If you are looking for a snack that is delightfully crunchy, sweet, and a little bit salty, you have to try this Rice Krispie Potato Chip Cookies Recipe. It’s a playful twist on classic treats, combining crispy rice cereal and wavy potato chips with the gooey sweetness of melted marshmallows and butter. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that will keep you reaching for one more cookie. Whether you’re making these for a party, a casual get-together, or just a fun treat at home, they quickly become a favorite comfort snack with an unexpected, fun twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to make this treat shine. Each item here plays an essential role in creating the cookie’s iconic texture and flavor—sweet, salty, crisp, and chewy all at once. Plus, these are pantry-friendly staples most people already have on hand!
- Unsalted butter (8 tablespoons): Adds rich, creamy moisture and helps the marshmallows melt evenly for binding all the ingredients together.
- Mini marshmallows (8 cups total, divided): 6 cups melt to create the gooey base, while 2 cups remain whole for bursts of chewy texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness with a warm, fragrant note that lifts the whole mixture.
- Sea salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances out the sweetness and elevates the flavors by adding that perfect pinch of saltiness.
- Wavy potato chips (5 cups): Bring an irresistible salty crunch and a unique texture contrast to the traditional Rice Krispie treat.
- Crispy rice cereal (2 cups): Provides light, airy crispness that captures the classic Rice Krispie feel.
How to Make Rice Krispie Potato Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by lining two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents your cookies from sticking as they cool and makes cleanup a breeze. Having everything ready keeps you smooth during the quick mixing process.
Step 2: Get Ingredients Ready
Measure out all your ingredients before you begin. Since the marshmallow mixture cools quickly, having everything on hand means no scrambling to add the cereal and chips before the mixture sets.
Step 3: Melt Butter and Marshmallows
In a heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 6 cups of mini marshmallows and stir continuously. Keep the temperature medium to low to prevent burning, watching as the marshmallows melt into a smooth, sticky base.
Step 4: Flavor the Mixture
Remove the pan from heat and promptly stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. Doing this off the heat preserves their delicate flavors and ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the marshmallow mix.
Step 5: Combine Rice Cereal, Potato Chips, and Remaining Marshmallows
While the marshmallow mixture is still hot, quickly fold in the crispy rice cereal, wavy potato chips, and the remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows. Mixing everything thoroughly coats all ingredients with the sticky base for maximum flavor and texture. It’s perfectly fine if some potato chips break up to create bite-sized clusters.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Using a spoon, scoop out approximately 3 tablespoons of the mixture and drop mounds onto your parchment-lined baking sheets. Gently shape the mounds into cookie forms with your hands if desired. This approach gives you rustic, homemade cookies that hold together beautifully.
Step 7: Cool and Set
Allow the cookies to cool completely at room temperature. This resting period lets the marshmallow mixture harden just enough to hold the cookies’ shape without losing their chewy charm, making them easy to handle and delicious to eat.
How to Serve Rice Krispie Potato Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are fabulous on their own, adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after shaping can heighten the salty-sweet balance. For a fun twist, drizzle with melted white or milk chocolate for an elegant touch that’s great for gifting.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside cold vanilla ice cream or a scoop of your favorite sherbet for a nostalgic dessert plate. They also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or rich coffee, making for a perfect afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your Rice Krispie Potato Chip Cookies Recipe stacked on a whimsical cake stand or wrapped individually with festive ribbons to brighten up gift baskets. You can also sandwich them with peanut butter or chocolate spread for a playful handheld dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Rice Krispie Potato Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This helps maintain the crispy texture of the chips while keeping the marshmallow chewiness intact.
Freezing
To enjoy these treats longer, freeze them in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving—just be gentle as the chips become more fragile when frozen.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies a bit softer, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to gently warm the marshmallows. Just be careful not to overheat, as the texture can change quickly.
FAQs
Can I use regular potato chips instead of wavy ones?
Absolutely! While wavy potato chips add extra crunch and visual appeal, regular thin potato chips work well too. Just be gentle when folding them in to avoid excessive breaking.
What if I don’t have mini marshmallows? Can I use large ones?
You can substitute large marshmallows, but you’ll want to cut them into smaller pieces for easier melting and mixing. Mini marshmallows melt more evenly and create that classic gooey texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Simply swap the unsalted butter for a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. The flavor will still be delicious, just slightly different but equally addictive.
Will these cookies stay crispy or do they become chewy over time?
They’re best enjoyed within a day or two to retain the crispness of the potato chips. Over time, the chips soften and the cookies become chewier, which some people enjoy just as much!
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to this recipe?
While not in the original version, adding chocolate chips or nuts can be a fantastic way to personalize your Rice Krispie Potato Chip Cookies Recipe. Just fold them in along with the cereal and chips for a tasty twist.
Final Thoughts
If you want a cookie that’s both comforting and exciting to eat, this Rice Krispie Potato Chip Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. The delightful combo of sweet marshmallows, crispy cereal, and salty potato chips creates a snack that’s impossible to resist. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become a go-to treat to brighten your day or impress your guests. So grab your ingredients, have fun making them, and enjoy every crunchy, chewy bite!
