Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies (Soft & Chewy with the Perfect Crunch)

If you love classic chocolate chip cookies but want extra texture and bakery-style chewiness, these Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies are exactly what you need. They’re soft in the center, lightly crisp on the edges, and filled with melty chocolate chips — plus that signature crunch from crispy rice cereal.

The addition of cereal creates a unique texture contrast that makes these cookies stand out from traditional chocolate chip recipes. They’re simple, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for bake sales, after-school treats, or cozy weekends at home.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn:

• Why adding Rice Krispies makes cookies better
• Step-by-step instructions
• Pro baking tips for soft & chewy texture
• Healthy swap options (maple syrup & coconut oil included)
• Storage and freezing tips
• Flavor variations
• FAQs for perfect results

Let’s get started.

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What Are Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, chewy cookies made with chocolate chips and crispy rice cereal such as Rice Krispies.

The cereal adds:

• Light crunch
• Subtle toasted flavor
• Extra structure without making cookies dense

The result? A cookie that’s crispy, chewy, and soft all at once.

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Why You’ll Love These Cookies

1. Perfect Texture Balance

Soft centers + crispy edges + crunchy cereal.

2. Easy Pantry Ingredients

Most ingredients are likely already in your kitchen.

3. Bakery-Style Results

The cereal creates a slightly airy texture similar to gourmet bakery cookies.

4. Kid & Adult Approved

The familiar chocolate chip base makes them universally loved.

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Ingredients for Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups chocolate chips
• 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal

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Why These Ingredients Work

Brown Sugar

Adds moisture and chewiness due to molasses content.

Butter

Creates rich flavor and tender texture.

Rice Krispies

Lightens the dough and adds crunch without heaviness.

Chocolate Chips

Balance sweetness and texture with melty pockets of chocolate.

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How to Make Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

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Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together:

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

Set aside.

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Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugars

Beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.

This step is critical for soft cookies.

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Step 4: Add Eggs & Vanilla

Mix in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.

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Step 5: Combine

Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture.

Do not overmix.

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Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips & Cereal

Gently fold in:

• Chocolate chips
• Rice Krispies cereal

Avoid crushing the cereal too much.

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Step 7: Scoop & Bake

Scoop 1½–2 tablespoon portions onto baking sheet.

Bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are set but centers look slightly underbaked.

Let cool on pan 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack.

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Pro Tips for Soft & Chewy Cookies

Don’t Overbake

They should look slightly underdone in the center.

Chill the Dough (Optional)

Chill 30–60 minutes for thicker cookies.

Use Room Temperature Butter

Too soft = flat cookies.
Too cold = dense cookies.

Ideal butter consistency: soft but not greasy.

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Healthy Swap Version (Maple & Coconut Oil Option)

Since you enjoy healthier alternatives, here’s how to lighten the recipe:

• Replace butter with ¾ cup melted coconut oil
• Replace granulated sugar with ½ cup maple syrup
• Reduce flour by 2–3 tablespoons (maple adds moisture)
• Use dark chocolate chips (70% cacao)

Texture will be slightly softer and less crispy, but still delicious.

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Flavor Variations

1. Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Cookies

Add ½ cup peanut butter and reduce butter slightly.

2. Oatmeal Rice Krispie Cookies

Replace ½ cup flour with quick oats.

3. Double Chocolate Version

Add ¼ cup cocoa powder and use white chocolate chips.

4. Salted Caramel Crunch

Add caramel bits and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

Store in airtight container up to 5 days.

Freeze Baked Cookies

Freeze up to 3 months.

Freeze Dough

Scoop dough balls and freeze raw. Bake directly from frozen (add 1–2 minutes).

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Why Rice Krispie Cookies Stay Soft

The cereal creates air pockets in the dough, which:

• Reduce density
• Improve chewiness
• Prevent cookies from becoming heavy

Combined with brown sugar, this creates a tender interior.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use generic crispy rice cereal?

Yes, any crispy rice cereal works.

Why did my cereal lose crunch?

Overmixing or overbaking can soften cereal texture.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free cereal.

Can I make them extra thick?

Chill dough 1 hour and use slightly larger scoops.

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Expert Baking Notes

For bakery-style appearance:

• Press extra chocolate chips on top before baking
• Slightly underbake
• Let rest on hot baking sheet

For chewy centers, ideal internal temperature is about 175–180°F when removed from oven.

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Final Thoughts

These Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies are:

• Soft
• Chewy
• Crunchy
• Easy
• Perfect for any occasion

If you want a chocolate chip cookie that stands out from the classic version while still being familiar and comforting, this recipe delivers every time.

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