Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Star Crunch Cookies are an irresistible combination of sweet, chocolatey, and crunchy textures. The gooey caramel mixed with crispy rice cereal creates a satisfying bite, while the melted chocolate coating adds a rich, indulgent finish. These cookies are quick and easy to make, with no baking required, making them a great option for a last-minute treat. They’re perfect for sharing at parties, picnics, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee or milk.
Ingredients
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3 cups crispy rice cereal (such as Rice Krispies)
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1/2 cup unsalted butter
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1 cup packed light brown sugar
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1/2 cup corn syrup (light or dark)
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips (or semi-sweet chocolate chips)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Prepare the cereal:
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In a large bowl, measure out the crispy rice cereal and set aside.
2. Make the caramel mixture:
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In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Once it starts to boil, let it cook for 2-3 minutes, continuing to stir, until the mixture thickens slightly.
3. Add the vanilla:
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Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble up a bit, so be cautious.
4. Coat the cereal:
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Pour the caramel mixture over the crispy rice cereal and stir gently to coat all the cereal evenly.
5. Melt the chocolate:
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In a separate bowl, melt the chocolate chips. You can do this by microwaving the chips in 20-30 second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (double boiler method).
6. Combine the chocolate and cereal:
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Once the cereal is fully coated in the caramel mixture, pour the melted chocolate over the cereal mixture and stir gently to combine. Be sure the chocolate is evenly distributed.
7. Shape the cookies:
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Use a spoon or your hands to scoop small portions of the mixture and form them into cookie-sized clusters on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate. The cookies don’t need to be perfectly shaped—they’re meant to be a little rustic and bite-sized.
8. Chill the cookies:
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Place the cookies in the refrigerator for about 1-2 hours to set. The chocolate will firm up, and the cookies will hold their shape.
9. Serve:
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Once the cookies are set, remove them from the fridge and serve. Enjoy the delightful crunch and sweetness of these homemade Star Crunch Cookies!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 12-16 cookies (depending on size)
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Set Time: 1-2 hours
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Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
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Add nuts: Stir in chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added crunch and flavor.
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Use peanut butter: For a peanut butter twist, add 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter to the caramel mixture before mixing it with the cereal.
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Dark chocolate version: If you prefer dark chocolate, feel free to use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
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Coconut addition: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the cereal mixture before pouring the caramel sauce over it for a coconutty twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store your Star Crunch Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh for a longer period, store them in the refrigerator, where they will last up to a week. These cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just layer them between parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
FAQs
Can I use a different cereal instead of crispy rice cereal?
Yes, you can use any puffed rice cereal or even cornflakes for a different texture. Keep in mind that different cereals may alter the overall texture and crunchiness of the cookies.
Can I make these cookies without corn syrup?
Yes, you can substitute the corn syrup with honey or maple syrup. It may change the flavor slightly, but it will still give the cookies that sticky, chewy consistency.
Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Yes! You can use milk chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter cookie. If you want a darker, more intense chocolate flavor, go with semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips.
How can I make these cookies a little less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, you can cut down on the amount of brown sugar or opt for dark chocolate chips, which are less sweet than milk chocolate.
Can I make these cookies without refrigeration?
While the cookies will still be delicious without refrigeration, chilling helps the chocolate set and the cookies hold their shape. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip the chilling step, but they might be a little softer.
Conclusion
These 4-Ingredient Star Crunch Cookies are a quick and easy way to satisfy your chocolate cravings with minimal effort. With their crunchy, chewy texture and a perfect balance of caramel and chocolate, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Whether you’re looking for a fun treat to make with kids or a quick snack to share with friends, these cookies are a delicious and nostalgic dessert that will always bring smiles!
Star Crunch Cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Star Crunch Cookies are a nostalgic, no-bake treat combining the crunch of crispy rice cereal, the sweetness of caramel, and the richness of melted chocolate. Inspired by the popular Star Crunch candy bars, these cookies are quick and easy to make, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With only a few simple ingredients, they offer a delightful mix of chewy, crunchy, and chocolaty goodness.
Ingredients
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3 cups crispy rice cereal (such as Rice Krispies)
-
1/2 cup unsalted butter
-
1 cup packed light brown sugar
-
1/2 cup corn syrup (light or dark)
-
1/4 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips (or semi-sweet chocolate chips)
Instructions
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Prepare the cereal: Measure out the crispy rice cereal into a large bowl and set aside.
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Make the caramel mixture: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly, and cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
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Add the vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Be cautious as the mixture will bubble up.
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Coat the cereal: Pour the caramel mixture over the crispy rice cereal and stir gently to coat evenly.
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Melt the chocolate: In a separate bowl, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between, or use the double boiler method.
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Combine the chocolate and cereal: Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel-coated cereal mixture and stir gently to combine.
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Shape the cookies: Scoop small portions of the mixture with a spoon and form bite-sized cookie clusters on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.
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Chill the cookies: Place the cookies in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to set.
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Serve: Once set, remove from the fridge and serve. Enjoy the delicious crunch and sweetness of your homemade Star Crunch Cookies!
Notes
Add nuts: Stir in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for extra crunch.Peanut butter twist: Add 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter to the caramel mixture for a peanut butter flavor.Dark chocolate option: Swap milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips for a richer taste.Coconut addition: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the mixture for a coconutty twist.
