If you’re craving a delightful, nostalgic treat that combines sweet, salty, and crunchy textures all in one bite, look no further than the Chex Scotcheroos Recipe. This classic dessert brings together Rice Chex cereal coated in a luscious peanut butter and corn syrup mixture, topped with a heavenly drizzle of both butterscotch and chocolate chips. It’s a perfect snack for parties, potlucks, or just satisfying your sweet tooth with something truly comforting and crave-worthy. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows five round clusters of light beige square cereal pieces mixed and bound together, each topped with a thick, glossy layer of melted dark brown chocolate that looks smooth and shiny. The clusters are placed on a white plate with soft gray speckles and a subtle concentric pattern on its surface. The cereal pieces are irregularly stacked, forming a rough and textured base under the even, rich chocolate layer. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward yet each plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures in the Chex Scotcheroos Recipe. From the crispness of Rice Chex to the rich, creamy peanut butter and the irresistible duo of butterscotch and chocolate chips, every component matters.

Light Corn Syrup: Provides sweetness and a sticky base that helps bind the cereal perfectly without crystallizing.
Sugar: Adds extra sweetness and helps create that chewy texture that makes these bars so addictive.
Creamy Peanut Butter (Jif or Skippy’s): Brings creaminess and that classic peanut flavor that ties everything together.
Vanilla Extract: Lifts the overall taste with a warm, fragrant note enhancing the sugary peanut butter blend.
Rice Chex Cereal: The star crispy ingredient that adds crunch without heaviness.
Butterscotch Chips: Adds a buttery, caramel flavor and a lovely golden color when melted on top.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Provides richness and a slightly bittersweet balance to the sweetness of the butterscotch and peanut butter.

How to Make Chex Scotcheroos Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Begin by lining one or two baking sheets with parchment paper, silicone baking mats, or a light spray of non-stick cooking spray. This preparation prevents sticking and ensures your Scotcheroos lift off cleanly once set. Having this ready before you start the mixing process makes everything flow smoothly.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Syrup

In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the sugar and light corn syrup. Stir gently as the sugar dissolves, taking great care not to let the mixture boil. This soft heating process usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Once the sugar is fully dissolved and the syrup is smooth, immediately remove the pan from heat. Stir in the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract until the blend is silky and homogenous.

Step 3: Mix in the Rice Chex

Gently fold the Rice Chex cereal into your peanut butter mixture, ensuring every piece gets coated without breaking the cereal too much. The goal is a perfect crunchy texture enveloped in a sticky, peanut buttery shell. Scoop small clusters of the mixture onto your prepared baking sheets, then carefully press each cluster so it holds together well for easy serving.

Step 4: Melt the Chocolate and Butterscotch Chips

Place both the semi-sweet chocolate chips and butterscotch chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the mixture at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each. It usually takes about two minutes total to fully melt the chips into a smooth, glossy topping. Be vigilant here — chocolate burns quickly if overheated, so patience is key for that perfect drizzle texture.

Step 5: Drizzle and Set

Generously drizzle the melted chocolate and butterscotch mixture over each Chex Scotcheroo cluster. The combination of both flavors gives you that iconic sweet, buttery top layer that contrasts beautifully with the peanut butter base. Allow your treats to set at room temperature or pop them in the fridge for a short while until the topping firms up. Once set, your Chex Scotcheroos are ready for slicing and serving.

How to Serve Chex Scotcheroos Recipe

The image shows a stack of three round cereal clusters coated in a shiny caramel-like layer, with each cluster topped with a smooth, thick layer of melted dark chocolate dripping slightly down the sides. The cereal pieces are light golden brown and have a textured surface. In the background, more clusters sit on a white marble surface supported by a white tray and a small wooden board. The overall scene has soft lighting and a simple, clean look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While Chex Scotcheroos are delicious on their own, a little garnish can elevate your presentation. Try sprinkling some flaky sea salt over the chocolate drizzle just before it sets to create a sweet-and-salty sensation. Alternatively, adding chopped roasted peanuts on top enhances the peanut flavor further and adds extra crunch.

