Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats 🍒🍫

These Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats are a fun and decadent twist on the classic Rice Krispies treat! With a gooey marshmallow center, crunchy Rice Krispies, and a rich chocolate coating, these treats are the perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and texture. The surprise cherry in the center adds an extra burst of flavor that will leave everyone asking for more. Whether for a special occasion, a holiday treat, or just because, these treats are sure to impress!

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Ingredients:

For the Rice Krispies Treats:

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal

• 1 (10 oz) bag marshmallows (mini or regular)

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Coating:

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the Cherry Filling:

• 1 jar maraschino cherries (about 10-12 cherries), drained and patted dry

• 1 tablespoon of cherry juice (from the jar)

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Rice Krispies Treats:

• In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Once the butter has melted, add the marshmallows and stir until they are completely melted and smooth.

• Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla extract for added flavor.

• Slowly add in the Rice Krispies cereal, stirring gently to coat the cereal evenly with the marshmallow mixture. Once fully combined, pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, pressing it down evenly with a spatula or your hands (you can butter the spatula or use wax paper to press it down without sticking).

• Allow the Rice Krispies treats to cool and set for about 30 minutes to an hour at room temperature.

2. Prepare the Cherry Filling:

• While the Rice Krispies treats are setting, prepare the cherry filling. Gently drain the maraschino cherries and pat them dry using paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

• Cut each cherry in half and place one half into the center of each Rice Krispies treat. Use the cherry juice to lightly coat the cherry to help it stick to the treat.

3. Melt the Chocolate Coating:

• In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips, heavy cream, and butter.

• Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.

• Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate using a double boiler over medium heat, stirring frequently until it reaches a smooth consistency.

4. Coat the Rice Krispies Treats:

• Once the treats have cooled and the cherry halves are in place, carefully dip each Rice Krispies treat into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. You can use a spoon to pour chocolate over the treats or dip them directly into the bowl of melted chocolate.

• Place each chocolate-coated treat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to set. Allow the chocolate to harden for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature. You can also speed up this process by refrigerating them for a few minutes.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

• Once the chocolate has fully set, your Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats are ready to serve!

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

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Tips for Perfect Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats:

• Cherry Juice: If you want more cherry flavor, you can mix a little cherry juice with the marshmallow mixture before adding the Rice Krispies. This will add a subtle cherry flavor throughout the treats.

• Chocolate Variations: You can use white chocolate or milk chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate for a different flavor profile.

• Make Ahead: These treats can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. They are perfect for gifting or taking to parties.

• Fun Add-ins: If you're feeling creative, add some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts on top of the chocolate coating for extra crunch.

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Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 250-300

• Fat: 15g

• Carbs: 30g

• Sugar: 20g

• Protein: 2g

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Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats are a fun, indulgent treat that brings a little extra flair to the classic recipe. With the sweetness of the chocolate, the tartness of the cherry, and the crunchiness of the Rice Krispies, these treats are a guaranteed hit with everyone who tries them!