Star Crunch Cookies Chocolate Marshmallow

Rich with nostalgia and loaded with gooey caramel chocolate and crunch, Star Crunch Cookies are just the thing for anyone craving a quick homemade treat. These no-bake cookies come together so fast your kitchen will barely have time to get messy before you are enjoying that first sweet bite.

Star Crunch reminds me of summers at my grandma’s house. She always kept a stash of the little packaged version but after making these at home I honestly prefer the taste and texture of fresh ones. They disappear crazy fast around here and nobody misses the storebought kind.

Ingredients

• Semi sweet chocolate chips: for rich chocolatey flavor
• Caramel chips: add the signature chewy caramel layer look for a brand that is creamy and melts easily
• Mini marshmallows: bring stickiness and softness you want the freshest ones so they melt smoothly
• Salted butter: provides extra flavor and helps everything meld together choose a good-quality butter for the best taste
• Rice Krispie cereal: gives that iconic light crunch pick fresh cereal so your cookies do not taste stale

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep and Line:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat and set aside This keeps your cookies from sticking later

Melt Chocolate Mixture:

Add chocolate chips caramel chips and butter to a medium microwave safe bowl Microwave at half power for one minute Stop and stir then continue in thirty second bursts at half power stirring between each until the mixture is mostly smooth This gradual heating keeps everything from scorching and melts them evenly

Add Marshmallows:

Add mini marshmallows to the melted chocolate and caramel mixture Microwave for one more minute The marshmallows will puff up and soften Stir right away until everything is completely smooth and blended

Combine with Crispy Cereal:

Pour the Rice Krispie cereal into the bowl and mix gently but thoroughly You want every bit of cereal fully coated Take a minute to scrape the bottom of the bowl because the chocolatey mix loves to hide down there

Portion and Shape:

Spray your hands lightly with nonstick spray Use a quarter cup scoop to measure out dough for each cookie Roll each scoop into a tight ball then press it between your palms to flatten into a disc Set each cookie on your lined baking sheet

Let Set:

Let your cookies firm up on the tray for a few minutes so they hold their shape and are easy to pick up For the chewiest results I like to wait about fifteen minutes though I rarely make it that long before sneaking one

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Caramel chips are my absolute favorite part of these cookies They melt with the chocolate into this glorious shiny mess and give every bite that classic gooey pull My kids love pressing the cookies into funny shapes before eating them which started as a kitchen trick to keep their hands less sticky but turned into a sweet family tradition

Storage Tips

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature They keep beautifully for up to four days though ours rarely last more than a day or two If you want them firmer a quick rest in the refrigerator will set the chocolate even faster but keep them in a covered container to avoid fridge smells

Ingredient Substitutions

For a darker flavor you can swap in dark chocolate chips instead of semi sweet Peanut butter chips or butterscotch chips also work if you want to put a twist on the classic For a dairy free version use vegan butter and allergy friendly chocolate chips

Serving Suggestions

These are perfect on a snack platter alongside sliced fruit and a tall glass of milk They also freeze well if you want to stash some for future cravings Try making mini ones for lunchboxes or parties

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Cultural Context

Star Crunch cookies are a homemade take on the beloved Little Debbie treat but with none of the preservatives and so much more gooey comfort My aunt first taught me her from scratch version and I can still remember the excitement of forming them with sticky hands while sneaking warm bites from the tray

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of chocolate works best?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips add a balanced flavor, but milk or dark chocolate chips can also be used to taste.

→ Can I substitute caramel chips?

If caramel chips aren’t available, melt soft caramel candies with a splash of cream for a similar effect.

→ How do I keep the mixture from sticking to my hands?

Spray your hands lightly with nonstick cooking spray before shaping the mixture to prevent sticking.

→ Can these be made ahead of time?

Yes, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days for best texture.

→ Are there any possible add-ins?

You can mix in chopped nuts or a handful of mini chocolate chips for extra flavor and crunch.