Peanut Butter Cocoa Rice Krispies Brownies

I love attending holiday open houses. It’s a great way to catch up with friends for a few hours and escape the holiday craziness. Typically, I offer to bring a dessert. Desserts are fairly easy to make and travel well. One recipe that I’ve been waiting to share with you this holiday season are these amazing Peanut Butter Cocoa Rice Krispies Brownies.

A few days ago I was shopping at my local Target for a few holiday goodies when I spotted the limited edition holiday colored Rice Krispies. Of course I had to grab them, the red and green krispies were calling my name! My initial plan was to make Holiday Rice Krispies Treats® Pops treats following the recipe from the Kellogg’s website. But, that seemed too sticky for a holiday open house with lots of kids and adults. After thinking about it for a few more minutes, I decided on Peanut Butter Cocoa Rice Krispies Brownies. Who doesn’t like a good brownie?

I’m going to tell you right now these are sinfully delicious. It’s ridiculous how amazing these Peanut Butter Cocoa Rice Krispies Brownies are. These are the kinds of things that get you invited back to parties. Keep making these, the invitations will be pouring in!

The great thing about these brownies is the base – the actual brownie – is actually a brownie mix. So, be sure to pick up your favorite boxed brownie mix while you’re shoping at Target for the Cocoa Rice Krispies cereal. Mix the brownie batter according to the package instructions and bake them for five minutes less than the recommended baking time.

Once your oven timer goes off, top the brownies with 1 cup chopped peanut butter cups. I had miniature ones on hand, and used 16. Slip the pan back into the oven and bake for an additional 5 – 7 minutes.

These little beauties below are the secret ingredient that makes this brownie recipe a standout. While you’re waiting for the brownies to finish baking, melt chocolate chips and peanut butter in the microwave.

I find the best way to melt chocolate chips and peanut butter is stirring after 30 second intervals. In my microwave, it took about 2 minutes to melt. Stir in the Cocoa Rice Krispies.

Remove the brownies from the oven and pour this amazing mixture over the top.

Spread it evenly with a rubber spatula to ensure the entire brownie surface is covered.

Friends, this is the sad part. The Peanut Butter Cocoa Krispie Brownies need to be refrigerated at least two hours before eating.

I don’t know what time of day is a good time to make these. Maybe just before bed. You’d certainly have sweet dreams! Honestly, two hours IS a long time to wait for a brownie. It will be worth it. Trust me.

There is so much inspiration for holiday treats with Rice Krispies. For more holiday inspiration, please check out this link! Then, watch this fun video to learn how to make Christmas Rice Krispies Treats Santa Coats

During the holiday season, we like to find ways to give back. Kellogg’s has made that even easier this year. Now through January 1, 2017, make a treat, share a photo of your treat using #Treats4Toys, and Rice Krispies will donate a toy to a child in need!