Mexican Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Mexican hot chocolate is one of my all-time favorite winter treats — so obviously I had to turn it into Mexican Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats! We’re talking a chocolate version of the classic rice krispies treat, loaded with cinnamon flavor, tons of sweet marshmallows, and a dreamy chocolate topping. Be still my heart. 😍 If you love homemade rice krispie treats even half as much as I do, this hot chocolate themed recipe is about to become your new family favorite. I literally can’t even.

Why These Mexican Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Are a Huge Hit

Can we talk about how this gooey treat is made from just a handful of inexpensive ingredients you can grab at grocery stores right now? No double boiler, no fancy gadgets — just a large pot, melted butter, and melted marshmallows. This classic dessert gets a super fun twist from cinnamon that makes it taste exactly like a warm cup of cocoa or a cozy mug of hot chocolate on a snow day. It’s the perfect last-minute treat and an absolute crowd pleaser. Chocolate lovers, this one’s for you! 🍫

Key Ingredients and Easy Swaps

The star ingredients here are cocoa krispies (your favorite rice krispies cereal, chocolate edition!) and cinnamon marshmallows, which bring that authentic mexican chocolate vibe. I also stir in hot cocoa mix — yes, like Swiss Miss! — for a little extra boost of chocolate flavor. The delicious addition of hot chocolate mix is truly next level. Use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness, and don’t skip a pinch of sea salt on top. Want extra gooey marshmallows? Toss in an extra cup of marshmallows. You can also add an extra cup of chocolate chips for even more richness. Vanilla extract rounds everything out beautifully.

Hot Cocoa Rice Krispie Treats — Tips for the Best Results

Line your prepared pan with parchment paper (always use parchment — trust me on this!) so the cereal bar lifts out cleanly. Work fast once your marshmallow mixture hits the rice cereal, because it sets up quickly! Press everything firmly into the pan for that classic chewy texture with little pockets of marshmallow goodness throughout. For hot chocolate krispie treats with maximum chocolate flavor, try swapping in dark chocolate or even milk chocolate chips for the topping. White chocolate drizzled on top is a gorgeous option too. These hot cocoa rice krispie treats are basically perfection. 🙌

Fun Variations to Try

These crispy treats are so easy to riff on! Swirl in some peanut butter for a totally different vibe — or check out my peanut butter rice krispie treats for inspo. Love trying new recipes? My 3 Musketeer Rice Krispie Treats and Toffee Snickerdoodle Rice Krispie Treats are ah-mazing too. You could even top these with dehydrated marshmallows for an extra fun look, or use cadbury drinking chocolate mixes instead of Swiss Miss for a richer, more intense cocoa flavor. The predominant flavor is always that comforting hot cocoa warmth — every single variation is a great addition to your holiday treats lineup!

Storing Your Hot Chocolate Krispie Treats

Store your finished cereal treats in an airtight container at room temperature for the best shelf life — they’ll stay chewy and delicious for up to four days (if they last that long, ha!). These make a great holiday gift wrapped in sheets of wax paper and tied with a ribbon. 🎁 They’re the perfect dessert for gifting, holiday parties, or honestly just surviving the week. Don’t forget to check the recipe card below for the full details on these hot chocolate rice krispie treats — and if you love this sweet treat, you will absolutely have to make my Cookie Dough Stuffed Rice Krispie Treats next. Now go bake treats and make someone’s day! 😄

Cinnamon Chocolate Krispie Treats Recipe

Yield: 12 Servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

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These Cinnamon Chocolate Krispie Treats are a fun and indulgent twist on the classic rice krispie treat, packed with cinnamon marshmallows, cocoa krispies, and cinnamon M&Ms. Topped with a rich, smooth semi-sweet chocolate layer, these bars are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!

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Ingredients

• 1-10 oz. package Cinnamon Marshmallows
• 3/4 package Cocoa Krispies
• 3 tbsp. Butter
• 1 package Cinnamon M&Ms
• 2 c. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
• 2 tbsp. Butter

Instructions

1. Microwave the marshmallows and the 3 tbsp. of butter together for about 90 seconds. Stir until smooth.
2. Mix in the cocoa krispies until completely coated with the marshmallows. Mix in the M&Ms.
3. Press into a well greased 9x13 baking dish.
4. In a medium bowl, combine the butter and the chocolate chips. Microwave 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
5. Spread over the krispie treats.

Notes

Make sure to press the krispie mixture firmly and evenly into the baking dish for clean, even bars. Allow the chocolate topping to fully set before cutting for the best results. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.