Chocolate hot cocoa Rice Krispie treats cut into thick squares and stacked on a neutral plate, topped with mini dehydrated marshmallows, with a mug of hot cocoa, candy canes, and evergreen sprigs softly blurred in the background.
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Hot Cocoa Rice Krispies

ByCassidy

These Hot Cocoa Rice Krispie Treats are the ultimate cozy winter spin on the classic treat. Soft, gooey, chocolatey, and topped with adorable mini dehydrated marshmallows. They come together in minutes and taste like a mug of hot cocoa in dessert form. 

Chocolate hot cocoa Rice Krispie treats cut into thick squares and stacked on a neutral plate, topped with mini dehydrated marshmallows, with a mug of hot cocoa, candy canes, and evergreen sprigs softly blurred in the background.

If you love rich chocolate desserts but want something quick and no-bake, these Hot Cocoa Rice Krispie Treats are a must-make. Real hot cocoa mix is melted straight into the marshmallows for a deeper flavor, and folding in extra whole mini marshmallows gives you those cute, fluffy pockets in every bite. They slice beautifully, hold their shape, and make the perfect holiday dessert for parties, cookie trays or cozy movie nights.

Helpful Tips & Variations

  • Cleaner slices: Lightly butter your knife or run it under warm water between cuts.
  • Extra chocolate flavor: Add ⅓ cup melted chocolate chips into the marshmallow mixture before adding cereal.
  • Holiday version: Top with crushed candy canes.
  • Add-ins: Chocolate chips, mini M&M’s, or sprinkles would all work.

Recipe: Hot Cocoa Rice Krispie Bars

Hot Cocoa Rice Krispies
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Hot Cocoa Rice Krispies

Recipe by CassidyCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

12

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Soft, gooey Rice Krispie treats made with hot cocoa mix, chocolatey marshmallow goodness, and a topping of mini dehydrated marshmallows. A quick and festive winter treat everyone will love. 

Ingredients

  • 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal

  • 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows, divided (5 cups for melting, 1 cup stirred in at the end)

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • ½ cup marshmallow creme

  • 2 packets hot cocoa mix

  • ¼ cup cocoa powder (optional for deeper chocolate color)

  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt

  • Mini dehydrated marshmallows, for topping

  • Optional: melted chocolate for drizzling

Directions

  • Melt the butter & marshmallows. In a large pot over low heat, melt the butter. Add 5 cups of mini marshmallows and stir until mostly melted — leave a few partially intact for extra texture.
  • Add the hot cocoa flavor. Stir in the hot cocoa mix, marshmallow creme, vanilla, salt, and optional cocoa powder until smooth and chocolatey.
  • Fold in the cereal. Remove from heat and gently fold in the Rice Krispies until everything is evenly coated.
  • Add whole marshmallows. Stir in the remaining 1 cup mini marshmallows. Don’t overmix — this keeps them whole and creates gooey pockets throughout.
  • Press into pan. Line an 8×8 or 9×9 pan with parchment. Lightly butter your hands or a piece of parchment and gently press the mixture into the pan without packing it too tightly.
  • Decorate the top. While warm, sprinkle generously with mini dehydrated marshmallows. Optional: drizzle melted chocolate across the top.
  • Cool & slice. Let cool for 20–30 minutes before slicing into squares.

Notes

  • Use hot cocoa mix packets (like Swiss Miss or Ghirardelli) for the strongest flavor — bulk cocoa powder alone won’t taste the same.
  • Don’t overheat the marshmallows. Low and slow keeps the treats soft and gooey.
  • Add the final cup of mini marshmallows off the heat to keep them whole and visible in each slice.

Storage & Freezing Tips

  • Store at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
  • Avoid refrigerating, it hardens the marshmallows.
  • To freeze: wrap each bar individually, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

More Holiday Baking Recipes

Hope you love these cozy Hot Cocoa Rice Krispie Treats as much as we do. If you make them, be sure to tag me — I love seeing your creations! @cassandcrumbb on Instagram and TikTok, and Cass and Crumb on Facebook.

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