plus one yolk for extra richness.
🌾 Flour
All-purpose flour gives the cookies a sturdy base. Too much flour will make them cakey, too little and they’ll spread too thin.
🍫 Chocolate Chips
Go with semi-sweet chocolate chips for a balanced bite, or mix in some dark or milk chocolate for variety. Chopped chocolate bars melt more evenly for gooier pockets.
🌊 Vanilla & Salt
Pure vanilla extract deepens the cookie flavor. A pinch of kosher salt enhances all the other ingredients.
🍚 Rice Krispies
Add these last to preserve their crispness. Their airy crunch is what sets this cookie apart from the traditional kind.
🧰 Equipment You’ll Need
You don’t need any fancy tools to make perfect rice krispie chocolate chip cookies—just a few kitchen essentials that ensure the right texture and consistency.
- Mixing bowls – One for wet ingredients, one for dry.
- Electric mixer – A stand or hand mixer helps cream the butter and sugars properly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Accuracy is key for cookie dough consistency.
- Rubber spatula – Gently folds in the Rice Krispies without crushing them.
- Baking sheets – Line with parchment for even baking.
- Cookie scoop – Helps portion dough for uniform cookie size and bake time.

👩🍳 Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Ready to bake the best rice krispie chocolate chip cookies of your life? Follow these simple steps to achieve the ideal balance of chewiness, crunch, and chocolatey goodness.
🧁 Ingredients Recap
Before you start, make sure you have:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
🔪 Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). This step helps create that soft, chewy texture. - Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. - Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. - Mix Dry into Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix! - Fold in Chocolate Chips
Use a spatula to gently fold in the chocolate chips for even distribution. - Add Rice Krispies Last
Carefully fold in the Rice Krispies cereal to avoid crushing. This ensures the cookies keep their signature crunch. - Scoop and Chill
Use a cookie scoop to portion dough onto parchment-lined trays. Chill for 30 minutes for thicker cookies. - Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden but centers are still soft. - Cool and Enjoy
Let cookies rest on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best bakers can make simple errors that affect the texture and taste of rice krispie chocolate chip cookies. Watch out for these common missteps:
- Overmixing the dough – Overworking the flour activates gluten, resulting in dense, tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Adding Rice Krispies too early – If you fold in the cereal before the dough is fully mixed, it can become soggy or crushed. Always add it last and gently fold to keep that signature crunch.
- Skipping the chill step – Chilling the dough helps control spreading and enhances flavor. Without it, cookies may bake too flat.
- Overbaking – These cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center when removed from the oven. They’ll continue to set as they cool, ensuring a soft, chewy bite.
- Incorrect measurements – Misjudging flour or sugar amounts can drastically change the final texture. Always measure ingredients accurately.

Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 30–40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fun and crispy twist on the classic cookie! These Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with gooey chocolate and crunchy cereal. Perfect for bake sales, lunchboxes, or midnight snacks.
Ingredients
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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¾ cup brown sugar
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½ cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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2¼ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
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2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Instructions
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Cream butter and both sugars until fluffy.
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Mix in eggs and vanilla.
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In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet.
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Fold in chocolate chips.
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Gently stir in Rice Krispies last to maintain crunch.
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Scoop dough onto baking sheets and chill for 30 mins.
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Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 mins or until golden at the edges.
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Cool for 5 mins before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
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Chill dough for thicker cookies.
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Use mini marshmallows or peanut butter chips for variations.
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Do not overmix after adding Rice Krispies.
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Can be frozen raw or baked.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
🍫 Fun Flavor Variations to Try
One of the best things about rice krispie chocolate chip cookies is how easily you can customize them. Whether you’re feeling nostalgic, indulgent, or adventurous, these variations offer something for everyone.
🔥 S’mores Style
Mix in ½ cup of mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers. The marshmallows melt into gooey pockets, while the graham adds a toasty crunch—perfect for summer vibes.
🥜 Peanut Butter Twist
Swap ¼ cup of butter with creamy peanut butter for a nutty undertone. You can also use peanut butter chips for added richness and texture.
🤍 White Chocolate & Macadamia
Substitute semi-sweet chocolate with white chocolate chips and fold in ½ cup of chopped macadamia nuts. The combination is buttery, sweet, and a little fancy.
🌱 Vegan & Gluten-Free
Use vegan butter and flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg). Replace the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Be sure your Rice Krispies cereal is gluten-free too—some brands contain malt.
These easy swaps and additions keep your cookie game fresh without sacrificing the delicious chewy-crispy experience. Perfect for experimenting or catering to dietary needs!
Discover original Rice Krispies ingredients
🧠 Expert Baking Tips
Level up your cookie game:
- Chill the dough – Prevents flat cookies and improves flavor.
- Use a cookie scoop – Ensures even baking.
- Try browned butter – Adds a rich, nutty flavor.
- Line pans with parchment paper – For even baking and easy cleanup.
🧊 How to Store and Freeze Cookies
Keep cookies fresh and flavorful longer:
- Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days.
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
- Freeze raw dough balls and bake from frozen—just add 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time.
For more details on freezing, check out this guide from Sally’s Baking Addiction.
🗓️ Make-Ahead Options
Busy week? You can prep ahead:
- Refrigerate dough up to 48 hours in advance.
- Freeze individual dough balls for grab-and-bake convenience.
- Make a double batch and save half for later.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies ❓
Can I use another cereal besides Rice Krispies?
Yes! Try cornflakes, crushed Chex, or puffed quinoa for a different texture.
Why are my cookies too flat?
You may have used too-soft butter or skipped chilling the dough.
Can I freeze this dough?
Absolutely. Shape the dough into balls and freeze on a tray before storing in bags.
Are Rice Krispies gluten-free?
Traditional Kellogg’s Rice Krispies are not gluten-free due to malt flavoring, but gluten-free versions exist.
How long do the cookies last?
Up to 5 days at room temperature, or 2 months frozen.
🎯 Final Thoughts OF Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies
Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a school event, or just a solo treat-yourself moment, these rice krispie chocolate chip cookies deliver chewy-gooey-crunchy perfection in every bite. Don’t be surprised if they disappear faster than you can bake a second batch.