These cocoa peanut butter rice krispie treats are the recipe I pull out when the grandkids walk through the door. They come together fast, but still feel like something we made together. There’s always a little arguing over who gets to stir and, honestly, who gets to taste first.
The cocoa cereal adds a deeper chocolate flavor, and the peanut butter keeps the bars soft and chewy. The first time I made them, I expected something close to a regular Rice Krispies treat. The peanut butter changed that. It added just enough richness that these quietly became a regular at our house.
They’re simple, a little messy in a good way, and ready before anyone gets impatient.
Key Ingredients
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, jump to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Butter: Butter with marshmallows, it’s almost magical.
- Marshmallows: I like to use mini marshmallows, but full-size will work too. The key is melting them on low heat, slowly, so they stay stretchy and smooth.
- Peanut Butter: Use creamy peanut butter, not natural. Natural peanut butter can separate, affecting how the bars set.
- Cocoa Krispies Cereal: Cocoa flavored rice cereal gives these their chocolate flavor and light crunch. I also use the Walmart brand sometimes.
Smart Substitutions
- Peanut butter is what makes these treats soft and familiar, but if you need to avoid it, almond butter or sunflower butter can be used. Stick with a creamy, well mixed option so the texture stays smooth.
- Butter is my first choice here. It gives the best flavor. If you’re out, margarine will still work and the bars will set just fine, they just won’t have quite the same richness.
The Perfect Pan To Make Coco Krispies In
Buy Now → How To Make Cocoa Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
This recipe comes together quickly, so have your baking dish sprayed with nonstick spray before you start.
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Want to make these in the microwave?
If you’re in a hurry and don’t want to use the stove, then the microwave is your answer. Drop the butter and marshmallows into a microwave-safe bowl, heat for 2 minutes, and give it a good stir. Add the peanut butter, microwave for 1 more minute, then stir until smooth. Add the cereal and press it gently into the pan before anyone starts asking for a piece. (I might like to pick all the little bits out of the bowl when I’m done putting them in the pan)
Tip: When pressing the Cocoa Krispies treats in the pan, don’t push down too hard, or they’ll become too dense and hard to bite into.
Variations and Recipe Tips
- 🍫 Love Chocolate? Add in some chocolate chips just before you press these in the pan, or melt chocolate and spread it over the top after they have been pressed in the pan.
- If you want cleaner slices, let the bars cool fully to room temperature before cutting.
- These bars keep their soft chewy texture best when stored covered at room temperature. Refrigeration can make them firm.
A Simple Way to Practice Hospitality: Party Food Dinner
These cocoa peanut butter rice krispie treats fit right into a party foods dinner theme. This isn’t about hosting a party. It’s about calling snacks dinner and letting it be fun. You could turn it into an easy game night with friends, serving finger foods like pork sliders, bbq wings or dips and chips. Then set out these chocolate-and-peanut-butter treats so everyone can grab one when they’re ready.
These cocoa peanut butter rice krispie treats are a quick and easy snack that the kids enjoy as well as adults. If you have a question while making them, leave it in the comments, and I’m happy to help. If you have any questions about making this recipe, feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help! You can also snap a photo and tag @intentionalhospitality on Instagram.💛 I love seeing your creations!
Easy Cocoa Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
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Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter, You can use margarin but it will not be as flavorful
- 10 ouce miniature marshmallows, Larger marshmallows can be used, but be sure to keep the heat low and slow.
- 1/4 cup peanut butter , Smooth works best, but do not use natural, it's too oily and separates
- 6 cups Kellogg's® Cocoa Krispies cereal, any store brand works too.
Instructions
Melt the Base
- In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter3 tablespoons butter
- Add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth. Do not rush this step. I stand at the stove and stir them.10 ouce miniature marshmallows
- Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Add the Peanut Butter and Cereal
- Stir the peanut butter into the melted marshmallow mixture until fully combined.1/4 cup peanut butter
- Add the Cocoa Krispies cereal. Stir until the cereal is evenly coated.6 cups Kellogg's® Cocoa Krispies cereal
Press and Set
- Using the palm of your hand on top of a sheet of parchment paper, press the mixture evenly into a 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Do not press down too firmly or, they will get hard to bite.
- Let cool, then cut into 2-inch squares.
Gina’s Notes and Tips
Microwave Directions
- Place the butter and marshmallows in a microwave safe bowl.
- Microwave on high for 2 minutes, then stir. If your marshmallows are not quite melted, microwave in bursts of 10-seconds.
- Add the peanut butter and microwave on high for 30 to 60 seconds longer. (microwaves vary in power)
- Stir until smooth, then add the cereal and mix well.
- Press into the prepared pan and let cool before cutting.
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