Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats 🍫

Introduction

When I first made Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats, I wasn’t sure how they would turn out. But after the first bite, my family and I couldn’t get enough of them. These treats are a fun, indulgent twist on the classic Rice Krispies treat, with the sweet addition of maraschino cherries and a smooth layer of semi-sweet chocolate on top. The chewy texture of the Rice Krispies, combined with the burst of flavor from the cherries, makes for a delicious and festive treat, perfect for holidays, parties, or just as a fun snack. I made these for a family gathering, and everyone—especially the kids—loved them! They’re easy to make, and the best part is that you can dip or drizzle the chocolate to make them as decadent as you like. These treats have become a family favorite, and I’m sure they’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen too.

Ingredients

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 10 oz mini marshmallows
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tbsp coconut oil (optional, for smoother chocolate)

Instructions

Melt the Marshmallows:

1. In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Once the butter is melted, add the mini marshmallows. Stir continuously until the marshmallows have completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
2. Stir in the vanilla extract and remove the pot from the heat.

Add the Cereal and Cherries:

3. Quickly stir in the Rice Krispies cereal and chopped maraschino cherries. Mix until the cereal is evenly coated in the marshmallow mixture and the cherries are distributed throughout.

Shape the Treats:

4. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the dish and gently press it down using a greased spatula or your hands to create an even layer.
5. Allow the treats to cool completely in the baking dish.

Melt the Chocolate:

6. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using). Heat the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted.

Drizzle or Dip the Treats:

7. Once the Rice Krispies treats are cooled and set, drizzle the melted chocolate over the top, or dip each square halfway into the melted chocolate for a more indulgent treat.
8. Place the chocolate-covered treats on a sheet of parchment paper and allow the chocolate to harden at room temperature.

Serve:

9. Once the chocolate has set, slice the treats into squares and enjoy! They’re perfect for parties, gatherings, or just as a delicious treat at home.

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)

• Servings: 12
• Calories per serving: 250 kcal (depending on the size of the squares)
• Sugar: ~20g
• Sodium: ~150mg
• Fat: ~12g
• Saturated Fat: ~7g
• Unsaturated Fat: ~4g
• Trans Fat: ~0g
• Carbohydrates: ~33g
• Fiber: ~1g
• Protein: ~2g
• Cholesterol: ~15mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes (plus cooling time)

How to Serve

• Serve as a dessert: These treats are perfect for a sweet treat after dinner or as a snack for a party.
• Pack them in lunch boxes: Slice them into small squares and pack them in lunch boxes for a fun, sweet addition to your meal.
• Gift them: These are great to give as gifts! Package them in a decorative tin or a gift box to share with friends and family.
• Serve with coffee or hot cocoa: They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, making them a perfect winter treat.
• Bring to a party: Whether for a holiday, birthday, or any casual gathering, these chocolate-covered cherry Rice Krispies treats are sure to be a hit.

Additional Tips

1. Don’t overcook the marshmallows: Be sure not to overheat the marshmallows when melting them. Stir frequently and remove from heat once the marshmallows are fully melted to avoid burning them.
2. Use quality chocolate: The chocolate is one of the main flavor components of these treats, so using good-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips or baking chocolate will make a noticeable difference.
3. Adjust the cherries: If you prefer a more pronounced cherry flavor, feel free to add a few extra chopped maraschino cherries. If you’re not a fan, you can use less or skip them entirely.
4. Let the chocolate set properly: Make sure the chocolate fully sets before serving. You can speed up the process by placing the treats in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes.
5. Add a twist: Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or almonds to the Rice Krispies mixture for some extra crunch and flavor.

Recipe Variations

• Dark Chocolate Cherry Rice Krispies Treats: Use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the marshmallows and cherries.
• Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats: Add 1/4 cup of peanut butter to the marshmallow mixture for a nutty twist on the classic Rice Krispies treat.
• Mint Chocolate Rice Krispies Treats: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the melted chocolate or use mint-flavored chocolate chips to give these treats a refreshing minty flavor.
• Coconut Rice Krispies Treats: Stir in shredded coconut along with the Rice Krispies and cherries for a tropical flair.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with ice cream: Top these Rice Krispies treats with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert combo.
• Make a festive platter: These treats are perfect for holiday dessert platters. Pair them with other holiday treats like gingerbread cookies, fudge, and truffles for a variety of sweets.
• With fresh fruit: Serve alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the treats.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing leftovers: These treats can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Be sure to store them in a cool, dry place to keep the chocolate from melting.
• Freezing: You can freeze these treats for up to 2 months. After the chocolate has set, place them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When ready to serve, allow them to thaw at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
• Refrigerating: If you want to keep the chocolate firm, you can store these Rice Krispies treats in the fridge for up to a week.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use different cereal?
   Yes! You can substitute Rice Krispies with any other crispy rice cereal or even cornflakes for a different texture.
2. Can I use other fruits instead of cherries?
   Yes, you can use dried cranberries, chopped strawberries, or even raisins for a different fruity flavor.
3. Can I make these without chocolate?
   Absolutely! These Rice Krispies treats are still delicious without the chocolate coating. You can serve them plain or add sprinkles or other decorations.
4. How can I make the treats less sweet?
   To reduce the sweetness, use a dark chocolate coating instead of semi-sweet chocolate and cut back on the marshmallows.
5. Can I use flavored marshmallows?
   Yes, you can use flavored marshmallows, such as strawberry or chocolate-flavored, for an extra twist on the classic recipe.
6. How long do I need to chill the treats?
   Chill the treats for at least 30 minutes to allow them to set properly, but you can also refrigerate them for up to 2 hours for firmer results.
7. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just be sure to use a larger baking dish or spread the mixture over two smaller dishes.
8. Do I have to use coconut oil for the chocolate?
   Coconut oil helps make the chocolate coating smoother, but it’s optional. You can skip it if you prefer a firmer chocolate coating.
9. Can I use store-bought marshmallow fluff?
   You can substitute marshmallow fluff, but you may need to adjust the quantities slightly to get the right consistency.
10. Can I make these without cherries?
    Yes, you can leave out the cherries if you don’t like them, or substitute with other dried fruits or nuts.

Conclusion

Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. With their crunchy texture, sweet marshmallow base, and decadent chocolate coating, these treats are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays, attending a party, or just craving a sweet snack, these treats are sure to impress. They are simple to make and can be customized to fit your taste. So, grab your Rice Krispies, marshmallows, and chocolate, and start creating these irresistible treats for your next gathering!

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