Side Dishes

Chex Scotcheroos pair wonderfully with simple sides like a cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee to balance their sweetness. They also work well alongside fresh fruit slices or a light yogurt for a bit of freshness, creating a nicely rounded snack or dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gifting, consider layering Chex Scotcheroos in decorative tin boxes or clear jars tied with ribbon. Cutting them into bite-sized squares and arranging them on a festive platter with other nostalgic treats adds a personal touch that everyone will appreciate. You can even stack them with parchment paper between layers to keep them neat and easy to grab.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chex Scotcheroos keep well at room temperature if stored in an airtight container. This helps maintain their crisp texture and prevents the chocolate topping from melting or becoming sticky. Stored correctly, they’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to a week.

Freezing

If you want to make these treats ahead of time or preserve them longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. When frozen this way, Scotcheroos maintain their flavor and texture for up to two months.

Reheating

Chex Scotcheroos don’t typically require reheating, but if you prefer them slightly softer, gently warm in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds. Be careful not to overheat as the chocolate topping can quickly become too melty or burn the peanut butter base.

FAQs

Can I substitute crunchy peanut butter for creamy in this Chex Scotcheroos Recipe?

Yes, you can! Using crunchy peanut butter will add an extra layer of texture from the peanut bits, making the Scotcheroos even more delightfully crunchy. However, creamy peanut butter helps the mixture bind more smoothly.

What if I don’t have light corn syrup? Can I use something else?

Light corn syrup is preferred for its texture and sweetness without crystallizing. If unavailable, honey or golden syrup can work as substitutes, but they may slightly alter the final texture and flavor of the bars.

Is it necessary to use both butterscotch and chocolate chips?

The combination of butterscotch and chocolate chips creates a unique, layered sweetness that defines traditional Scotcheroos. You can skip one if you prefer, but using both offers that classic balance of creamy caramel and rich cocoa flavors.

How can I make these gluten-free?

Rice Chex cereal is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the packaging to confirm. Ensuring all other ingredients like the vanilla extract and chips are gluten-free will make this recipe safe for gluten-sensitive folks.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Absolutely! The ingredients scale easily, just be mindful of having enough baking sheet space and stirring the mixture carefully to coat the cereal evenly. Doubling the recipe is perfect for crowds or holiday gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Making the Chex Scotcheroos Recipe is one of those joyful kitchen experiences that feels like a warm hug in dessert form. With its satisfying crunch, creamy peanut butter flavor, and luscious chocolate-butterscotch topping, it’s impossible not to smile with every bite. Whether you’re whipping these up for a special occasion or a simple afternoon treat, I hope you enjoy these as much as I do—happy baking!

Chex Scotcheroos Recipe

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4.1 from 83 reviews

Author: Ava
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 20 servings

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Description

Chex Scotcheroos are a sweet, no-bake treat combining crunchy Rice Chex cereal coated in a peanut butter, corn syrup, and sugar mixture, topped with a rich drizzling of melted butterscotch and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Perfect for parties or a quick snack, these bars offer a delightful blend of crunchy texture and creamy sweetness.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

5 to 5 1/2 cups Rice Chex Cereal

Wet Ingredients

1 cup Light Corn Syrup
3/4 cup Sugar
1 1/4 cup Creamy Peanut Butter (Jif or Skippy’s)
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Toppings

1 cup Butterscotch Chips
1 1/2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

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Instructions

Prepare the Baking Sheets: Line 1-2 baking sheets with parchment paper, Silpat silicone mats, or lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside to keep the clumps from sticking later.
Make the Syrup Mixture: Heat a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the sugar and light corn syrup, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves completely. Be careful not to allow the mixture to boil; this process typically takes about 3-4 minutes. Once dissolved, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Combine with Cereal: Gently fold the Rice Chex cereal into the warm peanut butter mixture. Stir carefully to coat all the cereal evenly without crushing it. Once combined, scoop small portions of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets and carefully press them together to form bars or clusters.
Melt the Chocolate Chips: Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips and butterscotch chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval until the chips are melted and smooth. This process should take about 2 minutes. Avoid overheating to prevent burning the chocolate.
Drizzle and Set: Generously drizzle the melted chocolate and butterscotch mixture over the cereal bars on the baking sheets. Allow the treats to set at room temperature or refrigerate briefly until the topping is firm. Once set, cover and store the Scotcheroos in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh.

Notes

Do not let the corn syrup and sugar mixture boil to avoid crystallization or burning.
Press the cereal mixture gently to keep the Chex pieces intact and maintain crunch.
Use a microwave-safe bowl and low power setting to avoid burning the chocolate chips.
These bars can be stored at room temperature for several days in an airtight container.
Adjust the amount of cereal slightly to get the desired consistency of bars.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American