Looking for a twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie? These Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the best of both worlds—chewy, gooey chocolate chips and a delightful crunch from crispy rice cereal. The light and crispy texture of the Rice Krispies adds a fun surprise to each bite, making these cookies perfect for when you want something unique and delicious. These cookies are quick and easy to whip up, making them an excellent treat for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in the Rice Krispies and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts (if using). Be careful not to overmix, as you want the Rice Krispies to retain their crunch.
Step 6: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Cooking Notes
- Crunchy Texture: The Rice Krispies cereal gives the cookies a delightful crunch, but be careful not to crush them too much when mixing them into the dough.
- Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans make a great addition for extra flavor and texture. If you’re nut-free, feel free to leave them out.
- Chocolate Chips: While semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, you can mix things up by using milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips.
Variations
1. Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies
Add ½ cup of peanut butter to the wet ingredients for a delicious peanut butter flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate chips and crunchy Rice Krispies.
2. Butterscotch Rice Krispie Cookies
Replace the chocolate chips with butterscotch chips for a sweet, caramel-like flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the crispy texture of the Rice Krispies.
3. S’mores Rice Krispie Cookies
Add 1 cup of mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers to the cookie dough along with the chocolate chips for a fun, s’mores-inspired cookie.
4. Gluten-Free Rice Krispie Cookies
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and make sure your Rice Krispies cereal is gluten-free for a perfect gluten-free cookie option.
Keto Version and Low-Carb Adjustments
For a keto-friendly version of these cookies, make the following swaps:
- Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Replace the sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
- Use sugar-free chocolate chips and make sure the Rice Krispies are a low-carb or keto-friendly variety (or use crushed pork rinds as a crunchy substitute).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough by forming it into balls and placing them on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm. Transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll last for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Q: How do I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) or use an egg replacer for a vegan option.
Q: What can I use if I don’t have Rice Krispies cereal?
You can substitute the Rice Krispies with Corn Flakes, Cheerios, or even crushed pretzels for a different type of crunch.
These Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic cookie recipe, combining the rich flavors of chocolate chips with the satisfying crunch of Rice Krispies cereal. Whether you’re looking for a unique cookie to bake for a special occasion or just want to mix up your usual cookie routine, these cookies are sure to please. Try them today for a fun, easy-to-make treat!
