Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats

Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats are a fun and indulgent twist on the classic Rice Krispies treat. The addition of maraschino cherries adds a fruity sweetness that pairs perfectly with the rich, semi-sweet chocolate drizzle. These treats are perfect for holiday celebrations, special occasions, or just a fun dessert to enjoy with family and friends. Easy to make and irresistible to eat, they combine nostalgia with a festive flair!

Ingredients

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

Directions

1. Melt the Marshmallows: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
2. Add the Cereal and Cherries: Remove the pot from heat and quickly stir in the Rice Krispies cereal and chopped maraschino cherries. Stir until the mixture is fully combined and the cereal is evenly coated.
3. Shape the Treats: 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 to create an even layer. Let the treats cool completely.
4. Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using) in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
5. Drizzle or Dip the Treats: Once the Rice Krispies treats are cooled and set, drizzle the melted chocolate over the top, or dip each square halfway into the chocolate. Place the treats on a sheet of parchment paper and allow the chocolate to harden.
6. Serve: Once the chocolate has set, slice the treats into squares and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 12-16 treats

Variations

• Flavored Chocolate: For a different twist, try using white chocolate or milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate.
• Nutty Additions: Add crushed nuts like almonds or walnuts to the Rice Krispies mixture for extra crunch.
• Cherry Variations: If you prefer, you can substitute maraschino cherries with dried cherries or even fresh fruit for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the chocolate-covered Rice Krispies treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: These treats can be frozen. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: There’s no need to reheat these treats as they’re best served at room temperature.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use any type of marshmallows? Yes, mini marshmallows work best for easy melting, but you can use regular-sized marshmallows if that’s what you have on hand.
2. What if I don’t have coconut oil? Coconut oil helps make the chocolate smoother and shinier, but you can skip it and just melt the chocolate without it.
3. Can I use another type of cereal? While Rice Krispies give the perfect texture, you could try other puffed cereals like Corn Pops or Kix, though the texture may vary slightly.
4. How do I make sure the chocolate coating is smooth? Be sure to melt the chocolate in intervals, stirring between each, to avoid burning. Using coconut oil will also help achieve a smoother finish.
5. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can make these treats ahead of time. They keep well in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
6. How can I prevent the treats from sticking to the pan? Grease the baking dish well or line it with parchment paper before pressing the mixture in to prevent sticking.
7. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries? Fresh cherries are juicy and may make the mixture a little wetter, so they are not ideal for this recipe. If using fresh, make sure to remove excess moisture.
8. Can I make the chocolate coating thicker? You can melt more chocolate to drizzle on top if you’d like a thicker coating. Alternatively, dip the treats deeper into the melted chocolate.
9. Do I need to refrigerate the treats after making them? No, you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container. Refrigerating them may make the chocolate coating less smooth.
10. Can I add other candies or mix-ins? Absolutely! Feel free to mix in candies like mini M&Ms, crushed Oreos, or sprinkles for added flavor and color.

Conclusion

Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats are a festive and fun twist on a beloved classic. The sweet and tart cherries combined with the smooth chocolate and crunchy cereal make for a treat that is both delightful and satisfying. Perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or just as a sweet snack, these treats are easy to make and sure to impress everyone who tries them!

Print