Mocha Rice Krispie Treats

These delicious treats almost didn't happen. The plan was to make hot chocolate rice krispie treats, but when I went to make them, my kids had used up all of the cocoa powder and didn't tell me. While I fuming, I saw a jar of espresso powder and that got me thinking. If I replaced the cocoa powder with espresso powder I would have a mocha rice krispie treat. There would still be the chocolate flavor from the chocolate chips and the espresso powder should add a bit of coffee flavor.

The result was delicious! It had a subtle coffee flavor and the right amount of chocolate flavor. I used dark chocolate chips, but you can use semi-sweet or milk depending on your preference. I happen to prefer dark chocolate and it paired very well with the espresso powder.

Mocha Rice Krispie Treats

Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 15 ounces mini marshmallows
• 2 tablespoons espresso powder
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 cups Rice Krispies Cereal
• 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows, plus more for topping
• 2/3 cup dark chocolate chips, plus more for topping

Directions:

1. Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large pot, over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add in the 15 ounces of marshmallows and stir until completely coated in butter. Cook until the marshmallows are completely melted, about 5-8 minutes, stirring often.
3. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the espresso powder and vanilla.
4. Pour in the cereal and stir well until everything is completely combined.
5. Allow the mixture to cool for about 5 minutes.
6. Add in the 1 1/2 cups marshmallows and chocolate chips, stirring just until evenly distributed, they do not need to be completely melted.
7. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press down into an even layer.
8. Sprinkle the top with some more mini marshmallows and dark chocolate chips. Gently press down so they stick to the top of the treats.
9. Allow the treats to cool for at least 30 minutes to an hour before cutting into squares. You want the treats to harden so they hold their shape when cutting them.

Enjoy!!!

*Adapted from Your Home Made Healthy.