Jazz Up Rice Krispies Treats With A Spoonful Of Hot Chocolate Powder

When it comes to simple, comforting treats to make at home, there are few things as classic as homemade Rice Krispie treats. The combination of crispy rice cereal, gooey marshmallows, and a hint of butter creates a simple yet irresistible treat that's been at the heart of American comfort snacks since its invention in the 1940s. While it's true that you shouldn't fix what isn't broken, even a classic and nostalgic goodie has tons of room for creative twists and unconventional upgrades. If you're looking for a new secret ingredient to elevate your Rice Krispie treats, consider adding a spoonful of hot chocolate powder to jazz it up. 

Adding hot chocolate powder to Rice Krispies treats may sound overly indulgent, but the combination brings a delightful harmony to the mix. If marshmallows are the perfect topping for hot chocolate as well as the star ingredient of Rice Krispies, why not make a Venn diagram of complementary flavors? Hot chocolate powder introduces a rich and chocolatey element that pairs beautifully with the sweet and chewy texture of the treats, adding depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.

Before you start mixing things up, it's important to remember that not all hot chocolate mixes are made the same. That isn't necessarily to say that you should be going for high-quality hot chocolate powder only, but you should consider how you like your Rice Krispie treats and what the hot chocolate will be bringing to the table in terms of flavors. Your regular, run-of-the-mill hot chocolate powder will probably add some chocolatey goodness with a milky touch, accentuating the creamy sweetness of the marshmallows. Dark chocolate-based powders, on the other hand, will add a slightly more sophisticated bitterness that contrasts lavishly with the fluffiness of the marshmallows instead. Some hot chocolate powders come with added spices like cinnamon or a touch of vanilla, providing an extra layer of warmth and aroma to your treats.

For the most part, incorporating hot chocolate powder into your Rice Krispie bar is as easy as dropping a spoonful into the melted marshmallows and mixing it in. The only thing you want to remember is that the hot chocolate mix should go in before the cereal, not after — the Rice Krispies will make it harder for the chocolate to smoothly integrate into the marshmallows, likely leaving you with either powdery and grainy clumps of chocolate or a very sore mixing arm.

Once you've had a taste of hot chocolate-infused Rice Krispie bars and gotten a sense for how the flavors meld together, it's time to take it up a notch. Don't hesitate to get creative with variations and toppings — consider folding in mini marshmallows or chocolate chips at the end for added sweetness. Drizzling melted chocolate over the top or dusting with extra hot chocolate powder adds extra chocolate as well as some visual appeal. For a festive touch, sprinkle crushed candy canes during the holiday season or incorporate toasted nuts for a delightful crunch. If you're making a batch for a holiday gathering, using peppermint-flavored hot chocolate alongside crushed candy cane is sure to be a hit with guests or fellow potluck-goers.

Another way to upgrade these chocolate Rice Krispie treats even more is to use Cocoa Krispies instead of the regular variety for a truly decadent chocolate treat. Of course, you can always go the old-fashioned route and use real chocolate and milk to really elevate the Rice Krispie bars. But if you're willing to put away the hot chocolate powder and get nitty-gritty with making cocoa out of melted chocolate, consider grabbing some Mexican hot chocolate and whipping up a spicy chocolate Rice Krispie bar that's likely to become your new favorite version.