This recipe for Star Crunch Cookies is a super simple and tasty no-bake dessert that is great any time. Whether you are looking for something easy to whip up and bring to a potluck or a fun treat for your kiddos to enjoy, these cookies check all the boxes!
I love making Little Debbie Star Crunch at home. They taste so close to the original, maybe even better with the iconic pop of caramel mixed with the chocolate. The Rice Krispies stay nice and crunchy while the marshmallow adds a chewy texture. They’re nostalgic AND delicious!
If you like treats with Rice Krispies cereal, you will love Peanut Butter Cup Rice Krispie Treats and M&M Rice Krispie Treats.
What is a Star Crunch?
Star Crunch is a no-bake crispy rice cookie made by Little Debbie. They have a subtle caramel flavor and chewy center, then are dipped in melted chocolate. If you are a fan of Little Debbie snacks, you have likely tried these before!
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Star Crunch Recipe
- Easy to make: The prep for these crunchy cookies is quick and easy.
- Kid-approved: It’s no secret that kids love sweet treats. The mix of chocolate and marshmallow with a hint of caramel
- Budget-friendly: The ingredients in this recipe are great for any size budget.
- Great for parties: This recipe is easily doubled to share with family and friends at any event.
Ingredients
You don’t have to go out of your way to find unusual or expensive ingredients for this recipe. It requires simple pantry staples that won’t put a huge dent in your budget. Plus, there are only a handful of star crunch cookie ingredients which keeps it extra easy.
- Butter: I prefer unsalted butter in this recipe as it gives you more control over the salt flavor.
- Caramel bits: I highly recommend that you use Kraft caramel bits if you can find them. They have the perfect flavor that mimics the Little Debbie Star Crunch cookies.
- Chocolate chips: I love the rich chocolate flavor of the milk chocolate. However, you can also use semi-sweet chocolate chips if you like.
- Milk: For this star crunch recipe, I add some whole milk to make the melted chocolate mixture nice and creamy.
- Marshmallows: You can use mini or regular-sized marshmallows. The mini will melt a little bit faster.
- Rice Krispies: Whether you use name-brand Rice Krispies is up to you. I don’t notice a difference in flavor with the store brands.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Dairy-free: Use nut milk like almond milk and vegan butter to make this recipe dairy-free.
- White chocolate: Swap the milk chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a totally new chocolate flavor.
- Peanut butter: Melt peanut butter with the chocolate for an extra rich and salty kick!
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even peanuts are a great addition to these star crunch snacks. They add some extra crunch!
- Cocoa Krispies: Craving even more chocolate flavor? Try this recipe with Cocoa Krispies in place of the original variety.
How to Make Star Crunch Cookies
Before you get started, cover a large baking sheet with parchment and grab a large pot. There is no baking in this recipe but having your pan ready for the star crunch mixture will make the process a breeze.
Step 1: Combine the ingredients. Combine butter, caramel bits, milk, and chocolate chips in a large pot.
Step 2: Melting the chocolate. Heat it over low heat until fully melted.
Step 3: Add the marshmallows. Stir in the marshmallows and heat until they are melted.
Step 4: Adding the cereal. Remove the chocolate and marshmallow mixture from the heat. Add the Rice Krispies and stir until well combined and the cereal is evenly coated.
Step 5: Scoop the cookies. Drop 3 tablespoons of the star crunch mixture and gently flatten. Repeat the process until all the cookies are made.
Step 6: Cool. Allow them to cool and set for at least 1 hour before devouring!
⭐️ Hint: Be sure to heat the chocolate, caramel, and butter low and slow. If the heat is too high, the mixture will burn.
If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy Copycat Chick-Fil-A Cookies, Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie, Maple Cookies With Brown Sugar or our Tiramisu Cookies recipe.
Storage
- Storing: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 week. I recommend placing parchment paper in between the cookies to keep them from sticking together.
- Refrigeration: These cookies will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks if placed in the refrigerator. They will harden up during refrigeration so let them sit at room temperature for a bit before serving.
- Freezing: Store leftover cookies in the freezer for up to 3 months and enjoy them anytime! Place in a large freezer bag with parchment in between or store individually to thaw only what you need. Let it sit out for about an hour or so at room temperature.
- How to Make the Dish Ahead of Time: This recipe is great to make a couple of days in advance for a party or special occasion. Store at room temperature or in the fridge until ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
- This is a fantastic shareable recipe for a bake sale, birthday party, or another special event. You can also make Oreo Cheesecake Cookies, Banana Pudding Brownies, and Mini Blueberry Muffins if you are searching for more treat recipes.
- Enjoy a Star Crunch with a cold glass of milk or if you’re feeling fancier, a homemade Starbucks Mexican Hot Chocolate.
- If you are planning to serve these at a party, add a fun and refreshing alcoholic beverage like this Pink Mojito.
Tips
- Set in the refrigerator: To set these cookies a little faster, place them in the refrigerator.
- Grease the spoon: Spray the cookie scoop or large spoon you use with a little non-stick spray to prevent the mixture from sticking.
- Heat slowly: To avoid burning the marshmallows or chocolate.
Recipe FAQs
If you find the cookies are sticky and messy, they probably need to be set longer or the area they are in your kitchen is too warm. I recommend transferring them to the refrigerator for a little while to firm up.
They are chewy from the marshmallow but also have a touch of crunch from the rice cereal. The melted chocolate adds richness and there’s a recognizable hint of caramel in it. It’s addictive!
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More Delicious No-Bake Desserts
Do you like desserts that require minimal effort and no oven? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.
Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.
Star Crunch Cookies
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter or 1 stick
- 2 cups Kraft caramel bits
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- 11 ounces marshmallows
- 8 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Instructions
- In a large stock pot on low heat, heat butter, caramel bits, chocolate chips and milk until all melted. It is easier to push down on the caramel bits as they get soft to help them to melt quicker (note: this step might take about 10-15 minutes, but you want to go slow, so it does not burn).
- Add marshmallows and stir constantly until melted, then remove mixture from heat and add in Rice Krispies. Mix quickly before it gets too cool, but ensure it is well incorporated.
- Cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease. Drop a heaping 3 tablespoon scoops, then lightly flatten (note: use a small piece of parchment paper or a measuring cup to flatten once very slightly cooled so they have less chance to stick).
- Allow them to fully cool and set for about an hour then enjoy!
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Notes
- Set in the refrigerator: To set these cookies a little faster, place them in the refrigerator.
- Grease the spoon: Spray the cookie scoop or large spoon you use with a little non-stick spray to prevent the mixture from sticking.
- Heat slowly: To avoid burning the marshmallows or chocolate.
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