Crispy rice cereal is coated in a gooey, chocolatey caramel to make these star crunch cookies, and the recipe couldn’t be any easier. I really enjoy trying to remake treats that I enjoyed as a child, and this recipe for Star Crunch Cookies is one of the best I’ve made yet! A mixture of cocoa powder, condensed milk, marshmallows, and caramel gives these cookies the most amazing soft and creamy texture, while Rice Krispies add the perfect amount of crunch. If you like Rice Krispie Treats or Scotcheroos, you’ll definitely love these homemade Star Crunch! They are so much better than the pre-packaged boxed cookies, and make the perfect lunchbox addition or after-school snack. You should also try some of my other no-bake treats, like sweet and salty Chex Mix Marshmallow Treats and super simple Lucky Charms Treats.
Why You’ll Love These Star Crunch Cookies
Ingredients In Homemade Star Crunch Cookies
Here’s what you need to make these delicious no-bake treats:
Butter and Cocoa Powder: Salted butter works best for this recipe. We’ll melt the butter with unsweetened cocoa powder to fully bloom the cocoa for the most chocolaty flavor. Sweetened Condensed Milk: This makes our star crunch cookies creamy and perfectly sweet. Soft Caramels: Werther’s are my favorite soft caramels. They melt down smoothly for the best ooey gooey texture. Mini Marshmallows: Along with the caramels and other ingredients, these will melt down to give the cookies a texture that is identical to the store-bought version. Vanilla Extract: A good quality vanilla extract makes everything taste delicious! Rice Krispies: Any brand of crisp rice cereal can be used.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
How To Make Star Crunch Cookies
Recipe Tips
Keep Stirring! While creating the chocolate mixture, it’s important not to walk away from the stove. Continue to stir as the ingredients melt to avoid burning or sticking. Turn off the Heat. Before adding the vanilla, marshmallows, and cereal, the pan should be off of the stove. The marshmallows will melt into the mixture using the residual heat from the previous steps. Chill to Set. Your star crunch cookies need to harden in the fridge for at least an hour so that they will cool and be easy to pick up. Adjust The Size: These cookies are just about the same size as the store-bought Star Crunch. Feel free to make them a little bit smaller if you’d like. Mini star crunch cookies are just as fun!
Storing Tips
Once set, you can store your homemade star crunch cookies at room temperature, in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Variations to Try
This no-bake cookie recipe is pretty forgiving. Once you have the basic recipe down, feel free to experiment with mix-ins or other flavors. Salted – Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to the cookies before chilling them. Extra chocolate – Stir in some miniature chocolate chips with the rice krispies. You could also melt chocolate and add a drizzle to the cookies at the very end. Peanut Butter Star Crunch: Stir in a dollop of peanut butter or other nut butter to the mixture, or drizzle it over the top of the cookies. Toppings: Try adding chopped nuts, rainbow sprinkles, coconut shreds, or caramel chips!
Can I Make This Recipe in the Microwave?
While it is possible to melt the butter, caramel, and marshmallows using the microwave, I find that I have much better control over the process when I use a saucepan on the stove. I recommend following the instructions here, and using the stovetop if at all possible. If you decide to use the microwave to melt the ingredients, please do so carefully. I recommend setting the microwave to half power, and checking on the mixture very often to avoid burning.
How Do I Double the Batch?
Simply double all of the ingredients! Be sure to use a large enough saucepan so that everything will fit, and be careful to stir well and often to avoid burning.
What Can I Use Instead of Wherther’s Caramels?
Kraft Caramels are the closest replacement that you could try in this recipe. I’ve seen other recipes use caramel baking chips, but I don’t believe that you’d get the same gooey texture from those. These homemade Star Crunch Cookies are so much more wholesome and delicious than the original, but still have the perfect creamy, gooey, and crunchy texture! Please pin this recipe so more people can try this amazing copycat recipe. © Little Sunny Kitchen
