Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies

 

Ingredients

Makes 24–28 cookies


1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened to cool room temperature (dents when pressed, not melty)

1 cup (200 g) packed dark brown sugar (light works, but dark adds molasses depth)

1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar

2 large eggs, room temperature

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp fine sea salt (do not skip—balances sweetness)

2 cups (180 g) old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick oats—texture matters)

2 cups (60 g) Rice Krispies cereal (measure after pouring—do not pack)

1½–2 cups (255–340 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (60% cacao for best melt)

Optional: 1 tsp flaky sea salt for finishing


Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep & Preheat

Position oven racks in upper and lower thirds. Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment (no greasing).

Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.

2. Cream with Care

In a stand mixer, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium-high 3–4 minutes—until pale, fluffy, and no sugar grit remains. Scrape bowl well.

3. Emulsify

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Add vanilla; mix 30 seconds. Mixture should be glossy.

4. Combine Dry + Wet

Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture in 3 additions, mixing just until no streaks remain (15–20 sec total). Overmixing = tough cookies.

5. Fold in the Fun

Switch to a spatula. Gently fold in oats, Rice Krispies, and 1½ cups chocolate chips—just until distributed. Reserve ½ cup chips for pressing into tops (optional but recommended).

6. Chill (Highly Recommended)

Cover bowl; refrigerate dough 30–60 minutes. This prevents overspreading and deepens flavor.

Short on time? Scoop immediately—but expect slightly thinner cookies.

7. Bake to Golden Perfection

Scoop 3-Tbsp portions (size of a golf ball) onto sheets, 3 inches apart (they spread!). Press reserved chocolate chips into tops.

Bake 10–12 minutes—until edges are deep golden and centers look underdone (pale, soft). Rotate sheets halfway.

Cool on sheets 5 minutes—critical for set—then transfer to wire racks.

Tips for Perfect Gravy

(Note: These are intentionally un-glazed—but for a salted caramel drizzle, warm ¼ cup caramel + 1 tsp cream; cool slightly, then zigzag over cooled cookies.)


Serving Suggestions


With a cold glass of oat milk or black coffee

Crumbled over vanilla ice cream with hot fudge

Sandwiched with peanut butter for a “S’mores” twist

Paired with a bold Cabernet—the tannins cut the sweetness

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips


Keep airtight at room temp 5 days, or freeze baked cookies 3 months.

Freeze dough balls (unbaked) up to 3 months—bake from frozen, add 1–2 minutes.

Dough keeps refrigerated 3 days—flavor improves overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use quick oats?

Not recommended—they turn gummy. Old-fashioned oats provide chew and structure.

Why are my cookies flat?

Butter too warm, or skipped chilling. Ensure butter is cool-soft, and chill dough 30+ min.

Gluten-free?

Yes: swap AP flour for 250 g GF 1:1 blend (like King Arthur). Add ¼ tsp xanthan gum.


Allergy Information

Contains: Wheat, dairy, soy (in chocolate—check label), eggs.

Nut-free, fish/shellfish-free.

Dairy-free option: Use plant-based butter + dairy-free chocolate.


Nutrition Facts

(Per cookie, 1 of 24)

Calories: 280 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 13g (sat 8g) | Carbs: 39g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 22g | Sodium: 180mg


Final Thought

There’s magic in the mashup—the way childhood crunch meets adult depth, nostalgia meets innovation. These cookies don’t just taste good. They feel good: warm, generous, and unpretentious. As you bite into one and hear the faint snap of Rice Krispies, feel the chew of oats, and taste the deep caramel of browned butter, you’ll remember: joy doesn’t need to be complicated.

Sometimes, it’s just butter, sugar, and a handful of cereal—baked with love, shared