Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats

Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats are a festive, indulgent twist on the classic Rice Krispies treat. These treats combine the sweetness of marshmallows, the crunch of Rice Krispies cereal, and the juicy burst of maraschino cherries, all topped off with a decadent layer of semi-sweet chocolate. Perfect for parties, holidays, or any special occasion, these treats are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

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 the butter is melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until the marshmallows have completely melted and the mixture is 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. Mix well until the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
3. Shape the Treats: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Pour the cereal mixture into the dish and gently press it down with a greased spatula to create an even layer. Let the treats cool completely to set.
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 and fully melted.
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 serve. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

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

Variations

1. Add More Fruits: Experiment with other dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or diced strawberries for a fruity twist.
2. Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the mixture for an extra crunch.
3. White Chocolate Drizzle: Swap the semi-sweet chocolate with white chocolate for a different flavor and appearance.
4. Flavored Marshmallows: Try using flavored marshmallows like strawberry or vanilla for a unique taste.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Refrigeration: You can refrigerate the treats for up to 1 week, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: These treats freeze well! Wrap them in plastic wrap and foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: There’s no need to reheat these treats, as they are best served at room temperature. Simply allow them to thaw if frozen.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cereal? Yes, you can use other cereals like Cornflakes or Cocoa Krispies, though the texture and flavor will differ from the classic Rice Krispies.
2. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries? Fresh cherries can be used, but you’ll need to chop them and remove the pits first. You may also need to reduce any excess moisture to avoid soggy treats.
3. Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate? Yes, you can use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter chocolate coating.
4. Can I make these treats ahead of time? Absolutely! These treats can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
5. Can I omit the coconut oil? Yes, the coconut oil is optional, but it helps make the chocolate smoother and easier to coat. You can skip it if preferred.
6. Can I add other flavorings? Yes! A few drops of almond or cherry extract can enhance the flavor if you want a stronger cherry taste.
7. Why are my Rice Krispies treats too sticky? If the treats are too sticky, it might be because the marshmallows and butter mixture is too wet. Be sure to let the mixture cool slightly before pressing it into the pan, and avoid adding too much marshmallow.
8. Can I use a different pan size? You can use a different size pan, but you may need to adjust the baking time or the amount of Rice Krispies you use, as it will affect the thickness of the treats.
9. Can I freeze these treats? Yes, these treats freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
10. Can I add sprinkles or other decorations? Yes, you can add sprinkles, colored sugar, or holiday-themed decorations to the chocolate coating for extra flair.

Conclusion

Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats are a fun, easy, and indulgent twist on a classic favorite. With a rich combination of marshmallowy goodness, crunchy cereal, sweet cherries, and smooth chocolate, these treats are perfect for any celebration. Whether you drizzle or dip them in chocolate, they’re sure to be a hit at your next party or holiday gathering!

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